In conversation with: Claire Gallagher, Founder, Design Social North

Claire Gallagher has been deep rooted in the world of commercial interior design for 15 years, having spent most of that time working with leading brands and suppliers to connect them with designers and specifiers. She founded Design Social North after seeing a real need for a more collaborative, engaging, and community-driven approach to networking in the design industry, especially in the North. She told Hotel Designs Editor Sophie Harper; “While London has its fair share of industry events, I wanted to create something closer to home that truly celebrates the incredible talent, innovation, and design-led businesses in the region.”

The exhibition has since grown from one to now five locations across the North, and in 2025 will be taking place in Leeds (12th March), Manchester (26th March), Newcastle (23rd April), Sheffield (11th June), and for the first time will be collaborating with Hotel Designs as a partner event to MEET UP North, this year taking place in Liverpool (9th July).

Claire tells us more about what first-time visitors can expect.

Image credit: Design Social North

Hotel Designs: What exactly is Design Social North and what can visitors expect from the event?

Design Social North is a platform that brings together designers, architects, and suppliers in a relaxed yet productive environment. We host engaging events throughout the year, culminating in Design Festival North, a one-day pop-up exhibition series across multiple cities. Visitors can expect a carefully curated mix of leading brands, hands-on product showcases, expert talks, and – most importantly – a welcoming space for professionals to connect, collaborate, and be inspired. It’s an event designed for real conversations, meaningful connections, and a good dose of northern hospitality!

Hotel Designs: Why are you specifically focused on the design industry in the north of the UK?

The North has an incredibly rich design scene, with world-class talent, exciting projects, and a growing network of forward-thinking businesses. Yet, historically, the focus has often been on London. I wanted to create something that puts the North firmly on the map – showcasing the best of what’s happening here and giving local professionals a space to network, learn, and do business without always having to travel south.

Image credit: Design Social North

Hotel Designs: What are the big discussions Design Social North has prompted and what can we expect from this year’s talks programme?

Each year, we tap into the key issues shaping the design industry. Sustainability, circular design, and material innovation have been huge talking points, and they continue to evolve. We’re also seeing more conversations around neurodiversity in design, wellbeing in the workplace, and the impact of AI on creative industries. This year’s talks will explore these themes, with insights from industry leaders who are driving real change.

Hotel Designs: Why is it important for professionals in the design sector to network and how does Design Social North facilitate this?

Because the best ideas don’t happen in isolation – they happen after a panel discussion, over a coffee, or possibly a cocktail (we don’t judge). The design industry is all about collaboration, and knowing the right people can turn a good idea into something incredible. Design Social North makes networking feel natural, whether that’s through our curated events, panel talks, or just a well-timed introduction over a glass of something bubbly.

Hotel Designs: What are your trend predictions for the design industry for 2025?

I think we’ll see an even bigger push towards sustainable and regenerative design, with brands and designers focusing not just on reducing impact, but actively creating positive change. Material innovation will continue to lead the way – think bio-based, circular, and waste-derived products becoming the norm rather than the exception. Flexible, human-centric spaces will also be key, as workplaces, hospitality venues, and homes adapt to new ways of living and working. And, of course, AI and tech-driven design solutions will evolve rapidly, creating new opportunities and challenges for the industry.

Image credit: Design Social North

Hotel Designs: What are you looking forward to from your partnership with Hotel Designs this year?

It’s brilliant to be working with Hotel Designs – there’s such a natural synergy between what they do and what we’re all about at Design Social North. The MEET UP North event, taking place after our Liverpool festival stop, is a fantastic opportunity for our exhibitors and visitors to continue networking with hospitality and hotel design professionals. I’m looking forward to seeing how this crossover creates even more opportunities for collaboration.

Hotel Designs: What three words best describe Design Social North?

Collaborative. Inspiring. Creative.

Keep your eyes peeled for more information on MEET UP North 2025 coming soon. In the meantime, you can register for your tickets to any of the five Design Social North shows for free now – see you there!

Main image credit: Design Social North