Simon Hodgkins’ Post

In one of our recent Riser videos for Victoria Rising we feature Carla Sorrell and Will Sorrell, two creative industry leaders who left behind London, U.K.’s vibrant design scene and a hectic pace to design a new life in Victoria, where Carla had grown up. “It was scary because we were leaving our identity,” says Carla. But Victoria was the perfect home to pursue their careers and creative ideas. Today, Carla is the managing editor of Gray, an international design magazine, and Will is Canada’s national director of the Interior Design Show (IDS). They have also launched Design Victoria, an annual four-day festival with special exhibitions, open houses and events created by local designers and design businesses. “[Victoria] had changed a lot since I left 15 years before,” says Carla. “There [are now] a lot more reasons for young people to stay here and all kinds of interesting careers. There's a ton of artists, there's a ton of designers. The dynamic of what's happening here has changed a lot.” “The city is undergoing massive transformation at the moment,” says Will. And design, says Carla, is going to play a really big part in shaping it.

As part of a University refurbishment across two campus’, our Creative Director worked from concept to completion, creating multiple design proposals for various areas within the hospitality operation. The Scandinavian-inspired theme and colour palette for the Balcony café were guided by the University’s broader refurbishment agenda. In her design vision, Hannah integrated natural textures, clean lines, and light hues reflecting traditional Scandinavian aesthetics. At the concept stage of the design, we do our research into design direction and approach before considering the overall look and feel of the space with mood boards. Feasibility studies are created to assess space utilisation, initially planning the layout to optimise operational efficiency and customer flow. #hospitalitydesign #interiordesign #conceptdesign #feasibilitystudy #spatialawareness #moodboards #hscinteriorsprojects

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐬 𝐈𝐬 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝐀 𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧 From January 17th to 22nd, I’ll be in Paris attending the world-renowned MAISON&OBJET—a hub for creativity, innovation, and the very best in interior design. 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠? It’s a unique opportunity to immerse myself in a global exchange of ideas, connect with fellow professionals, and discover fresh perspectives that can elevate the way we approach design. Here’s what I’m particularly looking forward to: - 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: From sustainable materials to futuristic interiors, Maison&Objet will unveil the trends that will dominate 2025 and beyond. - 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐳𝐞𝐫𝐬: It’s a melting pot of cultures and innovation, featuring designers and visionaries from over 60 countries. - 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐭 𝐈𝐭𝐬 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭: With thousands of industry leaders, it’s the perfect stage to connect with like-minded creatives, exchange ideas, and explore collaborations that push boundaries. But here’s what excites me most… There’s something magical about being in Paris—the birthplace of timeless design—surrounded by people who live and breathe creativity. It’s not just about attending an event; it’s about immersing myself in a world of possibilities and bringing that inspiration back to my projects. To my connections in Paris or anyone attending Maison&Objet, let’s meet! I’d love to connect over a coffee and explore how we can collaborate to bring bold ideas to life. Stay tuned as I share insights, trends, and moments of inspiration from the event. #networking

Looking forward to sharing my thoughts (of which I have many!) on this exciting panel discussion next week. #blurredboundaries See below link for an invite! Should be fun! :-)

Announcing the 5th Korea+Sweden Young Design Award: 🎖️ The Korea+Sweden Young Design Award is a unique collaboration between the Embassy of Sweden in Korea, and the Korea Institute of Design Promotion (KIDP), and IKEA Korea to discover emerging designers and serve as a bridge connecting Korean and Swedish design. 🇰🇷🇸🇪 KSYDA supports Korean young design talents to further grow as global designer, with three core values of innovation, sustainability, and a better future. ✨🌱 The theme for this year's competition is "Space and Interior Design for the Future," encouraging designers to explore innovative solutions for future living spaces while considering the environment amidst lifestyle changes due to the increase in single-person households. https://lnkd.in/gsBDfX4m

SPECTRUM III Ambitious project by our Master of Interior Design students from the Interior Design Laboratory. This groundbreaking design reimagines Spectrum as more than just a retail space; it transforms it into a vibrant cultural hub that celebrates and amplifies the community behind the brand. In crafting this new environment, the students have focused on integrating innovative retail methods and blending styles to foster dynamic conversations and connections within the space. SPECTRUM III is designed to be an immersive experience that merges cutting-edge technology with a deep sense of togetherness, creating a unique atmosphere where the community's stories and styles shine. The project envisions a continuous cycle of unity and engagement, reinterpreting the retail space as a cultural megaphone that not only showcases products but also serves as a dynamic platform for cultural exchange and creativity. This new space will not only enhance the brand's market presence but also redefine how we experience and connect with retail environments. ✨ #SpectrumIII #DesignCommunity #InteriorDesign #SPD #Milan

Design isn't just about aesthetics; it's a catalyst for belonging, justice, equity and inclusion. At the #WELLConference the Design and the Future of the Human Experience panel shared profound insights into creating spaces that promote human health and inclusivity, emphasizing the paramount importance of psychological safety and belonging. Every space should nurture the ability to thrive for all individuals. As Cheryl Durst, Hon. FIIDA, Executive Vice President and CEO, International Interior Design Association shared on the MainStage, “Design is about what is on the receiving end. At the receiving end of design is human beings."

Can sitting be entertaining? – Introducing the SurfBench The SurfBench redefines seating as an interactive experience. By incorporating movement, it invites users to engage with their environment and encourages playful interaction. Its design transforms the act of sitting into something dynamic and thought-provoking, all while maintaining a minimalist, functional aesthetic. From doctor’s offices to modern museums, airports to office lounges — the SurfBench seamlessly integrates into a variety of architectural settings. Its dynamic presence fosters social interaction and conversation, adding a human element to otherwise static environments. Whether as a design centerpiece or a subtle complement to its surroundings, the SurfBench adapts to a wide range of spaces and uses. For further inquiries or to learn more about the SurfBench, visit our website or contact us directly. 🌐 www.surfbench.de 📧 info@surfbench.de #DesignInnovation #InteractiveFurniture #PublicSpaces #SurfBench #KimAndreLange #ModernDesign #SeatingRedefined #ParametricArchitecture

#5pmTips : Function First, Then Aesthetics No matter how stunning a design looks, if it isn’t functional, it fails. Focus on creating spaces that are both practical and beautiful. Always consider the daily needs of the room's users before diving into design choices. Comment your thoughts #FunctionalityFirst #PracticalDesign #FormMeetsFunction #5pmTips

🌟 The Power of Materiality in Design 🌟 Last week, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the docontract MAD Talk with Matteo Ferrari, a talented interior architect whose work truly captures the emotional potential of design. One of the highlights of our discussion was the role of materiality in crafting powerful narratives within spaces. Matteo shared insights on how materials go beyond aesthetics—they become storytellers, evoking emotions and creating connections. His work, like the Aesop shop in Madrid, is a perfect example of how thoughtful design and material choices can transform a retail space into an immersive experience. Another highlight from our conversation was his courage to embrace change—shifting from urbanism to retail interior design which he love the two of them, reminded me of my own transition, from the world of business into interior design. While my love for business remains strong (I can’t help it, I’m always thinking about improving organizational systems!), I’ve found incredible fulfillment in the creativity and emotional depth that design allows me to explore. #materiality #interiordesign #docontract #madrid