Meet the speakers that you’ll be hearing from at Saturday Indesign

Get ready to hear from design’s best and brightest.

With Saturday Indesign just around the corner on Saturday September 2nd, we’re excited to give you all the information you’ve been waiting for. That’s right, our hotly anticipated Design Discussions are simmering along and are about to be cranked to the next level with our official speaker announcement. We’ve got the perfect mix of trailblazers and industry icons to give you the very best insights into a range of curated topics.

Spice up your design knowledge as you sit front row in some of Melbourne’s best showrooms, soaking up exclusive insights as you put your feet up and settle in. Plan your day around the topics you love or the speakers you are desperate to hear from, and be prepared to come away from every session invigorated, inspired and ready to distill lessons learnt into your everyday practice.

Hear more about art, hybrid design, wellness, sustainability, travel, media and MORE from the likes of Jo Dane (Educology), Michael Drescher (DKO), Mim Fanning (Mim Design), Dale O’Brien (Gray Puksand), Emma Parkinson (Hayball), Brenton Smith (Bates Smart), Ruby Shields (Wowowa) and Luke Stokes (SJB).

Want to learn more? Read on because we’ve got everything you need to know, from session times, locations and panel information. All our Saturday Indesign Design Discussions are free to attend and open to all registered attendees of the event. Showrooms have limited seats available so be sure to get in early to ensure you’ve got the best seat in the house.

Stay tuned for the full activations drop and start bookmarking the sessions you have to attend so you can plan your day. Register for free now and get ready to get the design party started.

Saturday Indesign Design Discussions

Designing for beauty and the environment
9:00 AM
Jardan
Discover the brands, product designers and architects pioneering a new course in future-focused design and manufacturing – products and innovations that balance aesthetics with environmentally conscious design in new and unexpected ways.

On this panel: Nick Garnham (Jardan), Sally Evans (Nexus Designs).

Design investment: A journey of sustainable luxury and timeless value
9:45 AM
Winning Appliances
In a world where conscious consumerism and mindful design choices are becoming increasingly important, understanding the elements of design worth investing in can be a valuable asset. Join us as we delve into the realms of sustainable luxury, good investments and limited editions. Our speakers will guide you through a thought-provoking exploration of the design landscape, helping you identify the components of a project that truly matter. Discover the secrets to investing wisely in materials, aesthetics, craftsmanship, and innovation, while learning what compromises should never be made for the best outcomes. This talk will focus on substance and insight, empowering you to make informed design choices that align with your values. As the expression goes – buy once, buy well.

On this panel: Timothy Alouani-Roby (Indesign, Moderator), Luke Stokes (SJB), Harry Boileau (Winning Appliances), Freya Robinson (Fender Katsalidis).

Well(beings) at work
10:00 AM
Tait
In post-pandemic, people-led working environments, wellbeing continues to define our emotional and physical connection with work. This panel explores the biophilic design tools and strategies, and cool product innovations, that ensure a healthy connection to nature and our future wellbeing.

On this panel: Jan Henderson (Indesign, Moderator), Jo Dane (Educology), Dale O’Brien (Gray Puksand)

Don’t be afraid of colour and pattern
10:30 AM
Arthur G
This panel rejects the minimal and beige to celebrate new approaches to styling through pattern, colour, texture and form. Hear from designers celebrated for their expertly bold and expressive approach.

On this panel: Bree Leech (Dulux Colour Forecaster/Stylist at Large, Moderator), Stephanie Moffitt (Mokum), Ruby Shields (Wowowa).

Publish me!
11:00 AM
Own World
In today’s complex media and marketing landscape it can be hard to cut through the noise and have your voice heard. In this session we hear from Indesign Media’s senior editors, marketing executives and Australia’s top design PRs on how to read today’s media landscape and stand out from the crowd.

On this panel: Alice Blackwood (Indesign, Moderator), Genevieve Brannigan (Communications Collective), Manuela Millan (Meanwhile In Melbourne).

Growing graduates into leaders
11:30 AM
Brickworks
What does it take to grow today’s early career architects into tomorrow’ leaders? This intimate conversation brings together the views of early career architects and senior practitioners to address the benefits and challenges of a contemporary design education against the reality of day-to-day practice.

On this panel: Timothy Alouani-Roby (Indesign, Moderator), Emma Parkinson (Hayball), Daniel Moore (Open Creative Studio), Brahman Perera (Brahman Perera).

Australian Designed and Made: Successful Design Collaborations
3:00 PM
Cosh Living & Cantilever
Join us for an open conversation on the ins and outs of a successful design collaboration. Renowned designers and business owners Justin (Cosh Living) and Travis (Cantilever) will share the insights they’ve learned along the way, moderated by an industry professional. Discover how they began working together and get practical advice on forming successful partnerships. This interactive session offers diverse perspectives, inspiring anecdotes, and takeaways for your own collaborations.

On this panel: Jarrod Reedie (Architecture & Design, Moderator), Justin Hutchinson
(Cosh), Travis Dean (Cantilever Interiors), Kylie Forbes (Cantilever Interiors).

For the love of art
11:30 AM
K5
Keen to embed art in your projects and spaces? This talk, hosted at K5, will challenge your thinking on art and how it informs a space. The discussion will explore the significance of investing in quality art and craftsmanship for a lifetime of enjoyment – from furniture, paintings, sculpture, lighting or functional ware. With a diverse panel, the conversation will delve into how art and craft infuse everyday life with character and joy, or can even challenge your thinking and align with your values.

On this panel: Aleesha Callahan (Habitus, Moderator), Dean Bowen (Dean Bowen), Erna Walsh (K5), Tetsuya Ozaki (HIDA).

Travel-tecture: Is sustainable luxury the future of hospitality and travel?
12:00 PM
Reece & Neolith
The new luxury is understated and intuitive – which is no different when it comes to travel. While post-pandemic holidays and resort living may be on the rise, there is more demand for hospitality in all its guises to not only be sustainable but also engage with culture and the local population. How are hotels, resorts and experiential hospitality offerings adapting to this?

On this panel: Jan Henderson (Indesign, Moderator), Brenton Smith (Bates Smart), Hayley Mitchell (Mitchell and Eades), Alicia Lynch (Marriott).

Hybrid at heart: Future of kitchens and bathrooms
2:00 PM
Sub-Zero Wolf, e&s, Omvivo
It goes without saying that we’ve all spent a lot of time at home these last few years. How has this changed our views – and aspirations – for our kitchens and bathrooms. This panel rounds up the very latest directions in appliances, textures, colours, finishes and more, for these two most treasured touchpoints in our homes.

On this panel: Aleesha Callahan (Habitus, Moderator), Mim Fa n ning (Mim Design), Michael Drescher (DKO), John Bornas (Workroom)

Illuminating perspectives
2:00 PM
AJAR
Discover the world of lighting design in this captivating conversation featuring an esteemed international guest, Rebeca Martinez. Gain insights into evolving trends, innovative techniques, and the transformative power of lighting. Engage in thought-provoking discussions on creating ambiance, enhancing functionality, and promoting sustainability.

On this panel: Jarrod Reedie (Architecture & Design, Moderator), Rebeca Martinez (Santa & Cole), Sonia Simpfendorfer (Nexus Designs), Liz Ride (Studio Tate).