Four prolific designers will be returning to the North East this spring for a series of talks with Design Event and the Northern Design Centre. The talks series follows on from the hugely successful Design NOW symposium in October 2016 as part of the Northern Design Festival which also took place at the Northern Design Centre.
Councillor Gary Haley, Gateshead Council Cabinet Member for Economy said: “Showcasing successful design entrepreneurs is exactly the type of activity the Northern Business Centre was conceived for. Not only has it high quality event spaces to host innovative and thought provoking talks like this, but is also home to some of the best design talent in the digital and creative sector in the region.”
First up will be Bryan Edmondson, who, after studying graphic design at Newcastle polytechnic moved to London and in 1996 established the renowned design consultancy SEA. SEA is highly regarded for its work in brand identity, strategy and art direction and over the past 20 years has worked with a range of clients such as Jamie Oliver, Matthew Williamson, EMI, and, adidas/Porsche. His work has been widely published and received recognition in both national and international awards along with the highly prestigious nomination for the Design Museum, Designs of the Year 2012.
Karen Nairstone director of Design Event said “ Its great to be working with the Northern Design Centre following on from the hugely successful Design NOW symposium which created a real buzz. We are excited to be bringing outstanding speakers to the region to share their insights”
Other designers in the series include Keith Stephenson and Mark Hampshire who studied at Newcastle Polytechnic and Newcastle University and went on to launch the iconic Mini Moderns in 2006, an interiors brand specialising in applied pattern across a range of products including wallpapers, fabrics, cushions, enamelware and ceramics; and Leeds based Michael and Nicky Place from award winning design studio Build, who have recently returned to the North after 15 years in London. Studio Builds’ roster of international clients includes Virgin America, Made.com, Getty Images and Nike, as well as a number of independent businesses, designer-makers, and events both in the UK and abroad.
Programme:
15 February 2017 – Bryan Edmondson, SEA
30 March 2017 – Keith Stephenson and Mark Hampshire, Mini Moderns
9 May 2017 – Michael C. Place and Nicky Place, Build
Full details and tickets – www.design-event.co.uk