Workspace Design Show

It’s been a busy couple of weeks attending various trade fairs.
Helen Gordon our co-founder joined a panel at the Workplace Design Show alongside my fellow Interior Design Declares – UK steering group members, Ana Rita Martins and Cat Hoad with the discussion expertly moderated by Mathew Freeman.

The conversation focused on ESG, social impact, and longevity in design.
Key takeaways included:
– The urgent need for the industry to move beyond a ‘do less harm’ sustainability mindset to embrace regenerative approaches—designing spaces that actively enhance the health and wellbeing of all life rather than just a tick-box exercise for energy efficiency.
– where adopting a living systems perspective placing life at the centre of decision-making to drive meaningful and lasting change.
– Embedding circular economy principles—designing out waste, prioritising disassembly and repurposability, improving energy efficiency, and reducing airborne toxins through sustainable material choices.
– Leveraging case studies to inspire and demonstrate what’s possible.
– The power of collaboration early on with key stakeholders to unlock transformative outcomes and drive greater returns on investment.

It was a refreshing and much-needed conversation—one that moved beyond surface-level sustainability talk and into the heart of what truly matters: designing for the flourishing of people, places, and the planet. The collective energy and willingness to push for meaningful change was inspiring, reinforcing the vital role of moving to regenerative thinking in shaping the future of workplace design.