A thoughtful and honest conversation on circular furniture, tackling both the opportunities and the realities.
It was a pleasure for Showcase’s Estelle Lee to join New Design Group’s ‘Remake, Reuse, Revalue’ panel at Clerkenwell Design Week this afternoon.
The discussion looked beyond intent, focusing on what it actually takes to deliver circularity in practice. From involving clients earlier and being more transparent as an industry, to recontextualising reuse for designers as a valuable and creative choice, not a compromise. Education remains key, particularly around cost, long term value, and the environmental impact that is largely defined at the design stage.
There was also a clear call for stronger collaboration. Open communication between designers, manufacturers, and industry peers is essential, whether that is sharing information needed to make reupholstery viable or collectively shifting perceptions of what “new” really means.
Ultimately, delivering meaningful change will require a shift in behaviour across the industry. But with growing momentum, greater manufacturer involvement, and a new generation challenging conventions, there is a clear direction of travel.
Thank you to the hosts Mick Jordan and New Design Group, fellow panelists Giles Dooley, Ric Frampton, David Bell, and Fitzroy Godfrey, and everyone who joined the conversation.
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