Design destination

WORKPLACE FOCUSED EXHIBITION ZONES

There will be two notable workplace-focused exhibition spaces:

• Studio Smithfield: One of the new venues for 2025, it will be spotlighting commercial and workplace interiors. Presenting brands and solutions at the intersection of design, tech and functionality, including:
• Houzz Pro: a leading platform for renovation and design, offering professionals an all-in-one solution to manage and grow their businesses.
• Bandalux: presenting adaptive shading systems, designed to improve the efficiency of buildings by combining quality, technology, beauty and sustainability.
• LaCividina: specialising in ergonomic lounge and breakout seating for agile, multi-use environments.
• Buzzispace: leading in acoustic lighting and partitions that double as design features.
• Project Pavilion: Where workplace meets scale, the destination for commercial interior specifiers featuring contract-grade furniture, integrated lighting, acoustic systems, and wall and floor coverings. Exhibitors include:
• Haworth: leaders in modular furniture, privacy pods, and adaptable workstation design.
• Actiu: Spanish pioneers in active workplace furniture, they are known for their ergonomics and flexible desking systems.
• Vescom: presenting performance driven wallcoverings, textiles and acoustic panels.
• Ege Carpets: the carbon-negative focused brand will present their new collections at CDW.

FURTHER VENUES

The festival will continue showcasing established and independent brands across its existing locations:

• Clerkenwell Green – Structural stone takes centre stage, as Albion Stone and Hutton Stone unveil a new Hawkins\Brown and Webb Yates commission. The Stone Tapestry structure by the Stone Federation will also be on display, alongside contract and workplace interiors exhibitors.
• Project – Focused on contract furniture and surface design.
• Design Fields – Showcasing contemporary furniture, lighting and product design.
• Light – Home to lighting brands.
• Elements – Dedicated to architectural hardware and finishes.
• British Collection – Taking over the whole of St James’s Church to celebrate British design.
• Detail – Featuring luxury interiors.
• Platform – Spotlighting emerging design talent.
• Ceramics of Italy – Hosting Italian ceramic and porcelain tile brands at VaynerMedia’s St John’s Square headquarters.
• Old Sessions House – Serving as the festival hub with brand activations.
• Cowcross Pavilions and Brewhouse Yard – Both presenting commercial interiors from the UK and abroad.

DESIGN TRENDS

This year design sustainability takes centre stage, with designs that defy time. The reuse and repurposing of materials is a key focus for many brands at CDW 2025, which are highlighting circular design principles to minimise waste. Notably, Scandinavian brand Mater will be showcasing the new Terra Lighting collection designed by OEO Studio and crafted from its patented waste material Matek. Combining recycled post-consumer e-waste from damaged or unwanted electronic devices with coffee shell waste – each lamp contains up to 303g of waste materials.

In addition to Mater, Scandinavian design leads the international lineup with major Scandi brands including HAY, String Furniture and Muuto, bringing fresh innovation and minimalism to the festival with their new collections.

Biophilic design remains a key component of workplace interior design this year with a focus on sensory experiences. It is well known that integrating simple natural elements such as plants and light massively improve productivity and reduce stress levels, however among the designers this year there has been an increase in incorporating tactile finishes and ergonomic layouts to accommodate diverse sensory needs and to support wellbeing and productivity.

CONCLUSION

From the 20-22 of May, Clerkenwell will once again provide a stunning backdrop for presenting some of the world’s most exciting brands, where inspiration meets innovation. CDW is an opportunity to connect directly with the design trends, talent and industry leaders of 2025, and discover workplace design that delivers long-term value.