Announcement: Design Insider Ambassadors 2026

Design Insider is proud to officially announce the Design Insider Ambassadors 2026, a carefully selected group of leading commercial interior designers, architects, strategists, hospitality experts and industry voices helping to shape conversations across the commercial interiors sector.

Launched during Clerkenwell Design Week, the Ambassador programme marks an exciting new chapter for Design Insider, strengthening the publication’s connection with the industry and bringing influential voices closer to the heart of its editorial direction.

As an online magazine and media outlet, Design Insider exists to amplify the expertise of the global commercial interiors community through projects, products, people and thought-provoking editorial content. The Ambassador programme supports this mission by helping Design Insider explore emerging trends, spotlight innovation and create more valuable, relevant and engaging content for designers, suppliers, architects, specifiers and operators.

Each Ambassador brings a unique perspective from across workplace, hospitality, wellbeing, branding, culture, architecture and commercial design.

Full Ambassador profiles, their recent Design Insider articles and direct links to their businesses and LinkedIn profiles can now be explored on the Design Insider Ambassadors page.

Design Insider Ambassadors 2026

Ben Channon, Director, Buro Happold

Ben Channon is an architect, author, TEDx speaker and mental wellbeing advocate, widely recognised as a thought leader in designing for wellbeing. He is Director and Head of Inclusive Environments at Buro Happold, where he works with clients and design teams to create buildings and cities that better consider the needs of everybody. Ben is passionate about creating more inclusive environments and believes thoughtful, human-centred design has the power to positively impact wellbeing at every scale.

Ed Murray, Partner, Studio Moren

Ed Murray is an architect working at the intersection of design, culture and commercial reality in hospitality. His portfolio spans independent operators and global brands, from boutique hotels to complex urban developments, united by a belief that great hospitality design balances architectural clarity with guest experience and long-term value. At Studio Moren, Ed plays a central role in shaping projects, people and process, leading multidisciplinary teams with a collaborative and commercially informed approach.

Gurvinder Khurana, Director, M Moser Associates

Gurvinder Khurana is a Director at M Moser Associates with more than 20 years of design leadership experience across hospitality, retail and mixed-use environments. She oversees project design and delivery across the EMEA region, helping organisations rethink environments to drive sustainability, culture and impact at scale. Passionate about sustainability, wellbeing and diversity in design, Gurvinder is committed to helping shape low and zero carbon built environments while championing positive change across the industry.

Holly Hallam, Co-owner, DLSM Studio

Holly Hallam is Co-owner of DLSM Studio, leading the studio to create environments and brands that feel as compelling as they look. With a strategy-driven approach to luxury and lifestyle design, Holly collaborates with respected global clients to shape immersive and emotionally resonant experiences. Her work focuses on pushing beyond aesthetics to create spaces and identities that leave a lasting impact through storytelling, atmosphere and connection.

Imogen Woodage, Associate Director, SpaceInvader

Imogen Woodage is Associate Director at leading interior design studio SpaceInvader, where she heads up the consultancy’s hospitality offer for brands including Hilton, Marriott, Accor and Radisson Blu Hotels. Passionate about every stage of the design process, from concept creation to problem-solving and delivery, Imogen combines commercial expertise with a strong enthusiasm for creating environments people genuinely enjoy spending time in. Her work reflects a deep understanding of hospitality experience and the importance of places that connect emotionally with guests.

Jasper Sanders, Founder & Director, Jasper Sanders + Partners

Jasper Sanders is Founder and Director of Jasper Sanders + Partners, an award-winning Manchester-based interior design studio specialising in commercial residential interiors including BTR, co-living and PBSA. Since founding the practice in 2013, Jasper has built a reputation for innovation-led interiors that rethink architecture from the inside out. His work combines strategic thinking with bold creative direction, helping shape contemporary living environments that respond to changing lifestyles and expectations.

Jenny Crossland, Branding & Graphics Associate, SpaceInvader

Jenny Crossland is Branding & Graphics Associate at SpaceInvader, combining interior and graphic design expertise to bridge the gap between brand and space. Working across multiple sectors, Jenny helps clients express identity and values through environments, wayfinding, artwork and graphic treatments with clarity and impact. Her work reflects a strong understanding of how visual storytelling can shape the experience of both commercial interiors and hospitality environments.

Jonathan Aeberhard, Global Managing Partner, Halkyn/CCD

Jonathan Aeberhard leads Halkyn, CCD’s luxury interior design business across the EMEA region. With more than 20 years’ experience leading creative and design businesses, Jonathan brings a unique perspective on luxury hospitality design, combining commercial understanding with expertise in design-led value creation and global growth. His experience spans internationally recognised hotel and hospitality projects, helping shape distinctive guest experiences around the world.

Matt Nadilo, Associate Design Director, Blink Design Group

Matt Nadilo brings more than 15 years of international hospitality design experience to Blink Design Group. His portfolio spans luxury hotels, branded residences, restaurants and wellness spaces across the USA, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Rooted in narrative-driven storytelling and refined craftsmanship, Matt’s work focuses on creating immersive and memorable hospitality experiences that balance operational function with emotional connection.

Nigel Tresise, Director & Co-Founder, Align Design and Architecture

Nigel Tresise is Director and Co-Founder of Align Design and Architecture, bringing decades of experience across architecture, workplace strategy and placemaking. An RSA Fellow and member of the Sustainable Design Collective, Nigel is widely recognised for his thought leadership on workplace design, agile working and the future of work. His work spans architecture, interior design and urban regeneration projects across multiple sectors.

Pippa Nissen, Director & Co-Founder, Nissen Richards Studio

Pippa Nissen is a Director and Co-Founder of Nissen Richards Studio, a globally recognised London-based practice with more than 50 creative awards. Combining architecture and theatre design expertise, Pippa has shaped internationally acclaimed cultural projects for institutions including The National Portrait Gallery, The Courtauld Gallery, The British Museum and the V&A. Her work is celebrated for blending scenography, storytelling and architecture to create immersive visitor experiences.

Rita Bancroft, Co-owner, Bancmarketing

Rita Bancroft has more than 35 years’ experience in international marketing and is founder of Bancmarketing, supporting leading interior brands across wallcoverings, fabrics, flooring, and beds. Her expertise spans brand strategy, editorial, video content and industry discussion, alongside long-standing support for emerging talent within the interiors sector. Rita is also Vice President and Programming Director of NEWH UK and a regular contributor to Design Insider.

Sharon Grob, Global Business Development Lead, Oppenheim Architecture

Sharon Grob works at the forefront of luxury hospitality and residential design, leading global growth for Oppenheim Architecture. Her work focuses on creating destination-led environments that combine cultural resonance, commercial value and memorable guest experience through collaborations with leading brands, operators and developers worldwide. With more than two decades of experience, Sharon combines strategic business expertise with deep insight into the evolving luxury hospitality landscape.

Sophie Borel, Senior Project & Design Manager, Cheval Collection

As Senior Project & Design Manager at Cheval Collection, Sophie is passionate about crafting immersive guest experiences through elegant, purposeful design that balances creativity with commercial insight. She has more than 20 years of experience as an interior designer and project manager specialising in luxury hospitality. Born in France and having lived in Portugal and London, Sophie brings a global perspective to this evolving segment of the hospitality sector.

 

The Design Insider Ambassador programme reflects the diversity, ambition and collaborative spirit of the commercial interiors community. Through thought leadership, editorial collaboration and industry conversation, the Ambassadors will help shape the future direction of Design Insider and the discussions taking place across the sector.

If you are interested in becoming a future Design Insider Ambassador, or would like to learn more about the programme, please contact Alys Bryan at alys@designinsiderlive.com.

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About Alys Bryan

Alys is a knowledgeable design editor who is focused on instigating conversations, both online and in-person, with industry experts which challenge, educate and advance the commercial interior sector. Her training and 15 years of professional experience as a furniture designer for the commercial sector makes her uniquely placed to lead Design Insider as Editor
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