Morrama x London Design Festival 2025: From the Ground Up

Industrial design is the practice of meeting human needs by shaping materials, creating processes, and defining systems. As we face a climate and ecological crisis doing this alongside nature and not against it is ever more critical.

This exhibition explores how, by rethinking the materials we use, and the way we shape and distribute them, we rethink our very practice.

Allowing nature to lead the way, we are exploring materials built for regeneration, processes that reduce extraction, and systems to extend and improve the life of products and the resources from which they are derived.

We are inviting better practice, and opening up the pathways to a more responsible future where the value of our products, our lives and our planet are more closely aligned.

About us

Morrama is an independent industrial design studio, based right here in Hackney Depot. Our client roster includes both global corporations and innovation focused startups. No matter the project size, the intent remains; to design with purpose.

Get involved

Throughout the five-day event, visitors can explore five live examples of material innovation from the Morrama Lab and our collaborators, as well as join us for a series of talks and workshops.

For press tickets contact [email protected]

Access to the daily exhibition is free.

Tuesday 16th

16.30 - 18:00 Panel discussion:The challenges with scaling sustainable material innovation

A discussion around scaling sustainable material innovation, why there are no ‘drop-in’ solutions and how storytelling is key. This panel will touch on the topic of regulations, IP and the realities of bringing a new material to market.

Jo Barnard, founder of Morrama is joined by:

Liz Lee - co-founder and CEO of Carbon Cell

Insiya Jafferjee - co-founder and CEO of Shellworks

Jamie Stone - PA Design, Sustainability, Innovation Expert

Ben Melvin - Senior Lead at Morrama

18.30 - 21:30 Opening party & Book launch: Celebrating the launch of our new book, From People to Planet: Lessons from a Design Agency.

Join us for an evening of food and drinks, explore the exhibition and pick up a copy of our new book as we celebrate our opening night.

Wednesday 17th

16.00 - 17:30 Design Declares Workshop

A 1 hour immersive session aimed at those in both design and business exploring how we can reconnect with nature, bring people together and accelerate the transition to a more sustainable and regenerative future.

This is a collaborative workshop, where we will enourage you to meet and co-create with others, so come along, be inspired and leave with practical ideas and actions that you can implement straight away.

Session facilitators: Jo Barnard & Guy Naor.

Thursday 18th

8:00 - 10:00 OOO Run Club

After success in Milan during design week in April, the Out of Office Run Club is back. Join us for a relaxed 5km jog around Victoria Park followed by coffee, breakfast and friendly networking at Hackney Depot. Here you will also have the opportunity to explore our exhibition From the Ground Up.

Hosted by writer and runner Roddy Clark.

Sponsored by Hylo Athletics Shoes and Stance Socks.

Presented by Morrama and TDC PR.

(Running not compulsory, but we know you'll feel great for it.)

13.00 - 14.00 Book Ready & Fireside Chat

In the book From People to Planet, Jo reflects on the shift in approach she and the team now take to design having acknowledged the importance of using design for a better world. This conversation will reflect on the wider industry; what is shifting the dial on how we talk about and practice design and what can we do to accelerate this, both in our own businesses and across the profession?

Ticket holders get £5 off the book price, plus an opportunity to get your book signed by Jo.

Info: Join us for an evening of drinks to celebrate our opening night and get first access to our new book From People to Planet: Lessons from a Design Agency, written by Morrama founder Jo Barnard.

Info: An opportunity to explore our exhibit and ask questions from the Morrama team.

Info: Special Guest to be announced.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Hackney Depot, 5 Sheep Lane, London, United Kingdom