Umbrella Furniture

If you didn't get a chance to see Alys chairing multiple talks at the Workspace Design Show – you sadly missed out! Alys Bryan is a knowledgeable design editor who is focused on instigating conversations, both online and in-person, with industry experts which challenge, educate and advance the commercial interior sector. Alys’ training, and 15 years of professional experience as a furniture designer for the commercial sector, makes her uniquely placed to lead Design Insider as Managing Editor. Leading the editorial content of the publication, Alys curates unique industry events, including Design Insider Talks seminar programme, which bring together commercial designers and suppliers. Our MD, Matt Clarke, had to honour of being a panellist with Alys discussing the importance and balance of functionality, aesthetics and inclusivity within designing a workspace. #workspacedesignshow

Visitor this week, meet Ted, enjoying the Umbrella Furniture Lounge.

As an Associate Interior Designer at Gensler, Marco Gastoldi believes in creating unique spaces to enrich the lives of the people who use them. In each project, Marco aims to deliver inspirational concept designs by harmonising clients’ aspirational goals with thoughtful storytelling. Throughout his career spanning across Europe and Asia, Marco worked across various sectors and industries, developing a diverse portfolio. With a forward thinking and optimistic attitude, he has been involved and led projects across the world, ranging from cultural to workplaces to mixed-use developments It was great for Umbrella to work with the Gensler team on such an amazing project – the stage was by far a highlight and talk of the show! #workspacedesignshow

Just a glimpse at the hard work that went into designing and making the stages for this year’s Workspace Design Show London! Now that the dust has settled, you can really step back and take in the amazing features, lighting and materials that contributed to making such innovative stages. As the official furniture consultant sponsor for both talk stages at the show; the Design Talks Stage designed by Gensler and the Insights Lounge designed by Ryder Architecture, it was an honour to work with both design practices and assist with the fit-out. #workspacedesignshow

With a career starting in graphic and product design, Umbrella’s MD, Matt Clarke made a significant impact by launching ON OFFICE magazine within the workplace industry. In 2009, he transitioned to the furniture sector, working with leading manufacturers like Allermuir and Vitra, honing his expertise in workplace solutions. Since founding Umbrella Furniture in 2015, Matt has collaborated with top architectural firms to deliver award-winning projects across finance, law, tech, media, and hospitality sectors. We hope you didn’t miss Matt on the main talks stage at the Workspace Design Show London – was great to hear his views and thoughts on inclusivity in design.

Did you make it to Workspace Design Show London this year? If you did, I’m sure you couldn’t miss the two talks stages that Umbrella proudly sponsored. As the official furniture partner for Gensler and Ryder Architecture, Umbrella sponsored and supported the main design talks space as well the Occupiers Forum. If that wasn't enough to keep everyone at Umbrella busy, our MD Matt Clarke also was part of the panel talk about inclusivity in design. With so many more events happening throughout the year, make sure you keep your eyes peeled to see what else Umbrella gets up to.

☂️Umbrella Updates☂️ The Umbrella team headed down the road to one of our Clerkenwell friends, Alea & Marte Design yesterday for breakfast. With a great tour of their workshop, their team showed their love for design, attention to detail and the focus on sustainability. With seats, tables and furnishings made in Italy, Alea & Marte Design are also present in over 60 countries around the world – amazing! Thank you Alea & Marte Design #showroomvisit #umbrellaupdates

And the Higher Education showroom event begins! Over the next month, our showroom will be showcasing all things in the higher education sector – with the latest cutting-edge products in university furniture that enhance wellbeing, academic performance, and the overall university experience. We have also several events planned throughout this period, so join us as we explore the future of student learning environments, focusing on how acoustics and inclusivity can support students in unlocking their true potential. Head over to our showroom in Brewhouse Yard to see what all the excitement is about! RSVP Here:

Wagstaff Interiors Group and Umbrella would like to take today and everyday to celebrate the amazing women we employ. Even though just a few are shown here, all women at Wagstaff and Umbrella are invaluable in delivering a professional and seamless experience to our clients – which we rally and support every single day. #InternationalWomensDay #IWD2025

Can't believe it's been a week since Workspace Design Show London. It was amazing to see behind the scenes and be a part of the preshow energy! Here's some shots of the Gensler and Ryder Architecture stands looking phenomenal. Well done to the team at Umbrella Furniture for curating both stands. Photography: Tom Higham