For those unfamiliar, Clerkenwell in London is home to more creative businesses and architects per square mile than anywhere else in the world! This unique environment creates the perfect setting for an event that showcases the latest innovations in commercial interiors from over 600 brands, alongside 16+ curated exhibitions, striking installations, and an impressive fringe programme. It’s a space to learn, be challenged, and leave inspired.
Ralph + Smith attended on the Wednesday and, as always, found it to be more than just a day out of the office - it was a chance to reflect, reconnect with industry peers, and open ourselves up to new ways of thinking. In this fast-paced sector, taking time out to pause and re-energise professionally is not a luxury, but a necessity.
Ralph + Smith founder, Chloe, shared her thoughts on the experience:
CDW continues to grow in scale and creativity year after year. From insightful talks and fresh product launches to discovering new suppliers, networking, and the inevitable after-parties — you could easily fill three days and still want more.
One of the highlights for us this year was connecting with a variety of manufacturers, especially some of the smaller, lesser-known brands creating innovative and exciting finishes and products.
We noticed a strong emphasis on bold colours, playful patterns, and tactile textures across stands and showrooms.
Commercial interior design has never felt so daring and experimental — a shift we’re fully embracing.
Our clients are increasingly led by design, which makes our work even more dynamic and rewarding.
Continued professional development is important to the team at Ralph + Smith. Attending Clerkenwell Design Week each year provides the opportunity to step outside of day-to-day project work, engage with new ideas, and stay closely aligned with the direction the industry is heading.
It's a valuable part of how Ralph + Smith continue to evolve as a team — and it’s why you’ll see them there again next year.
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If you're part of the design or architecture world and haven’t yet experienced CDW, we highly recommend it. And if you were there this year, we’d love to hear what inspired you most.
