Monday 25 November 2024
13:00pm - 17:00pm
STEAMhouse, Belmont Works, Cardigan St, Birmingham B4 7RQ
Join us for a hands-on workshop exploring the fundamentals of eco-friendly materials and sustainable credentials!
Join Olivia Aspinall at STEAMhouse Birmingham on Monday 25th November from 1-5pm for an engaging and interactive workshop designed for design professionals from all disciplines eager to enhance their work with greater materials knowledge.
This session will delve into the basics of material sustainability and circular design principles.
It’s tailored for anyone working with materials—from interior designers to product developers—offering a fun, explorative environment where you can ask questions and get hands-on experience with material samples. Perfect for those looking to start or deepen their understanding of sustainable design and gain confidence in sharing their knowledge with clients.
What will be covered:
Explore a Range of Materials: Get first-hand experience with materials that are leading the way in sustainable design. We’ll provide a variety of samples for you to examine, each chosen to illustrate key concepts such as working with waste, utilising bio-materials, and understanding material life cycles.
Understand Material Applications: Discuss how to select materials that are appropriate for specific uses, considering factors like longevity and potential for reuse or recycling.
Learn About Material Origins: Find out where different materials come from and how they are produced. This knowledge is crucial for making informed choices and for understanding the impact of these materials on our environment.
You will also be granted access to Olivia’s evolving digital material database after the event.
The workshop is designed for those who are just beginning their journey into sustainable design as well as those looking to update their knowledge base.
It’s perfect for anyone within the design field—whether you’re part of a large team or running your own business.
By the end of our time together, you’ll walk away with a foundational understanding that will enhance your confidence in material specification and help you lead conversations on sustainable practices.
Your Host:
Olivia Aspinall founded Do Not Go Gentle to challenge the prevailing narratives around sustainability in design, offering an empowering alternative to guilt-driven messaging. Olivia believes that positive change stems from knowledge and constructive action, aiming to inspire clients to be forces for good in tackling complex global challenges. Do Not Go Gentle is built on the conviction that design can shape a better future, providing clients with tools and insights to make sustainable choices confidently.
A Central Saint Martin’s graduate in textile design, Olivia spent eight years leading a successful surface design studio, crafting handmade materials and collaborating with brands, architects, and designers on both local and international projects. Her work has been featured in major publications like Frame and Elle Decoration, and in 2022, she deepened her expertise by studying sustainability in business at Cambridge. Olivia teaches interior design at Falmouth University, consults across sectors, and leads workshops both publicly and within industry, striving to drive sustainable impact across creative fields.
This session is part of the STEAMhouse Forward programme, which is fully-funded by the UK government through the UKSPF (UK Shared Prosperity Fund) to support Birmingham & Solihull businesses to innovate, collaborate and grow.
If you are not already a member of the STEAMhouse Forward programme, we’ll share details of how to apply prior to the event, or you’ll have the opportunity to sign up on the day.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus
The UKSPF fund is managed via Birmingham City Council and Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council.
