Clerkenwell Design Week 2025 will testify to the reinvention of the office design sector

The weather over the last few weeks has been unseasonably pleasant in the UK. Everybody involved in Clerkenwell Design Week will be hoping that continues. It’s a must-see event whatever the weather but there’s no doubt that last year’s show wasn’t helped by the downfall of rain on at least one day.  As the currently bone-dry streets of Clerkenwell prepare to welcome thousands of design enthusiasts, architects, makers and curious minds from across the globe, Clerkenwell Design Week 2025 promises to be one of the best yet.

Now in its 14th year, Clerkenwell Design Week (CDW) continues to cement its reputation as one of the world’s most important design events. It’s where heritage and modernity meet – a fitting metaphor for the area itself, home to more creative businesses and architects per square mile than anywhere else in the world. And in 2025, the event is doubling down on its mission to champion sustainable practice, foster emerging talent and celebrate cutting-edge creativity across every facet of design.

This year’s CDW brings a fresh layout and expanded footprint, with eleven distinct exhibition venues spread across Clerkenwell’s eclectic mix of showrooms, historic buildings and public spaces. Each venue has its own character and focus – from the contemporary interiors showcased at Design Fields, to the artisanal craftsmanship found at Detail, to the global perspective offered at Project.

Flokk

One thing to look out for this year is exhibitors making the best possible use of their showrooms, many of which have been redesigned and repurposed over the last year to meet the changing needs of the sector.

Our friends at Women in Office Design will be taking advantage of three of them as they explore themes such as generational shifts, sustainability and sensory experience with speakers from Gensler, tp bennett, MCM, Peldon Rose, Perkins&Will, BDG Architects, Pearson Lloyd and HLW. Check out their events at the showrooms of Teknion, Bene and KI.

Talking of KI, they have now moved to a new showroom and will be using it to showcase products including the new Hatton Stool.

KI

Another company in the process of reinventing itself for a changing world is Bisley, still best known for its storage products, but also a major provider of contemporary furniture products. Bisley says its latest innovations will’ reshape how we work and live’.

Shaw Contract will be focussed on its new product – EcoWorxâ„¢ Resilient, a PVC-free fully closed loop recyclable alternative to Luxury Vinyl Tile. The new product delivers all the performance and design benefits of LVT but with superior features for the circular economy. Expect sustainability and material innovation to be amongst the most talked about features of CDW.

Shaw Contract

Always one of the major draws of CDW, German giant Sedus will be showcasing its new collection of products, staging a series of talks, encouraging people to go hands on with its products, and keeping everybody fed and refreshed from its showroom on Brewhouse Yard.

HAT Collective

The same location will see the CDW debut of HAT Collective who tell us they are on a mission to empower individuals to ‘Work Your Way’.

Also brand new for 2025 is The Forge, a venue dedicated to material innovation and sustainable design. Expect to see experimental surfaces, eco-conscious furniture and new-generation textiles, alongside talks from thought leaders tackling the future of circular design. Another exciting addition is Studio Sessions, a series of intimate talks and live demos hosted directly within leading local studios – giving visitors an insider’s look at the creative process.

Sedus

Returning favourites include Platform, where emerging designers make their mark, and Light, a dramatic showcase of architectural lighting solutions housed in the cavernous subterranean House of Detention. And, of course, the Clerkenwell showroom trail remains the heart of the festival, with over 130 resident showrooms opening their doors for exclusive launches, workshops and events.

A strong focus on sustainability and design for social good threads through every aspect of CDW 2025. This year’s programme embraces regenerative thinking, circular materials, and inclusive design practices. The festival’s curated talks programme, Conversations at Clerkenwell, tackles topics such as climate-positive architecture, AI and ethics in design, and the power of design to drive equity.

Naughtone

Headline speakers include Thomas Heatherwick, who will discuss human-centred urban spaces, and Yinka Ilori, whose bold, joyful work continues to challenge traditional design narratives. Other anticipated speakers include Dutch innovator Nienke Hoogvliet on algae-based materials, and Julia Barfield, co-designer of the London Eye, on adaptive reuse and architecture as storytelling.

In keeping with its sustainability ethos, CDW has also partnered with Circular Cities Week and Design Declares to promote resource-conscious practices among exhibitors, and will again operate as a low-waste, largely paperless event.

Beyond the showrooms and talks, Clerkenwell itself becomes a playground. Expect playful public installations, immersive art and tactile design interventions that invite interaction. Street art, temporary pavilions and experiential displays will be scattered throughout the neighbourhood, offering moments of delight and Instagram-ready backdrops.

Nowy Styl

Highlights for 2025 include “Reclaimed Rituals”, a site-specific installation exploring cultural identity through reused materials, and “Echoes”, an audio-visual journey through the history of Clerkenwell’s craft heritage. Festival-goers can also look forward to late-night openings, street food pop-ups, design-led cocktails, and a buzzing festival hub in Spa Fields Park.

Clerkenwell Design Week is more than just an event – it’s a gathering of a global creative community. Whether you’re a seasoned architect, a student fresh from design school, or simply someone with an eye for beautiful things, there’s something to inspire everyone. Networking happens as naturally over coffee in a repurposed printworks as it does during a panel discussion or product launch.

Knoll

The festival’s accessibility and walkable format encourage exploration and serendipity – you never know what gem you’ll stumble upon next. From discovering a hidden ceramics studio to hearing a provocative idea that reshapes your thinking, the true magic of CDW lies in these moments of unexpected inspiration.

CDW 2025 is free to attend, but pre-registration is essential for access to venues and events. The festival map and app help visitors plan their route, personalise their schedule and stay updated on what’s happening where. Most venues are open from 10am to 6pm daily, with extended hours on Wednesday for CDW After Dark – an evening of music, design and merriment.

Kusch + Co

Located just a short walk from Farringdon Station, Clerkenwell is easily accessible via public transport. Visitors are encouraged to travel sustainably – cycling, walking or hopping on one of London’s many buses or trains.

As London blossoms into late spring, there’s no better place to immerse yourself in the very best of contemporary design. Clerkenwell Design Week 2025 is not just a showcase of products – it’s a celebration of creativity, collaboration and the power of design to shape a better world. Whether you’re coming to discover the next big thing, meet fellow innovators, or simply be inspired, CDW is the place to be.

See you there.

Umbrella Furniture