Rachael served as Partnership Manager for the 22nd edition of the London Design Festival, which took place from 13–22 September 2024.

As part of the core Festival team, Rachael was responsible for liaising directly with each participating partner, supporting the development and delivery of their contributions, and ensuring alignment with the Festival’s wider vision. These partners ranged from individual designers and emerging studios to leading institutions and global creative organisations, all contributing to a vibrant and diverse nine days of design activity across the city.

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The 2024 London Design Festival underscored its global stature with over 1.5 million visits across 372 events citywide. Spanning 11 design districts - including Shoreditch, Mayfair, and Chelsea - the festival featured landmark installations by renowned names such as Marshmallow Laser Feast, Nina Tolstrup of Studiomama, and POoR Collective. Major brands like Fortnum & Mason, Johnnie Walker, and Mattel collaborated on immersive projects, while the Material Matters Design Fair at Oxo Tower Wharf showcased sustainable innovation from 55 exhibitors. LDF24 reaffirmed London’s role as a dynamic hub for global design.

“As one of the world's premier design events, LDF showcases the diversity and dynamism of the global design community while highlighting London's pivotal role as a hub of creativity”.

Photography: Ed Reeve

Rachael extends her thanks to SME News for the recent nomination and subsequent award in the Greater London Enterprise Awards 2024. She was recognised in the category of Best Business Strategy Consulting Firm 2024 – East London, reflecting her continued dedication to supporting design-led businesses through strategic, creative, and purpose-driven consultancy.

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“In its eighth year, SME News’ mighty UK Enterprise Awards programme has landed again to remind us of the outstanding excellence sweeping across the UK. Our winners stand tall with their strong values, which make up the very cornerstone of the region as a whole. Prioritising respect, innovation, excellence, and tireless hard work, our awardees have truly triumphed in their realms.

SMEs such as these act as a buttress for their wider industries while maintaining a personalised, client-focused approach. Our winner’s overall sizes vary and their tenacity is unwavering, making them a brilliant force in the corporate landscape not simply in the UK but across the globe." – SME News

In May 2024, Rachael curated and delivered a London Design Festival event that brought together members of the design community at the iconic Aram showroom and gallery in Covent Garden.

The setting was particularly significant, as Aram was celebrating its 60th anniversary as a leading design business, having recently launched a new gallery space and a special limited edition of the Wassily chair by Marcel Breuer.

The event welcomed over 200 guests, including design professionals, global brand representatives, and delegates from leading institutions.

Attendees gathered to connect and exchange ideas while enjoying maritozzi and savoury snacks from Forno, wines from Sustainable Wine Solutions (Borough Wines), gin and tonics from Tanqueray, and drinks from Lemonaid & ChariTea. The evening marked another successful moment of creative dialogue in the lead-up to the September Festival.

In January 2024, Rachael worked as part of the London Design Festival team to deliver a successful industry event at the Vitra showroom in the Tramshed, Shoreditch.

Designed to bring the design community together ahead of the 2024 Festival, the evening welcomed over 200 attendees - including design professionals, creative leaders, and business owners from London, across the UK, and internationally.

The event served as an informal launch point for conversations and collaborations in the lead-up to London Design Festival 2024.

Guests enjoyed drinks from New Theory wine and Loah Beer, with refreshments from Gail’s Bakery helping to fuel the evening's energy. The gathering marked an inspiring and energising start to the creative year.

Photography by Kiran Gidda

In September 2023, Rachael travelled to Shanghai on behalf of London Design Festival, as part of a wider initiative to strengthen cultural and creative ties between London and Shanghai under the “design friendship cities” programme.

Her visit was hosted by the extended teams at Shanghai Design Week (SHDW) and the World Design City Conference (WDCC), offering an opportunity to explore the city’s design landscape and participate in discussions around international collaboration.

Shanghai joined the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in 2010, earning the title of “Creative City of Design.” SHDW made its debut in 2022 and has since become a key platform for showcasing design-led urban development and innovation.

Organised by the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Economy and Information Technology, SHDW serves as a multidisciplinary design event and platform that visualises an inclusive, integrated, and forward-looking vision for the city.

During the visit, Rachael also attended the Shanghai Gala, a major red-carpet event that marked the launch of the “A New Vision of Design” exhibition. The gala celebrated Shanghai’s global fashion and design influence, further reinforcing the city's position as one of the top ten fashion capitals of the world.

The experience marked a significant highlight in Rachael’s ongoing international work within the design industry.

Rachael served as Partnership Manager for the 20th and 21st editions of London Design Festival.

Working as part of the core Festival team, she played a key role in managing and delivering partnerships across Design Districts, stretching from Shoreditch to Park Royal, and Brompton to Mayfair. The editions brought together hundreds of partners, including individual designers, studios, cultural institutions, and global creative organisations.

Rachael was responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with each partner, supporting them in realising their vision for the Festival and ensuring their contributions aligned with its broader objectives. Her role encompassed strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and partnership activation, making a significant contribution to the Festival’s continued growth and impact.

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“London and Design go hand in hand. It is part of our story. London Design Festival is a platform for hundreds of design stories to be told. Each of them talks to an expanding audience hungry for design ideas and enjoying the quality and diversity of what’s on offer. It all confirms London’s status as the global centre of design". – Ben Evans CBE

If Not Now, Then When? podcast was founded by Rachael in 2020, and created to inspire individuals to take meaningful, timely action in both life and work.

Through open, thought-provoking conversations, the podcast explores themes like creativity, identity, leadership, and navigating change. Guests have included creative icon Camille Walala, reality TV personality and entrepreneur Miles Nazaire, award-winning Architect and the first female to solo motorcycle across the world Elspeth Beard, and senior voices from global brands like Adidas - each bringing unique insight into what it means to build a life and career with purpose.

Since launching, the podcast has built a community of listeners drawn to its reflective tone and grounded inspiration. Rachael’s approach creates space for authentic dialogue around the realities of growth and creative risk.

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www.inntw.co.uk

If Not Now Then When? events are designed to help creatives build meaningful relationships and make lasting friendships, rather than simply collecting business contacts.

The events are intentionally casual, with short talks that aim to uplift and inspire. The focus is on fostering a supportive environment where attendees can believe in themselves and their potential, rather than comparing themselves to others.

Some of the top speakers at these events include renowned industry leaders such as Tom Dixon, Marianne Shillingford, Tom Raffield, Daniel Schofield, Sebastian Cox, Katie Greenyer and more...

By creating a space for open dialogue and connection, INNTW encourages personal growth and creative collaboration, empowering individuals to feel confident in their entrepreneurial journeys.

www.inntw.co.uk

In 2020, Rachael Hymas, through If Not Now Then When?, launched the INNTW Toolkit, a series of concise, accessible articles aimed at empowering creative entrepreneurs to build their businesses.

The Toolkit offers practical advice and insights drawn from Rachael’s personal experiences and expert input from her network. It addresses common challenges like self-doubt, focusing on the importance of overcoming procrastination and staying true to one’s passions.

The goal is to inspire and equip individuals to confidently pursue their aspirations without fear of failure, creating a supportive community for creative professionals.

Supported by Minotti London.

www.inntw.co.uk

In September 2023, Rachael Hymas was invited to represent London Design Festival as a guest speaker in a panel discussion hosted by Hart Shoreditch during the Festival.

The event was held in partnership with London-based artist and illustrator James Daw, whose installation transformed the hotel’s public spaces into a multi-sensory experience.

The panel centred on the theme of immersive design, exploring how thoughtful collaboration and creative input can elevate hospitality environments. Discussions included the role of design in shaping guest experience, the intersection of art and interior design, and how storytelling can be embedded in spatial identity.

The event was chaired by Hamish Kilburn, Editor of Hotel Designs Magazine, with panellists including ceramic artist Will Martin, Jessica Morrison of GA Design Group, artist James Daw, and Lina Zakzeckyte, General Manager of Hart Shoreditch.

Rachael acted as the Relationship Manager for London Design Biennale 2023.

Her role primarily focused on the inaugural Eureka! exhibition, which launched as part of the 2023 edition at Somerset House, London. In addition to overseeing stakeholder engagement for this new initiative, she also worked alongside the team curating the official Design Summit, held at Chatham House - the Royal Institute of International Affairs - in 2022.

Rachael’s involvement spanned relationship building, coordination with international participants, and supporting the Biennale’s mission to foster global design collaboration.

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“Established in 2016 by Sir John Sorrell CBE and Ben Evans CBE, the London Design Biennale is a leading international platform for design-led innovation and cross-cultural collaboration. As part of its 2023 edition, the Biennale presented Eureka!, a showcase of interdisciplinary research from UK institutions including Cambridge University, King’s College London, and the Royal College of Art. The exhibition explored critical themes such as ageing, urban planning, social equity, colonial history, and the cultural significance of our oceans, demonstrating how academic research can inform impactful design solutions.”

Photography: Iona Wolff

Rachael had the privilege of being part of an innovative and deeply personal project that explored themes of repair, memory, and design.

‘R for Repair’ kicked off during Singapore Design Week and landed at the V&A Museum for the 20th anniversary year of London Design Festival. The ‘R for Repair’ exhibition explored how creative repair can both preserve meaning and breathe new life into our possessions. ‘R for Repair’ was presented by DesignSingapore Council, National Design Centre and the Victoria and Albert Museum and this second edition was curated by Jane Withers Studio and Hans Tan.

For Rachael, the project centred around the restoration and modification of a 1961 Taron Chic analogue camera, originally released in Japan, and belonging to her grandmother. The camera was cherished for its sentimental value, symbolising her grandmother’s adventurous life of travel with her husband in a camper van between 1986 and 2008.

Architect Syafiq Jubri was tasked with mending the mechanical fault in the camera’s gear assembly. To add new meaning to the object, he went beyond simple repair, introducing a rotating mirror to capture ‘blind spots’ and a feather that ‘tickles the light’, giving the photographs a spontaneous character. This modification became a symbol of how repair can inject new value and meaning into everyday objects.

The mirrored aspect, enhancing the idea of "looking back," was particularly fitting given the camera's role in capturing memories.

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This exhibition invited reflection on why we hold on to possessions and how repair can transform an object, imbuing it with new layers of meaning and history.

Rachael, founder of If Not Now Then When? (INNTW), was honoured to be featured in the US-based Tangents Podcast.

The episode highlights the importance of networking and how genuine connections can open doors. Rachael shared her personal experience of transitioning from architecture and the unexpected opportunities that arose from embracing change. Although Rachael is yet to meet the Out Of Architecture team in person, she looks forward to continuing these meaningful relationships.

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In the episode, Rachael discusses:

How INNTW was created to help individuals transition into creative roles.

The diverse opportunities architecture can offer beyond the field itself.

The power of networking and mentorship in reshaping a career.

Overcoming fears, self-doubt, and using them as growth tools.

The value of being open to new opportunities and defining success on your own terms.

The conversation offers valuable insights on personal and professional growth, proving that career transitions can be an exciting and fulfilling journey.

Tangents Podcast - Episode 08
Thanks to Silvia, Jake, and Erin for the opportunity to share this story.

Rachael was invited to speak at the V&A Museum as part of the Global Design Forum during London Design Festival.

The panel discussion centred on design hybrids and the value of transdisciplinary practice, exploring how design increasingly operates beyond siloed disciplines and benefits from collaboration across varied fields.

Rachael shared insights into the power of non-linear career paths and how fluidity between creative sectors can lead to innovative outcomes.

She was joined by fellow artists and designers Tine Bech, Post Carbon Lab, and Carl Robertshaw Design, with the panel expertly moderated by Katie Popperwell and curated by Margaret Cubbage.

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“The Global Design Forum is a curated thought leadership programme, celebrating design and the minds shaping its future.”

Rachael was invited by DNA Partners to attend ‘Designers Saturday’ in Oslo, Norway, and visit Fora Form’s inspiring showroom. Founded by Alice Breed, DNA Partners is an agency that represents brands with shared values around sustainability, craftsmanship, and the power of meaningful design.

Fora Form, one of Scandinavia’s leading furniture manufacturers, is renowned for its focus on equality, trust and creating furniture that enhances meeting culture and collaboration. Rachael was particularly drawn to two standout pieces: the Dwell chair, with its enclosed, comforting form inspired by 1920s and 30s design, and the Senso sofa system by Anderssen & Voll, which balances openness with privacy and addresses acoustic needs in modern workspaces.

Designer’s Saturday offered a brilliant platform to discover cutting-edge design, connect with creative peers, and enjoy the vibrant city of Oslo!

Rachael was invited to chair a new series of talks for The London Society, exploring the evolving nature of work in a post-COVID world.

Founded in 1912 by a group of visionary Londoners concerned with the capital’s planning and development, The London Society is dedicated to everyone who loves and shapes the city.

As part of the series, Rachael was joined by Jorge Mendez, Javier Navarro, and Alex Johnson to explore the perspective of the next generation of the workforce - school children.

The discussion centred around a project in which students used the popular game Minecraft to design their ideal future workspace. This imaginative exercise sparked a broader conversation about how we will communicate and interact with the built environment in years to come.

Rachael was invited by Oxford Brookes University to speak as part of their ‘Creative Industries Festival 2021’.

Hosted by the Oxford Brookes Creative Industries Research and Innovation Network, the month-long festival featured a series of virtual seminars, workshops, and panel discussions addressing the pressing challenges and opportunities facing today’s cultural creators.

The programme brought together practitioners, researchers, and policy-makers across fields including music, film, visual arts, and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.

Rachael joined a panel conversation focused on opportunities for deeper engagement within the creative industries.

The discussion explored how the sector can evolve to support students and professionals in staying current, how real-world experience can enhance course content and skills development, and how collaboration can drive innovation.

The article, written by Rachael Hymas and featured in Elle Decoration UK, offered strategic guidance for creative entrepreneurs looking to establish and grow their businesses.

Titled “How to Kick-Start Your Creative Business,” the piece shares key insights from the If Not Now, Then When? (INNTW) toolkit - a platform founded by Rachael to support individuals turning creative ideas into viable ventures.

The article outlined five foundational steps for early-stage entrepreneurs: building a digital network, selecting an effective and memorable business name, developing a business plan, recognising and valuing one’s skills, and cultivating a positive, resilient mindset.

Written during the challenges of lockdown, the piece positions Rachael as a trusted voice in creative entrepreneurship, offering practical, accessible advice grounded in real-world experience. It serves as a strong example of her ability to distill complex ideas into clear, actionable strategies for emerging founders.

Rachael was honoured to be invited as a guest judge for the 2019 Gordon Russell Prize, thanks to the generous invitation from William Hands Furniture and Rycotewood Furniture Centre.

The competition challenged students to explore the increasingly blurred boundaries between work and home life by designing and crafting furniture suitable for production, inspired by the act of working from home.

Rachael was particularly impressed by the creativity and craftsmanship displayed by all participants. Special congratulations go to Paul Lippard, whose exceptional entry earned him the well-deserved first prize.

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The Gordon Russell Design Museum continues to support emerging talent through initiatives like the Ray Leigh Design Award, which encourages students to create small craft objects for batch manufacture. Winners not only receive a prize but also have the opportunity to sell their designs in the museum's shop .

Rachael became a weekend volunteer at Restoration Station, a social enterprise based in Shoreditch, London, which supports individuals in recovery from addiction by teaching them valuable skills in woodwork and furniture restoration.

With a strong belief in the transformative power of craft, Rachael’s involvement focused on helping the enterprise grow, thrive, and work towards profitability for the first time. Her regular presence in the shop and commitment to its mission have contributed meaningfully to its development.

A high-profile visit from HRH Prince William, brought welcome attention to the initiative’s work, and further highlighted the importance of creative, skills-based rehabilitation programmes.

Rachael was honoured to be invited to take part in the centenary celebrations of the Bauhaus - an iconic institution that has profoundly shaped modern design.

As part of the experience, she had the rare opportunity to stay in the original Bauhaus building itself, an unforgettable highlight in her design career.

The Bauhaus, founded by architect Walter Gropius in Weimar, revolutionised design thinking in the 20th century. Its philosophy sought to unify artistic expression with industrial production, combining aesthetic integrity with everyday functionality. The school's influence can be seen across modernist architecture, product design, typography, and graphic arts.