ABOUT US

Design Event was established in 2005 to support designers across the region, especially graduates and those at the early-mid stages of their careers; and to provide a platform for the public to engage with good design.

Our mission is :

To promote and support designers and makers working in the North of England. To raise standards and provide regional and national platforms to showcase the high quality design being produced, alongside national and international work; positioning the North of England as a hot bed of design talent, creating opportunities for designers and the public to engage with high quality design.

Design Event is a community interest company limited by guarantee and is not for profit. Since 2005 the company’s activities have substantiallyexpanded with activity across our 3 strands of delivery including promoting design , supporting designers and showcasing design from the North of Engalnd.

 

Karen Nairstone - Director

Being director of Design Event I’m responsible for both programming and overall management; whilst keeping an eye on the strategic development of the company. Prior to founding Design Event in 2005 I ran a design store – Space in Newcastle so I have a deep passion for design and showcasing the region!

 

Kala Preston - Marketing

I am responsible for promoting and marketing the various events and exhibitions that we hold through out the year, and as part of our annual Design Event festival. I enjoy the scope and variety of the role and love working within our bijoux team!  Previously I worked with advertising and design agencies, a theatre and an African dance company in marketing roles.

Olivia Ahmad - Exhibitions

For this year’s festival, I have been looking after Design Event’s exhibitions, including: Design Event’s first stand at 100% Design and Design Event MART, now in its third year at BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art.
Before coming to Design Event, I studied illustration and then undertook a two year curatorial traineeship.
Working with the lovely Design Event team and with all the great products and ideas that come our way is a pleasure!