Join us for an exclusive evening soirée to unwind and celebrate with fellow attendees. Enjoy cocktails, conversation, and connections as we celebrate all things design with the support of Lexus, and with our special guest. This is your chance to mingle, reflect on the day’s discussions, and toast to the future of design in a relaxed, elegant atmosphere. Access is included in your Design Conference ticket.

In an age of digital disconnection, our shared physical spaces hold new power. Drawing on Linehouse’s philosophy, Briar Hickling explores how design can transform the mundane into meaningful moments of connection. Sharing projects like M Stand and the Cartel Brewery, she illustrates how to create compelling narratives within environments, turning daily rituals—from the morning coffee to the shared meal—into performative acts. By embracing whimsy and celebrating the unscripted, we design spaces deeply rooted in empathy, identity, and the art of human-centred storytelling.

This panel dives into the transformative power of design, urban planning, and public art in shaping our cities and driving social impact. Featuring leaders in placemaking, urban strategy, landscape architecture, and city design, we explore major regeneration projects – from Wynyard Quarter to post-disaster design lessons. The discussion focuses on the difference between mere development and true community building. It challenges us to measure design not by aesthetics, but by its ability to foster social connection and build a deeper sense of belonging in our urban centres.

Join Vincent Lowe, former Global Art Director for Nike Running, for a strategic look at how design creates a universal yet authentic sense of “Place” for global brands. Drawing on experience with Apple, Google, and adidas, Vinny explores how creative strategy, digital experiences, and retail design build cohesive brand identity across continents and communities. This keynote demonstrates how designers move beyond aesthetics to ensure large-scale, commercial efforts are rooted in purpose and cultural resonance, effectively bridging the digital and physical worlds to foster genuine human connection.

In 2021, Whanganui was designated New Zealand’s sole UNESCO City of Design, placing its unique creative identity on a global stage. This session explores what it means to be a City of Design, and how Whanganui’s rich cultural heritage – from centuries of Māori design to contemporary practice – offers a blueprint for human-centered futures. We will challenge the traditional notion of design by examining how indigenous perspectives, sustainable practice, and a sense of collective purpose can be woven into our work, strengthening both local community and global connections.