Top Image: Nipa Doshi and Jonathan Levien, Doshi Levien. Portrait by Kristofer Johnsson

Apart from the highly anticipated Design Conversations, visitors to Singapore Indesign 2016 can look forward to talks and presentations by five esteemed guest speakers, which includes Hong Kong-based designers Sean Dix and Kelvin Ng. Held on 8 October 2016 in Singapore at satellite venues accessible via regular shuttle busses, the talks will offer rare behind-the-scenes insights into the design processes of these speakers, who will also discuss the burning topics of today’s design industry.

Doshi Levien (UK)
– 10:30am and 3pm at Kvadrat showroom; 5:45pm at National Design Centre Auditorium

Apart from launching its debut curtain collection, Pilotis, London-based studio Doshi Levien will be giving two 20-minute design presentations at the Kvadrat Showroom. They will be giving a 60-minute seminar, sharing their design philosophy, creative process and collaboration with numerous international brands at the National Design Centre Auditorium.

Founded by Nipa Doshi and Jonathan Levien, Doshi Levien’s work combines multiple cultures and fields of technology, design and fine craftsmanship, gaining the attention of multiple museums, cultural institutions and industry leaders such as B&B italia, Camper, Cappellini, Kvadrat, Swarovski, to name a few.

Doshi grew up in India and studied design at the National Institute of Design, which was founded on the manifesto of Charles and Ray Eames. Her approach is deeply rooted in her “plural upbringing and astute eye for visual culture”. On the other hand, Levien, trained in fine cabinet making and industrial design, revolves his work around industrial precision, artisanal craftsmanship and an in-depth understanding of materials. Discover out how these prolific designers complement one another at the various scheduled talks.

Sean Dix, Dix Design+Architecture

Sean Dix (USA)
– 11am and 4pm at OM Furniture

Born in Kansas City, USA, Sean Dix has lived in many parts of the world including Chicago, Fiji, Micronesia, the Philippines, Milan and now Hong Kong.

He originally established Dix Design+Architecture in Milan in 2000 before moving to Hong Kong in 2008, where he now lives and works. To date, Dix has designed some of the city’s most culturally-acclaimed restaurants, including Yardbird Restaurant, Ronin, Ho Lee Fook and Little Bao, amongst other works.

When Dix is not crafting exciting food and beverage and retail experiences, he is working on its own furniture collection – carried exclusively in Singapore by OM Furniture. These pieces are widely featured in many of his design projects. Find out more about his honest and details-driven approach at Singapore Indesign 2016.

Mario Mazzer

Mario Mazzer (Italy)
– 2pm and 4pm at OM Furniture

Trained in architecture and industrial design, Mario Mazzer worked alongside Italian design legends Achille Castiglioni and Marco Zanuso in the ’70s before founding his eponymous studio to hone his personal design language in the ’80s.

To date, the 61-year-old designer has worked for some of the most important design companies, such as Artemide, Cappellini, Flou, Magis and Poliform, and spearheaded architectural projects across various sectors including residential, trade centres, heritage buildings, workspaces and showrooms. His works have also graced museums and design exhibitions worldwide.

Mazzer, who is active in cultural debates on design in global conventions and conferences, will share his take on hospitality design. This speaker is sure to inform the design event with strong design ideals and years of experience and knowledge.

Kelvin Ng, Giormani

Kelvin Ng (Hong Kong)
– 11am and 2pm at OM Furniture

One of Hong Kong’s leading sofa designers, Kelvin Ng is responsible for the award-winning sofa and armchair designs of various European, American and Japanese furniture brands. With a multi-cultural background, Ng combines his extensive knowledge of traditional and contemporary Western sofa-making techniques with Asian aesthetics.

In 1999, he founded Giormani, one of Asia’s leading sofa-making and retail brands today. Giormani is known for high-quality and versatile designs that suit Asian and European styles.

With years of experience in the field, venturing beyond sofa design to supply chain management, retailing and marketing, Ng will share valuable insights and trends on luxury leather crafting.

Click here for more information on Singapore Indesign 2016 and to register for free.