Designing for Change: Modularity, Materials and Circular Futures #CEWeek2025

An engaging session exploring how modularity in design and thoughtful material choices can accelerate the transition to a circular economy. Through case studies, panel discussion and live examples, we’ll demonstrate how design decisions create measurable impact — reducing waste, enabling reuse, and driving value for brands, designers and the built environment. With practical insights demonstrating how global real estate can drive systemic change by embedding reuse into projects and procurement.

Circularity isn’t just about avoiding waste - it’s about creating value, resilience, and flexibility, and how modularity, material intelligence and cross-industry collaboration can shape a more sustainable future.

Designing for Change is set in an immersive setting on the 7th floor of Henrietta House, with prototype pieces, reclaimed materials, FX award-winning furniture and adaptable debut pieces by Isomi, the evening will explore key themes, including:

• Modularity as a Tool for Circularity
  How modular systems in furniture, interiors and fit-outs extend lifespan, enable reconfiguration and reduce waste
• Thoughtful Material Choices
  The role of innovative materials in closing the loop — from design through to reuse and refurbishment
• From Strategy to Reality
  How global real estate can drive systemic change by embedding reuse into projects and procurement with practical insights

Agenda

18.00 Introduction Setting the scene on the circular economy and the built environment
18.15 Panel discussion Moderated conversation on modularity, materials and reuse 
19.00 Case study snapshots Circular strategies in  action
19.30 Q&A + Networking Connect with leading brands, design and build  

Meet the panel

Dominic McAndrew
Senior Director | Head of Architecture & Design - UK&I, CBRE Design Collective
Dominic McAndrew is Head of CBRE Design Collective in the UK and Ireland. Ranked number two in ID's 100 Global Giants for workplace design and 16 across all disciplines, CBRE Design Collective has a vibrant track record across a workplace, aviation, commercial real estate and more. Dominic joined CBRE in 2024 and has worked to unify the design studios in Dublin, London and Manchester while growing the business and designing spaces that are both uncompromising in terms of design and their environmental credentials.

Paul Crofts
Co-Founder isomi
Founder & Creative Director, Paul Crofts Studio
Paul Crofts is Founder and Creative Director of Paul Crofts Studio, an award-winning multidisciplinary design practice established in London in 2003, and working internationally across furniture, product, and interior design, celebrated for its material-led approach where craft, process, and innovation drive each project. His studio has delivered projects for clients including Unilever, Spring Studios, Theatre Royal Plymouth, and Lotte Department Store. In 2012, he co-founded Isomi, leading award-winning designs recognised internationally for sustainability, innovation and redefining the relationship between products and space.

Scott Campbell
Co-Founder & Managing Director, Surface Matter
With more than 20 years developing the market for innovative surfaces across EMEA, Scott founded Surface Matter in 2013 to help designers and architects use materials better. Active in the Better Business Network and B Corp community, Scott believes in sharing knowledge and working with great people to drive positive change. He continues to address the challenges of circular design with smarter reuse strategies, launching Material Rescue in 2024 to maintain the highest level of quality with minimal intervention.

Rosie Rainbow
Material Reuse Strategist, Material Rescue
After years advising, challenging and leading sustainable practices with leading brands, Rosie specialises in driving reuse and circular economy strategies within the retail design space. Bringing a strong mix of strategic thinking, material knowledge and stakeholder engagement, Rosie collaborates across teams and industries to deliver practical, high-impact solutions with circularity schemes – delivering 20% cost saving and direct reuse rates averaging 41% and up to 75% across global projects. Known for her integrity, empathy and ability to align sustainability goals with operational needs, she’s passionate about creating retail environments that are both functional and future-focused.

Moderated by CBRE