Monocle on Design
Everything you need to know about the world of design, from furniture to fashion and craft to architecture. Expect fresh stories, new finds and designers and all the latest news from the world’s most exciting studios.
Episodes
Design on display: Es Devlin of Homo Faber on how good curation brings objects to life
The artistic director of Homo Faber, Es Devlin, discusses her goal of making objects talk to each other. Plus: in light of design events in Paris, London, Venice and Zürich, we discuss what you should look out for and why.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Highlights from Monocle’s Quality of Life Conference and Manuel Aires Mateus on intelligent architecture
At Monocle’s Quality of Life Conference in Lisbon, we catch up with one of Portugal’s foremost architects, Manuel Aires Mateus. Plus: highlights from the conference at the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Objects that change the world for the better with designer Sébastien El Idrissi
Is the term “industrial design” frowned upon by design purists? Zürich-based Sébastien El Idrissi thinks so. He joins Nic Monisse to discuss why his goal is positive change at an industrial scale. Plus: what to look forward to at our Quality of Life Conference in Lisbon this year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What can designers learn from the principles of Japanese gardening?
Niwaki founder Jake Hobson on why Japanese garden shears demonstrate the key to good design. Plus: Ferrari shocks critics. And: the joy of luxury stationery.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A cut above: Allday Goods founder Hugo Worsley on reinventing the kitchen knife
Chef-turned-CEO Hugo Worsley tells us why design-lovers are obsessed with Allday Goods’ knives. Plus: Australia’s new census puts design on the map and why your next hotel stay should be the Chesa Grischuna in Klosters. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Narrative design and clubbing with Pirajean Lees
Clémence Pirajean and James Lees tell us about how narratives are essential to designing luxury interiors well. Plus: cooling off with design-thinking and the architecture of clubs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Linda Boronkay on designing for the soul. Plus: late-night kebabs get a chic makeover
Hungarian designer Linda Boronkay on crafting hospitality interiors that ‘nourish the soul’. Then: Nic Monisse and Grace Charlton on luxury kebabs, animism and the object in their house that they would save first. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Interior architect Alex Holloway takes inspiration from cinema and online slang
Alex Holloway, of interior architecture studio Holloway Li, on drawing inspiration from cinema aesthetics and online slang. Plus: a review of Sicilian architecture and travel etiquette.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What separates luxury interiors from the rest?
Dorothée Boissier explains Gilles and Boissier’s approach to interior design. Then: Nic Monisse and Grace Charlton give their take on “digital minimalism” and whether or not designers can help us to stay on task. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Henry Wilson’s philosophy of designing imperfection and Rolf Fehlbaum on the importance of friendship
Australian designer Henry Wilson on why perfection is not something he strives for. Then: Rolf Fehlbaum of Vitra on why fun and friendship make for better work. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From house to home: Fernanda Canales, Thuma’s Alec Banks and the importance of ritual with Sophie Lou Jacobsen
Mexican architect Fernanda Canales invites us into her modern home. Then: French-American designer Sophie Lou Jacobsen and Thuma’s head of brand, Alec Banks, discuss how ritual and memory shape our relationship with home.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What does ‘good taste’ mean in interior design? The view from Tara Bernerd and Dan Rosen
UK interior designer Tara Bernerd on how travel has influenced her taste. Then: Design comedian Dan Rosen on why judging others’ interior-design choices can be a good thing. Plus: Paris Fashion Week Men’s and Design Parade. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How do you revive a club as historic as Paris’s Bus Palladium?
We hear how Studio KO turned one of Paris’s most famous nightclubs into a hotel. Then: making design more sensual with Astraeus Clarke. Plus: Nic and Grace give their takes on The Barack Obama Presidential Center. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Does Copenhagen’s 3 Days of Design now rival Milan Design Week?
We discuss why Denmark’s biggest design event drew record numbers this year, as well as our highlights of the week. Then: how to innovate materially with Jessie French. Plus: combining emotion and logic with Space Copenhagen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is imperfection becoming a trend? A view of the future from NYCxDesign 2026
A NYCxDesign special featuring designers from the US and Canada. Nic Monisse speaks with Simone Ferkul about human imperfection; Ryan Twardzik about his regional design ethos; and Jared Rusten about how to make chairs rock. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Feeling over form and function: the design principles of Tola Ojuolape and Rodolfo Agrella
London-based interior designer Tola Ojuolape discusses the sense of belonging that she strives to achieve with each new project. Then: Venezuela’s Rodolfo Agrella on the importance of “energy”. Plus: café interiors from the new issue of Monocle. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Redesigning London’s shared cultural spaces with Jayden Ali. Plus: Reykjavík’s DesignMarch 2026
Forward-thinking British architect Jayden Ali joins to detail his new galleries at V&A East in London. Then: unpicking Icelandic design stereotypes at DesignMarch 2026. Plus: highlights at this year’s NYCxDesign. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Let’s get flexible: Mark Haydon and Kim Colin on adaptability in design
How can flexibility improve quality of life? We answer this with Fisher & Paykel and the brand’s head of industrial design, Mark Haydon. Plus: Kim Colin, co-founder of Industrial Facility, on working with technology.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Exploring Mexico City’s thriving design landscape with Tatiana Bilbao
Nic Monisse is in Mexico to learn how design is shaping the country’s capital. Grace Charlton also joins from Paris to explore the history and future of the city’s design-thinking. Plus: Mexican architect Tatiana Bilbao. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Modern luxury: Simone Stephens and Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen on living well
Our series with Fisher & Paykel continues as we speak to Simone Stephens, head of global D&A partnerships and principal designer at Fisher & Paykel Appliances. Plus, Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen of Norm Architects on human wellbeing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Monocle Design Awards 2026 with Jean-Baptiste Anotin
We discuss this year’s Monocle Design Awards winners and speak with one recipient, Jean-Baptiste Anotin, about the design thinking behind the sleek PP-1 turntable. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A sense of place with Dan Witten-Hannah and Sophie Lou Jacobsen
How is place represented in industrial design? In the first of a series produced with Fisher & Paykel, we speak to CEO Dan Witten-Hannah about identity. Plus: Sophie Lou Jacobsen on her new Milan-inspired collection.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Deyan Sudjic on the legacy of Andrea Branzi. Plus: Designing for Artificial Life with Sacha Leong
We explore Italian radical design at Salone del Mobile with author, and former director of the Design Museum, Deyan Sudjic. Plus: How to design for Artificial Life with Sacha Leong of Nice Projects.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Touring Prototype Island with Design Singapore Council
Some of the most exciting work on display at Milan Design Week could be found at Prototype Island, which showcased 15 Singapore-based creatives. Nic Monisse and Hassan Anderson visited the exhibition in the Brera Design District to explore why Singapore’s designers continue to innovate in new and surprising ways.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A tour around the 64th edition of Salone del Mobile
Nic Monisse, Ed Stocker and Grace Charlton have been busy at Milan Design Week. We cover what they saw and chat to Cristián Mohaded, Yabu Pushelberg, Patricia Urquiola, Annabelle Schneider and Anne-Rachel Schiffmann.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is collectable design on the rise at Salone del Mobile? A selection of highlights from Milan Design Week 2026
We talk with designer Franck Genser about his work for Louis Vuitton. Then: Mario Milana and Gabriella Campagna of Casa Milana on their apartment-turned-showroom. Plus: Highlights from Nic Monisse and Grace Charlton. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The rise and rise of Brazilian design with Jig. Plus: touring the Rietveld Schröder House in Utrecht.
Fernando Augusto Pacheco visits Jig, a new furniture shop in London’s Soho that champions contemporary Brazilian design. Then: Exploring De Stijl at the Rietveld Schröder House and we look forward to Salone del Mobile 2026. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Just deserts: Exploring AlUla’s pioneering design residencies with curator Emily Marant
Emily Marant discusses how residencies, cultural infrastructure and site-specific creation are redefining AlUla. Plus: Nic Monisse and Grace Charlton on the new flat-pack Eames house and Salone del Mobile 2026. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What is ‘Hyakkō’? A deep dive into Japan’s thriving craft scene with curator Nagata Takahiro
At a Japan House exhibition in London, curator Nagata Takahiro details the practice and philosophy of craftspeople working across Japan today. Plus: Nic Monisse and Grace Charlton flick through the new issue of Monocle and discuss some of their favourite design pieces. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Simone Brewster on the narrative of objects. Plus: the Dominican Republic’s rising design scene
Nic Monisse joins Simone Brewster at the London Design Museum to discuss her latest exhibition. Then: Gregory Scruggs explores the Dominican Republic’s booming design scene. Plus: our take on this year’s Pritzker Architecture Prize. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Matter and Shape, part two: Architecture and Genius Loci, Larger Than Life, Through the Looking Glass
The final part of our series from design salon Matter and Shape with Dan Thawley and Nic Monisse. We blur the boundaries between inside and out with Jayden Ali and talk about scale and sculpture with Birkenstock 1774. Plus: Connecting jewellery, interiors and object design with Repossi and Sabine Marcelis.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Co-design and luxury hospitality: Sour’s Pinar Guvenc and GA’s Jessica Morrison on the creative process
Sour's Pinar Guvenc discusses how local community is helping shape better buildings. Then: GA’s Jessica Morrison on what luxury hospitality means in 2026? Plus: Nic and Grace dissect designers from a month of fashion weeks. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Matter and Shape, part one: Investigating Editions, New Cultural Landscapes and Olfactory Oral
Across a two-part series, we recap design salon Matter and Shape. We hear from three brands editing new and archival works, talk cross-cultural pollination with Villa Hegra and consider how we can design with scent.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What can Korean craft teach us about our possessions? Hyo Jung Lee on her book ‘Jeong’
Korean craft has long been overlooked. We speak to author Hyo Jung Lee about her book exploring the full scope of the country’s design practice. Plus: Nic Monisse and Grace Charlton discuss the design landscapes of Cape Town and Marrakesh.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Do local materials make objects better? Emmie Massias on the rise of Vietnamese design
Design in Ho Chi Minh is on the up: we speak with one designer who is using the city’s signature restaurant stools as a canvas. Plus: Nic Monisse and Grace Charlton pick highlights of The Monocle 100 from the March issue. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is it time to go back to human-centred design? TF Chan on Collect 2026
As London craft-and-design fair Collect gets under way, Nic Monisse chats with director TF Chan about the philosophy of “fewer, better things”. Plus: buttons and handles are coming back to our vehicles but will Nic and Grace Charlton give them the green light? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New Materials: Range Rover
We speak to Phoebe Lindsay, Materiality Senior Manager for Range Rover. Hear how the storied automaker uses materials to shape emotions and tell stories. Plus, taking a holistic approach to design strategy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Honouring brand legacy with the Pantone Colour Institute and the Louis Kahn Foundation
How do you pick a unique brand colour and does it matter? Pantone Color Institute’s vice-president joins to discuss. Then: Tallinn architecture students pay homage to Louis Kahn. Plus: Nic and Grace on brand collaboration.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Defining Brand: Range Rover
We speak to Will Verity, Brand Design Chief for Range Rover, at Design Miami. Hear how sound, scent and space shape our experience of brand. Plus, drawing inspiration from the colour black and modernist architecture.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Japan’s future plazas with Met Team Architects and sculpture as jewellery with Giles Miller
As Japan’s train designs race into the future, their plazas return to nature. Ryuma Takahashi speaks to the architect behind new plans for Iida station. Then: Giles Miller on sculpture as jewellery, plus our view on new proposals for Washington Dulles airport.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Telling stories through design with Andu Masebo and creative studio Birch
How do designers tell stories with their work? London-based designer Andu Masebo discusses his social approach to “simple, efficient objects”. Then: James Allen of creative studio Birch explains how strategy-design in the luxury space requires well-researched taste. Plus: Nic and Grace on 25 years of the Serpentine Pavilion. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informatio
Nichecraft and placemaking with Luca Nichetto and David Galullo
Italian designer Luca Nichetto on nichecraft and the limits of treating design as purely collectible. Then: The office’s future with Rapt Studio’s David Galullo. Plus: Nic and Grace on Saudi Arabia’s AlUla Arts Festival.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How does a city affect design? Miminat Shodeinde and Joris Laarman on process and place
We round-up Paris Dećo Off and Maison&Objet. Then: collectable design with London-based creative Miminat Shodeinde. Plus: Dutch designer Joris Laarman on drawing inspiration from nature.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Design in Dubai with ARDH Collective and Some Kind of Practice
The best of Dubai Design Week. Nic Monisse talks with ARDH Collective co-founders Alyina Ahmed and Max Tettamanzi on turning waste into building materials. Then: Exploring courtyards with Some Kind of Practice’s Omar Darwish.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Taking design cues from nature with Altere Studios and Tom Kundig
Grace Charlton explores how good design can assist new year workouts with Alberto Lambert, CEO and founder of Altere Studios. Plus: making the practical beautiful with American architect Tom Kundig. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The best of 2025
Nic Monisse and Grace Charlton share thier favourite moments from across 2025 on Monocle on Design and pick out what they're looking forward to in the year ahead.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Moving forward via tradition with Tekla. Plus: Balkrishna Doshi at the Vitra Design Museum
Nic Monisse and Grace Charlton on where to get your last-minute design Christmas goodies. Plus: Grace talks to the Tekla team about their new London shop. Then: We explore Balkrishna Doshi's work at the Vitra Design Museum.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How to spot timeless design and make DIY chic with SCP and MG&Co
We speak with British designer Sheridan Coakley of SCP about his journey into furniture-making and his philosophy about what makes design last. Then: Matilda Goad of MG&Co on elevating DIY. Plus: Nic Monisse and Grace Charlton give us the Monocle view of the Pantone colour of the year. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Design Miami with Jen Roberts and Moderne Gallery
Nic Monisse and Grace Charlton report from Miami. Plus: Grace discusses the rise of collectible design with Design Miami’s CEO, Jen Roberts. Then: Nic explores the work of George Nakashima with Moderne Gallery. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Making the bed: The importance of design for our bedrooms with Thuma and Rise & Fall
What are the key ingredients to a well-designed bedroom? Nic Monisse and Grace Charlton discuss their must-haves. Then: modern bedroom-furniture maker Thuma on moving into the living room space. Plus: clothing and homeware brand Rise & Fall on why good ideas begin between the sheets. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Yinka Ilori and Kjetil Thorsen on the role that design can play in shaping mood and memory
British-Nigerian designer Yinka Ilori discusses childhood joy and co-design with Nic Monisse. Then: Snøhetta’s Kjetil Thorsen talks about creating heritage architecture. Plus: gift recommendations for design enthusiasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The aesthetics of functionality with Nifemi Marcus Bello and Wes Anderson
We discuss usage with Lagos-based designer Nifemi Marcus Bello and explore a new book on Wes Anderson’s approach to colour. Plus: Nic Monisse and Grace Charlton consider how good design can help us enjoy our A to B. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
‘Designers on Sofas’ special: Why the couch is so often overlooked, with Ilse Crawford and Eran Chen
To celebrate the release of ‘The Monocle Book of Designers on Sofas’, editors Nic Monisse and Grace Charlton discuss their highlights from the book, featuring interviews with designer Ilse Crawford and architect Eran Chen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Rethinking timekeeping for the 21st century with luxury watchmakers Ressence
Benoît Mintiens, founder of luxury watchmakers Ressence, explains the out-of-the-box thinking that goes into reimagining the mechanics of timekeeping for the modern day. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Frieze Connect’s Charlene Prempeh on the unexpected effects of good art and design
Nic Monisse discusses the social benefits of good art and design with Frieze Connect’s Charlene Prempeh. Then: New Delhi-based craft entrepreneur Vikram Goyal tells us about the search for a “modern Indian design language”.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
‘A fingerprint isn’t a flaw’: Michael Anastassiades on the art of small details
Cypriot born London-based design pioneer Michael Anastassiades discusses the importance of noticing smaller details. Plus: furniture maker Seitz unpacks the concept of “slow living” in Switzerland.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Extra: ‘Bad Language’
Photographer Max Creasy discusses the relationship between architecture and pictures, and his new exhibition at the Architectural Association in London.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Driving Forward: Range Rover
We speak to Andy Wheel, Director of Production Design at JLR at Range Rover House Daylesford. Hear how a strong brand identity and an innovative approach to design continue to drive the brand forward.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lessons learned
We reflect on what can be gleaned from years of design discussion and studio visits, featuring highlights from Do Ho Suh, Faye Toogood and Bisila Noha. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Extra: St Wolfgang station, home to the Schafberg cog railway
We visit Austria’s St Wolfgang station. In addition to being the starting point for the vertiginous Schafberg cog railway, it has also received accolades from the highest levels of the architectural community. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Artek at 90, Michael Bennett and Dennis Cheung
We celebrate Finnish brand Artek at 90 and athlete-turned-spatial designer Michael Bennett shares how creativity can be found everywhere. Plus: Dennis Cheung, a Hong Kong-based designer, on how he is taking cues from bamboo.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Extra: Dulwich Picture Gallery
We venture to South London’s Dulwich Picture Gallery to marvel at the new pavilion and more recent developments at the UK’s first purpose-built public art museum.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
British Ceramics Biennial, October issue preview and Vienna Design Week
We visit the ninth edition of the British Ceramics Biennial and preview the October issue of Monocle. Plus: A stopover at Vienna Design week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Extra: Emre Arolat
In a conversation recorded at Monocle’s most recent Quality of Life Conference, Turkish architect Emre Arolat discusses the design of the Sancaklar Mosque on the outskirts of Istanbul. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
London Design Festival, Studio Brière and Katie Treggiden
Our highlights from London Design Festival, including everything from material innovation to new furniture and design circularity with journalist Katie Treggiden. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Extra: POV Budapest
We visit the second edition of the design conference in the Hungarian capital. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Helsinki Design Week at 20, London’s Open House Festival and Zurich Design Weeks
Helsinki Design Week turns 20 this year and we explore this year’s Open House Festival in London. Plus: An interview with the founder of furniture organisation H100 at Zurich Design Weeks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Extra: Willie Williams
The designer discusses his work at the National Theatre’s production of ‘Inter Alia’ in London – and how to strike the balance between performer and technology onstage, including with previous collaborators David Bowie and U2. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Quality of Life Conference design round-up
A recap of the design-minded discussions at this year’s conference, including Bofill Taller de Arquitectura and a lighting masterclass from Santa & Cole and Marset. Plus: the importance of craft and context for any project.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Extra: Hyu Lim
California-based designer Hyu Lim discusses his brand, Maju, the lamp series inspired by both his Singaporean heritage and the design systems that he encountered while working in the tech industry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
World Design Congress and the ‘Richard Rogers: Talking Buildings’ exhibition
The Design Council’s CEO, Minnie Moll, previews the World Design Congress at London’s Barbican Centre. Plus: Abe Rogers discusses his curation of the ‘Richard Rogers: Talking Buildings’ exhibition at Sir John Soane’s Museum. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Extra: Dharma Taylor
Multidisciplinary maker Dharma Taylor reflects on the similarities between producing fashion and designing textile and furniture works. We also discuss her contribution to the ‘Dwellings, Rehomed’ exhibition at London’s Design Museum. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Obin, haptic feedback and the conclusion to our summer series
Indonesian textile and fashion powerhouse Obin discusses bringing batik to contemporary audiences. Plus: Sam Hecht of Industrial Facility discusses haptic feedback and the last instalment of our summer series.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Extra: Cabin Fever 2025
We visit the architectural summer school run by the studio Hello Wood. Helena Kardová reports from this year’s one-of-a-kind adventure, which took place in a former textile factory in the town of Česká Kamenice, Czechia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Summer schools
We hear from Alexander von Vegesack, founder of Domaine de Boisbuchet – an international research centre for design and architecture in southwest France that hosts workshops for students and professionals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Extra: ‘Perfection’
Vincenzo Latronico’s new novel ‘Perfection’ is a launchpad for Monocle’s associate editor, Grace Charlton, to explore ideas of materialism. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Supermundane, architecture and landscape and another instalment of our summer series
Artist, illustrator and writer Rob Lowe, also known as Supermundane, joins us in the studio for another instalment of our summer series. Plus: the team discusses the link between architecture and landscape.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Extra: Who was Lorenzo Homar?
The printmaker and poster designer is celebrated at the Poster House in New York in an exhibition that charts the pioneering work of the creative.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
‘Pictograms’ at Japan House and Robert Wilson
A review of the ‘Pictograms’ exhibition at Japan House in London. Then: we remember the late, great Robert Wilson. And: we kick off our summer series highlighting design essentials for the season. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Extra: Bora
We head to Portugal to meet João Xará, one of the co-founders of this design collective, to discuss why the group formed and the power of experimentation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
