The design world is constantly evolving, and the New Designers 2026 exhibition at the Business Design Centre in Islington showcased some of the most promising talents of the year. The event was a treasure trove of creativity, featuring young designers who are pushing boundaries and redefining the industry with their innovative and sustainable creations.
Among the myriad of projects and designs, five designers stood out for their originality, craftsmanship, and clarity of ideas. Their work not only showcased their technical skills but also their deep understanding of the environmental and social challenges facing the world today.
Aeryn Ingram: Functional and Sustainable Furniture
Aeryn Ingram presented the Borra bedside table a piece of furniture designed with sustainability and functionality in mind. Aeryn explained how many students move frequently and often end up with cheap, disposable furniture that ends up in landfills. To address this issue, she created a bedside table that can be easily disassembled and repaired as needed.
The Borra bedside table features two sliding shelves that can be lifted on and off, allowing the unit to be reconfigured to suit individual needs. The aluminium recesses can be powder-coated to match the decor of the room, making it a versatile and long-lasting piece of furniture. Aeryn’s design is a testament to the power of sustainable design and the importance of creating products that can be easily repaired and reused.
Anan Mohamed: Multi-Functional Furniture for Small Spaces
Anan Mohamed introduced the Flip coffee table and side unit a multi-functional piece of furniture designed for small, well-designed spaces. The Flip reimagines furniture for compact living, switching between a side unit and a coffee table with ease.
Anan’s design features rounded edges, eliminating the risk of bruises from sharp corners. The lightweight structure is achieved through a paper honeycomb sandwich design, making it easy to move and switch up the space as needed. Anan’s innovative approach to furniture design has earned her special recognition from Habitat, highlighting the growing demand for versatile and space-saving solutions.
Alexandra Theobald: Thoughtful Pain Relief Design
Alexandra Theobald presented the Thérelle a handheld hot and cold therapy device designed to provide pain relief in a comfortable and reassuring form. Alexandra’s design is the result of extensive ergonomic research and rigorous safety considerations to ensure effective relief without risking burns or cold injury.
The Thérelle’s thoughtful design and attention to detail have earned Alexandra the George Poynton Award. Her work demonstrates the importance of ergonomic design and the potential for innovative solutions to improve quality of life.
Anna Orford-Morgan: Tactile and Vibrant Illustrations
Anna Orford-Morgan showcased her striking illustrations and handmade shelving, bringing a vibrant and tactile energy to the exhibition. Her work features large, characterful cut-out illustrations, including a detailed stag beetle, an elegant heron, and a big black bear. Anna’s quirky, asymmetrical handmade shelf adds a unique touch to her display.
Anna’s craftsmanship is characterized by a real warmth and storytelling quality, making her work a joy to behold. Her ability to create pieces that evoke a sense of nostalgia and comfort has made her a standout talent in the design world.
Tomos Morgan: World in Miniature
Tomos Morgan presented the Barnbeez Academy Diorama a highly detailed miniature diorama of a fictional academy. Tomos created each element in Blender before 3D printing and hand-painting each piece, demonstrating remarkable care and craftsmanship.
The Barnbeez Academy Diorama is a testament to Tomos’s tenacity and attention to detail. His work reminds us that great design is sometimes about creating curiosity, storytelling, and joy. Tomos’s innovative approach to miniature design has earned him recognition as one of the most promising talents in the industry.
The New Designers 2026 exhibition was a celebration of creativity, thoughtfulness, and optimism. The work of Aeryn Ingram, Anan Mohamed, Alexandra Theobald, Anna Orford-Morgan, and Tomos Morgan showcased the potential for design to address environmental and social challenges while also bringing joy and beauty to our lives. As the design world continues to evolve, these emerging talents are sure to play a significant role in shaping its future.
