Clerkenwell Design Week 2025: Three Days of Insights, Inspiration and Connection

One of the absolute highlights of our CDW programme was the return of workplace strategist Hannah Nardini (WKspace). Her talk, “The Great Workplace Reset: Why People Will Want to Return”, drew a full house not just once, but on two consecutive days, underlining how vital this topic has become for organisations navigating the shift to hybrid working. 

Hannah shared key findings from her research, based on over 50,000 workplace surveys, shedding light on what today’s workforce values most – and what’s currently lacking in many office environments.

Key insights included: 

– Hybrid is the preferred model, but office attendance is often obligation-driven 
– Many office spaces are not optimised for deep focus 
– Stress levels are frequently higher in the office than at home 

She also explored clear generational differences in workplace expectations: 
– Boomers value structure and in-person connection 
– Gen X prioritise quiet zones and strategic presence 
– Millennials look for balance, wellbeing and freedom 
– Gen Z seek mentorship, tech-enabled collaboration and a sense of purpose 

From these insights, the design priorities for a high-performing workspace became clear: 
– Quiet zones for concentration 
– Flexible collaboration spaces with the right tools 
– Wellness features like plants, height-adjustable desks and calm areas 
– Social spaces that build relationships and culture 
– Advanced technology to support hybrid teams 

In addition to the talks, our visitors engaged with a variety of interactive experiences. Our Material Board Competition invited guests to create their own mood boards using Sedus materials – with the chance to win a handcrafted se:café wooden chair featuring traditional Viennese wickerwork. 

We also welcomed our partners from EasternGraphics, who presented live demonstrations of pCon – the industry’s leading planning and configuration software, used by over 700 manufacturers worldwide. For interior designers and specifiers, it was a hands-on opportunity to explore digital planning in action.

As part of the official German Pavilion – where Sedus was one of only ten participating German brands – we had the opportunity to showcase our values and design heritage in a distinctive way. The centrepiece was a creative installation of the se:café wooden chair, which used visual illusion to captivate passers-by and start conversations. 

One of our proudest moments was the visit from the German Ambassador and his delegation, who took a keen interest in our design philosophy, product innovation, and the unique Sedus ownership model – being held by two foundations focused on social and environmental responsibility. 

To round out each day, guests were invited to relax in the Sedus Biergarten, where traditional German beers and informal networking offered a warm, convivial close to the event. 

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to everyone who visited us, joined our talks, shared ideas and made these three days so memorable. Clerkenwell Design Week remains a vital meeting point for the international design community – and this year’s edition truly reminded us of the power of thoughtful spaces to connect people. 

We look forward to continuing the conversation – and to welcoming you again soon.