Design Circles – Decorex 2026

Business & Interiors is delighted to return to Decorex 2026 with Design Circles, a series of intimate roundtable discussions created exclusively for interior designers.

Designed to encourage conversation rather than presentations, Design Circles bring together industry experts and small groups of designers to explore the ideas, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of design and the business of interior design. Each session offers practical insight, open discussion, and the opportunity to exchange experiences with fellow professionals in a relaxed and engaging setting.

Across three days, you’ll be able to join discussions on topics including:

SESSION 1 – Monday 12th October | 11AM

AI for Interior Designers: From Hype to Real Advantage

With David Del Greco | Founder of Contrasto & Business and Interiors

AI is everywhere, but very few designers are using it in a way that genuinely improves their work or business. This session explores how AI can support design thinking, streamline communication, and enhance client experience without compromising creativity. We’ll look at what’s actually useful today, what to ignore, and how to start integrating AI in a way that gives you a real competitive edge.

The Power of Positioning: What Sets Your Design Studio Apart

With Julia Begbie | Founder of Recipe For A Room

In a crowded market, great work alone isn’t always enough. This session explores how to define what sets your studio apart, communicate your value clearly and build a position that attracts the clients and projects you want.

Business Development: Turning Conversations into Opportunities

With Julia Mainwaring | Founder of IDA Solutions

Winning the right projects rarely happens by chance. This session focuses on how to build relationships, position your studio clearly, and convert interest into meaningful work. From networking to follow-up, we’ll explore what actually drives growth for interior designers today.

Getting Seen: PR That Builds Authority, Not Just Exposure

With Hugo Rawlins | Director of Rawlins George

Press coverage can elevate your studio, but only if it’s approached strategically. This session looks at how to position your work for publication, build relationships with editors, and use PR as a long-term tool for credibility and growth. We’ll also discuss what makes a project truly publishable and how to avoid common mistakes that limit visibility.

SESSION 2 – Tuesday 13th October | 11AM

Designing the Smart Home: Making Home Automation Work

With Katharina Colman | Director of Luxe Smart Homes

Home automation is now essential in high-end homes. From lighting and heating to AV and security, multiple systems need to work as one. This session explores how to plan and integrate these systems early, creating a seamless and intuitive experience for clients.

Window Treatments: The Detail That Completes the Room

With James South | Business Development Manager of Shading Specialists

Often considered at the end of a project, window treatments can define the overall feel of a space. This session explores how to integrate them from the outset, using fabric, proportion, and detailing to bring softness, balance, and cohesion to an interior.

Designing with Light: Creating Atmosphere and Intent

With Machan Enever | Director of Hawksbee

Lighting is not just technical, it’s emotional. This session looks at how to use light to shape mood, define spaces, and guide how a home is experienced throughout the day. We’ll explore layering, control systems, and collaboration with specialists to create more intentional, refined interiors.

The Modern Kitchen: Designing for Living, Not Just Cooking

With Danielle Kudmany | Creative Director of Liate Design

Kitchens have evolved far beyond their original function. They are now spaces for hosting, working, and everyday living. This session explores how to design kitchens that respond to modern lifestyles, balancing practicality, flow, and aesthetics while creating spaces clients genuinely want to spend time in.

SESSION 3 – Wednesday 14th October | 11AM Understanding CDM: The Designer’s Role on Site

With Simone Pinducciu | Founder & Managing Director of Mesoni

CDM is often misunderstood, yet it plays a critical role in how projects are delivered. This session breaks down what CDM actually means for interior designers, clarifying responsibilities, risks, and how to work confidently alongside contractors and consultants.

Neuro Aesthetics in Interior Design: The Science of How We Experience Space

With Roberta Baldan | Founder & Director of Roby Baldan Interiors

Why do some spaces feel instantly calm, while others feel unsettling? This session explores the principles of neuroaesthetics and how our brains respond to colour, light, materials, and layout. We’ll look at how designers can create environments that support wellbeing, emotion, and a deeper connection to the space.

Rethinking the Design Process: From Concept to Completion

With Cinzia Moretti | Creative Director of Moretti Interior Design

A strong design process is what separates a smooth, profitable project from a chaotic one. This session explores how leading studios are refining their workflows, from early concept and client alignment through to delivery and installation. We’ll look at how to create a process that feels seamless for clients, while giving your studio more clarity, control, and consistency.

Garden Design: Extending the Home Beyond Its Walls

With James Innes | Director of James Innes Design

Outdoor spaces are becoming an essential part of how clients live and entertain. This session explores how to approach garden design as a natural extension of the interiors, creating continuity in materials, mood, and function while working effectively with landscape designers.

Whether you’re looking to strengthen your business, expand your technical knowledge, or gain fresh perspectives from leading industry experts, Design Circles offer an opportunity to learn, connect, and be part of the conversations shaping the future of interior design.

Places are limited for each session to encourage meaningful discussion.

Register to attend Decorex here: https://www.decorex.com/visit/your-ticket/