Interior Design & Architecture Summit 2024 round up

With conversations completed and connections forged, Deputy Editor Megan Christopher shares her key takeaways from Interior Design & Architecture Summit 2024…

idas 2024

The Interior Design & Architecture Summit (IDAS) 2024, held at Hilton London Canary Wharf on June 24th, brought together a fantastic line-up of speakers to delve into the most pressing topics shaping the industry today. From the intricacies of the pitching process to the transformative potential of AI and the art of designing for future generations, IDAS 2024 offered a wealth of insights for interior design professionals.

IDAS 2024

Image credit: Hotel Designs

The summit kicked off with a panel discussion on The Pitching Process – Designing the bathroom at WOW!House 2024, featuring Editor Sophie Harper, Emily Hunt – Head of Hospitality UK & EIRE House of Rohl, Andrew Wakem – Head of Communications House of Rohl, Hannah Field – Designer Michaelis Boyd, Carolynne Shenton – Director Studio Mica and Abigail Kendler – Director Studio Mica. These design luminaries shared their expertise on crafting the bathroom at WOW!House. Emily Hunt opened the conversation, “Michaelis Boyd (MB) wanted their 2024 primary bathroom design to be different, and it was the dome feature of the design that did it for them. MB had to design a space that wasn’t a bathroom, it had to be a space that 20 people could stand in, looking this way and that.”

When asked about the importance of teamwork during the build and getting along in the process, Emily Hunt stated, “Genuine friendships are built along the way”. As for working with suppliers, Carolynne commented, “It is an intensification of a real project. You have 3 months prep and then a 4-day build. You need to be friends with suppliers because you need their assistance”.

Also key to the conversation were questions around sustainability – importantly the bathroom set from 2023 was rebuilt in the House of Rohl innovation centre – this carries the sustainable message. This year so many elements have been borrowed, plus items such as the chandelier is going into a hotel project post WOW!House. And what about the pitching process? “Be human, and show exactly what your studio can offer. Be happy with what you present and work with team members who have experience and can hold your hand” suggested Wakem.

Next on stage, the conversation shifted to the ever-evolving realm of artificial intelligence (AI) in interior design. A panel of experts explored the latest advancements in AI technology and its potential to revolutionise the design process. From space planning to material selection to personalised design experience, AI is poised to transform the way we design. As designers, it’s valuable to stayed tuned in to what software is being developed in the market, and try and stay ahead of the curve to offer clients the best possible experience. With that, it’s important to understand that these are tools to support, not to get lost in, as is often the case.

The key takeaway we learned from Wren Loucks, Founder & Creative Director of Be-Kin, is that AI will not replace designers, “AI generated creativity is not, and will never be, the same as human creativity and imagination, which is profound, beautiful, deep and really magnificent”.

idas 2024

Image credit: Hotel Designs

The summit concluded with a thought-provoking discussion on Designing for Gen Z, featuring Editor Sophie Harper, Michaela Reysenn – Managing Director KAI Interiors, David Harte – Co-Head of Interiors Studio Moren, Dale Atkinson – Director Rosendale Design and Helen El Mettouri – Director Zebra. This session challenged designers to consider the evolving needs and preferences of the next generation. With demographics shifting and sustainability at the forefront, it was discussed that designers need to adapt their approach to create spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also extremely functional and environmentally responsible. “It’s about harnessing these aspect and taking them forward in the design process to captivate the audience that are soon to come” commented Dale.

When asked about the characteristics of Gen Z, the group had some fantastic observations, “They crave experience and are less bothered about material things, and more interested in creating experiences” suggested Helen El Mettouri. David Harte commented, “They expect a lot, the challenge for us is to create”. As designers, these are valuable insights into the generation that we are designing for.

A large area of the conversation focussed around face-to-face interaction and whether that was what Gen Z are looking for in their hospitality experiences, “42 per cent of GenZ have mental health issues – our goal is to encourage this audience to socialise. They want the technology, but we want them to have social interactions.” commented Michaela Reysenn. From this we can learn that each guests stay is entirely unique to them, and designing spaces to encourage people to interact personally, whilst still offering the convenience of a automated check-in, could be the future of hotel design.

idas 2024

Image credit: Hotel Designs

IDAS 2024 once again served as a valuable platform for knowledge sharing and inspiration for interior design professionals. The summit’s engaging speaker line-up and insightful discussions provided attendees with the tools and perspectives they need to stay ahead in this dynamic industry. This insightful, one-day event will be back next year so pencil it into your design diary now!

Main image credit: Hotel Designs

Fun fact: I’m usually the person friends rely on to organise trips, schedules, and group plans.

Workhighlights: Successfully coordinating events from planning through to delivery and seeing everything come together on the day.

Fun fact: I’m a keen cyclist and will happily bore people with copious amounts of cycling chat. My top cycling experience (so far) would have to be riding in the spectacular mountains of Crete.

Work highlights: Charles joined Forum Events in 2022. With a background in publishing, editorial media and events, Charles brings a wealth of experience to his role as Senior Production Manager. Having being involved with SPACE from the outset, he is excited to see the brand grow and develop.

Fun fact: People tell Sienna she gives off Bridget Jones vibes, and she loves to bake, always making sure there are shortbreads floating around the office

Work highlights: Sienna joined Forum Events & Media Group while studying Communications and Media, starting in the sales team where she managed and helped launch the first the PA Life Leading Venues of London SHOWCASE, where she built relationships with luxury venues across the capital. Drawn to the stories behind these spaces, she naturally transitioned into the editorial team, creating social media and editorial content. Upon graduating in June 2026, she is excited to be joining as Assistant Editor for Hotel Designs and SPACE.

Fun fact: When not working, Jess can usually be found tending to her kitchen garden in the Sussex countryside or foraging for herbs in the nearby woods. A keen grower, she recently studied a RHS Level 2 Diploma in the Principles of Horticulture during her spare time.

Work highlights: Jess joined SPACE magazine in 2022 and has since progressed from Assistant Editor to Editor. During this time, she has worked across many aspects of the publication – from shaping editorial strategy and overseeing operations to contributing to art direction and representing the brand on stage at industry events including Surface Design Show and WOW!house.

Alongside her role at SPACE, Jess has built a creative career spanning the arts, culture, design and travel sectors. Prior to joining the magazine, she spent more than a decade in the commercial art industry, in artist liaison, gallery management, and curating collections for the hospitality sector across hotels and cruise ships. During this time, she also worked on freelance projects as a writer, photographer, and creative content producer.
 
Jess studied photojournalism at London College of Communication and the Danish School of Media and Journalism and holds a first-class BA (Hons) in Culture, Criticism and Curation from Central Saint Martins.

Fun fact: Katy has spent years perfecting all kinds of accents and loves a good impersonation!

Work highlights: Katy has been with Hotel Designs since the beginning, way back in 2015 when Forum Events & Media Group acquired the brand.

During this time, she has fostered many meaningful relationships with clients from across the hospitality spectrum, as well as playing a pivotal role in the launch of The Brit List Awards, Hotel Designs MEET UPs, client-led roundtables and panel talks, brand and website redesigns, HD Wellness Sets, DESIGN POD podcast, Hotel Designs LIVE panel talk series, Accessible Design Talks and more. Katy is always on the lookout for the next opportunity to help grow the Hotel Designs brand even further.
 
Most recently Katy has stepped in to the role of Publisher at SPACE magazine, the printed bi-monthly publication focused on hotel design, architecture, and development.

Together these platforms offer a comprehensive 360-degree service encompassing digital media, print publishing, and live events – providing unparalleled value to advertisers, partners, and readers alike.