our highlights from Clerkenwell Design Week 20-22nd May 2025
Last week we visited Clerkenwell for one of our favourite events in the design calendar. With studio doors open and creative energy spilling out into squares and alleyways, it was a chance to reconnect—with objects, spaces, and the people behind them.
Here are a few moments that stood out.
1. ‘A Week at the Knees’ by Alex Chinneck
Location: Charterhouse Square
Alex Chinneck’s architectural magic continues to enchant. Nestled in the Georgian surroundings of Charterhouse Square, A Week at the Knees is a full-scale, four-storey façade that bends, ripples and folds with surreal elegance. Created from 320 metres of repurposed steel and custom-fabricated brickwork, it’s both playful and precise—a masterpiece of undulating beauty.
2. Honest (formerly John Green Designs)
Location: St James Church
A new chapter for a long-standing favourite. After 15 years as John Green Designs, this thoughtful British brand has re-emerged as Honest—a reflection of their evolving studio and future vision. We've loved working with them over the years and can't wait to share some exciting new pieces from them very soon.
3. Muuto
Location: St John's Square
Upstairs in their showroom, the new Connect modules were on display framed by soft light and Scandinavian calm. We spotted our old favourite—the Rest sofa—pride of place in the window. Plus Muuto’s new Settle outdoor sofa series was on full show outside, which we just had to test out!
4. Ethimo
Location: St John's Square
An unexpected pause in the square led us to Ethimo, where their outdoor collection invited a slower pace. Striped cushions, swings and a gently curved loveseat hinted at long, relaxed evenings. A masterclass in alfresco elegance.
5. Umage
Location: Old Sessions House
A new Danish discovery for us. Umage is grounded in considered craftsmanship, sustainable materials, with a care for the environment. We were especially drawn to their three-legged Duende desk, which hides a joyfully unexpected detail—a built-in drawer, discreet and perfectly formed.
6. String Furniture
Location: Old Sessions House
In the soaring space of Old Session House, String introduced Center Center, their new office-focused modular system designed by Form Us With Love. With a bold orange palette, the collection speaks to the evolving needs of modern workspaces—flexible, functional and still beautifully minimal.
7. House of Rohl
Location: Charterhouse
Set against the quiet grandeur of Charterhouse, House of Rohl unveiled Sea of Tranquility—an immersive outdoor wellness concept that accompanies the launch of their Kerid Collection. Inspired by Japanese rituals and the serenity of traditional onsen, it was a space of gentle reflection and elemental calm.
8. Ferm Living
Location: Clerkenwell Road
We ended our day with our good friends at Ferm Living, who hosted an intimate talk with Philipp Materna, Head of Brand & Design at Ferm Living. He shared the story behind their collaboration with Utzon — Can Lis — in conversation with Matthew Blunderfield (Architecture Foundation / Scaffold Podcast). An insightful and resonating close to an inspiring day.
Clerkenwell always brings together the design community in a way that feels celebratory and welcoming. We loved reconnecting with familiar faces, discovering new ideas, and sharing space with the brands and people shaping the future of considered design.
Until next year...
Emily and the someday team x
