Summer is almost here, and a slew of design events are just around the corner. As you begin venturing out into the world again, check out some of the industry’s best destinations for June—or kick back with a laptop and make your visit virtual.
London Design Biennale
London | June 1–27
The third edition of the London Design Biennale delves into the theme of “Resonance” in its setting at the historic Somerset House. Led by artistic director Es Devlin, the event includes programming such as the “Design in an Age of Crisis” gallery—a collection featuring 500 projects by artists and designers from around the world, submitted in response to an open call for works exploring radical design. For more info, click here.
High Point Spring Market
High Point, North Carolina | June 5–9
The world’s largest home furnishings trade show returns this summer with more than 2,000 exhibitors across 12 million square feet of show space. Welcoming nearly 80,000 attendees representing more than 100 countries, this year’s event will showcase tens of thousands of new product introductions. For more info, click here.
San Francisco Design Week
Virtual | June 7–13
Like last year’s edition, SF Design Week 2021 will be an all-virtual event—this time united under the theme of “Power.” Through talks, webinars, conferences and tours with leading designers across multiple disciplines, the 15th annual festival will explore its theme by questioning existing institutions and seeking new ways of distributing equity in the fields of architecture, design and fashion. For more info, click here.
USGBC Live
Virtual | June 8–10
This new event from the U.S. Green Building Council offers a series of keynotes and interactive networking events exploring the future of sustainable buildings, cities and communities. Attendees can explore a number of sessions that are inspired by the data, insights and stories gleaned from LEED and worldwide green building projects and feature thought leaders such as David Brooks, Paul Polman and Adam Grant. For more info, click here.
The Design Social Pop-Up
Charleston, South Carolina | June 9
Hosted at The Dewberry Charleston hotel, this curated pop-up connects designers with the makers behind their favorite products and boutique brands, including CW Stockwell, Sarah von Dreele, Voutsa and more. During the event, Business of Home editor in chief Kaitlin Petersen will moderate a “Meet the Makers” panel, featuring pop-up participants Serena Dugan, Erika M. Powell, Alex Mason of Ferrick Mason and Alexis Audette of Mazy Path. Later on, Veranda executive editor Ellen McGauley and stylist Frances Bailey will host a lively discussion on prepping for project photo shoots. Donations from the event’s cocktail hour and raffle proceeds will benefit Charleston’s food and beverage community through local organization Pay It Forward Charleston. For more info, click here.
Sustainability Deep Dive
Virtual | June 9–10
This annual event from the Industrial Designers Society of America is centered on modes of design that ignite social, cultural and institutional change toward a more sustainable future. A series of talks and discussions will explore topics such as circular design, sustainable material innovations, zero-waste strategies and changing consumer behavior. For more info, click here.
Apartment Therapy’s Small/Cool Experience
Virtual | June 11–13
Hosted virtually on Apartment Therapy’s Instagram (@apartmenttherapy), this shoppable showcase features 10 designers taking on 10 different home decor trends from the same New York studio location. Apartment Therapy editors will walk viewers through each trend vignette before sitting down for one-on-one conversations with the designers featured in this year’s lineup, including Bobby Berk, Ayesha Curry and Noz Nozawa, among others. Along with educational seminars, designer demos and interactive games running during the three-day Instagram event, viewers can shop for their favorite products for immediate purchase starting June 11 through the Small/Cool site. For more info, click here.
AIA Conference on Architecture
Virtual | June 17
The first of four installments of the American Institute of Architects 2021 summer conference is a day of programming designed to help businesses remain competitive. (The other three sessions take place in July and August.) Kicking off with a keynote from Roman Mars, host and producer of the “99% Invisible” podcast, the event will proceed with seminars, demonstrations and networking activities focused on helping your firm succeed in any economy. For more info, click here.
NKBA Summit: Luxury Defined
Virtual | June 23–24
In this two-day event hosted by the National Kitchen & Bath Association, experts will discuss the changing meaning of luxury as the NKBA presents its latest findings. Designers and specialists will share their secrets to success in the luxury sector, as well as their thoughts on such topics as the delicate relationship with the luxury client and the key elements in today’s premier designs. For more info, click here.
Homepage image: Sylvie Li for Apartment Therapy
