Where designers share stories about the lucky breaks and slippery snakes that have marked their journey to the top.

**Short talks**

Hear candid, behind-the-scenes stories, from disruptive studios who’ve found unexpected routes up the board.

**Networking**

Meet and share stories with other designers, architects and entrepreneurs trying to make their fortunes in the game.

**Discovery**

Enjoy a complimentary cocktail in Peckham’s smallest and most exclusive bar… if you can find it.

**Two steps forward, one step back.**

Growing a successful design business isn’t a straight-line from A to B. It’s an endlessly forking path marked by challenge, chance, and discovery. Like a breadcrumb trail - only knowable in reverse - we ask speakers to reflect on formative moments from their journey, and share what they have learnt from the mis-steps, as well as the gambles that paid off.

Unfiltered and
off-record

We’ve learnt as much from our downs as our ups, and believe we have more to gain than lose by sharing candidly the challenges faced by small businesses trying to balance passion and purpose.

To create an atmosphere of openness the events are invite-only with limited numbers and no recordings. Although those curious can catch the speaker one-on-one after the event.

Next Event

MATT + FIONA

Matthew Springett & Fiona MacDonald

18th May 19:00 - 21:00

Ticket price: £5 (voluntary donation)

RESERVE TICKETS

About the Speaker

MATT+FIONA is a social enterprise founded in 2016 and led by architectural educators Matthew Springett and Fiona MacDonald. They share a deeply held commitment to change design education and the built environment for the better, empowering young people and enabling their ideas about the world around them to be expressed and made real.

Fiona MacDonald trained in architecture and has over 15 years’ experience working in cultural learning and outreach at Open City, the RIBA and the Design Museum. Fiona leads on tailored engagement with children and young people and ensuring there are strong learning outcomes for all. Fiona is a member of Part W collective which campaigns for gender equity in the built environment.

Matthew Springett is an ARB qualified architect with his own practice, MSA Ltd. He is also a Senior Lecturer and Teaching Fellow at the Bartlett, University College London (UCL). Matthew leads on connecting the pedagogical process and co-design process to creating robust, achievable and award-winning design.