Gathering the best-in-category designers and thought leaders within a panel series, Design Conversations aims to facilitate the discussion of changes, challenges, opportunities and directions revolving the various sectors of design: workplace, hospitality, residential, product and furniture.

Here are the four diverse topics and panelists:

WorkLife: ‘The Culture of Workplace Strategy’

What is the latest thinking in the field of workplace planning and design, and how have new approaches been infiltrating workplaces in Asia? The panel will discuss the driving factors that are fuelling shifts in workplace design and today’s critical ingredients for a well-functioning workplace. The conversation will also address the psychological, social and cultural aspects of workplace culture and how preferences may vary across regions.

Speakers include Matthew Burke, Regional Leader – Asia, Geyer, Singapore, and Keti Malkoski, Schiavello Principal – People and Culture, Schiavello, Melbourne.

PlayLife: ‘New Models for Hospitality Design’

New modes of travel and accommodation have been affecting the way hoteliers tailor their experiences to their guests. This session will examine key demands and new directions in shaping hotel and F&B spaces globally. How are the expectations of guests altering? Do F&B spaces play a major part in defining hotel experiences? How does technology impact guest experience? How are sustainability targets affecting guest experience? What is the connection between these elements to place?

Speakers include Karen Hay, Director/Co-Founder, Stickman Tribe, Hong Kong; Carston Lima, Area Director, Asia-Pacific, Design Hotels™ and Chan Ee Mun, Senior Associate, WOHA, Singapore.

LiveLife: ‘Future Tropical Living’

It is exciting – and remarkably easy­ ­– to imagine ways of living that are truly responsive to Singapore’s dense tropical urbanism. The LiveLife discussion will look at the potential and reality of residential design that addresses the particular context of Singapore. Various scales will be considered in terms of design and quality of life – from the HDB and condominium development, to the single apartment and house, to the shophouse.

Speakers include Yip Yuen Hong, Principal, ip:li Architects, Singapore; Aamer Taher, Principal, Aamer Architects, Singapore and Nicky Lobo, Editor, Habitus, Sydney.

BizLife: ‘Design As Currency’

What role does ‘identity’ play in the business of the international design brand? BizLife will explore this topic through the lens of the furniture and product arena. The panel of leading furniture-industry figures will share insights into how they have built their businesses, how they have been expanding their market territory, and the challenges and opportunities of this region. How do they maintain viability and relevance? Is design a universal language and currency?

Speakers include Dario Reicherl, Vice President Asia Pacific, Republic of Fritz Hansen; Gabriel Tan, Design Partner and Co-Founder, Outofstock, Singapore, Adam Goodrum, Designer, Sydney and Richard Munao, Founder and Director, CULT, Sydney.

Design Conversations will be held at National Design Centre auditorium on Friday 10 July. Click here to RSVP.

To find out more about Singapore Indesign Intimate, please click here.