Silentnight Contract: Designing for a Changing Industry – and the People Driving It
The commercial interiors sector is shaped by changing client expectations, growing attention to wellbeing and sustainability, and a new generation of professionals bringing fresh perspective to the industry.
As sponsor of the Next Generation Awards 2026, Silentnight Contract is helping to champion the people who will play an important role in that future. Ahead of the event, we sat down with David Lawrenson, Sales Director at Silentnight Contract, to discuss the changing priorities influencing hospitality and contract environments, the value of investing in emerging talent, and why events like the Next Generation Awards matter for the wider commercial interiors community.
How is the commercial interiors sector changing right now, particularly within hospitality and contract environments?
We’re seeing a clear shift toward spaces that balance aesthetics with long-term performance. Operators are designing environments that not only attract guests, residents and students, but also stand up to intensive use and evolving expectations around wellbeing and sustainability.
Sleep quality is increasingly recognised as central to the overall experience, which is bringing specification decisions, particularly around beds and mattresses, far earlier into the design conversation, rather than at the end of the project.
Are you seeing a shift in what clients expect from spaces and how does that influence what you deliver at Silentnight Contract?
Clients are asking more informed and more strategic questions. It’s no longer just about how a space looks, but how it performs over time, from durability and compliance to sustainability and lifecycle value.
This has reinforced our focus on evidence-based specification, rigorous testing and sustainable product innovation, ensuring our sleep solutions support guest satisfaction, design intent and the operational realities for these spaces.
How is the next generation of designers and professionals influencing the way products and spaces are being developed?
The next generation is bringing a much stronger focus on wellbeing, flexibility and purpose-led design. There’s an emphasis on creating spaces that feel intuitive, comfortable and genuinely guest-centric – rather than purely aesthetic.
This aligns closely with how we think about sleep as a fundamental part of the built environment, not just a product within it.
Do you see differences in how younger professionals approach sustainability, design, or collaboration?
Sustainability is now often one of the starting points rather than a consideration later in the process. Younger professionals are also highly collaborative, comfortable working across disciplines and open to challenging established norms.
This mindset is encouraging more innovative thinking and stronger partnerships across designers, operators and suppliers.
How is Silentnight Contract evolving to meet these changing expectations both from clients and the next generation entering the industry?
We’re evolving by listening more closely to both our clients and the next generation coming into the industry, and responding with solutions that balance design, performance and responsibility. There’s growing expectation for products that not only look and feel great but are built to last, responsibly made and backed by credible sustainability commitments.
Becoming a B Corp has been an important part of that journey. It reflects our long-term commitment to doing business responsibly, from how we design and manufacture our products, to how we support our people, partners and wider communities. It also aligns closely with what we’re seeing from younger professionals, who are increasingly drawn to businesses with a clear purpose and transparency.
What have you found works well when bringing apprentices or early-career professionals into the business?
Giving people real exposure early on makes a big difference. Involving early-career professionals in live projects and client conversations helps them understand the industry quickly and builds confidence naturally. It also helps them feel part of the team from the start, rather than sitting on the sidelines.
How do you ensure they’re not just learning, but actively contributing and adding value early on?
We try to give people ownership where possible and encourage them to share their perspective. Those new to the industry often spot things others might miss or question established ways of working. That fresh thinking can be really valuable, both internally and in how we support our clients.
Why is it important for businesses to be in the room at events like the Next Generation Awards – beyond just supporting the nominees?
It’s about connecting with where the industry is heading. Events like this give businesses the chance to hear new ideas, understand emerging priorities and meet the people who will shape the future of commercial interiors.
How do evenings like this support relationship-building across the industry?
Outside of the obvious, well-deserved celebrations, these events create space for meaningful conversations outside of project timelines and commercial pressures. Bringing together designers, operators and suppliers helps foster partnerships built on shared thinking and long-term collaboration.
What advice would you give to businesses looking to attract and retain the next generation of talent?
Continue to create environments where people feel empowered to contribute early, collaborate openly and develop their skills. Investing in people and not just processes is key to building resilient, forward-thinking teams.
And what would you say to this year’s shortlisted nominees ahead of the event?
Being shortlisted is a fantastic achievement and a sign you’re already making an impact. Enjoy the experience, meet new people and take the opportunity to learn from others. The industry benefits from fresh thinking, and it’s exciting to see the next generation helping shape what comes next.
As our conversation with David Lawrenson shows, the future of commercial interiors will be shaped by businesses willing to listen, evolve and invest in the people coming through.
For Silentnight Contract, sponsoring the Next Generation Awards 2026 is a meaningful way to support that future, celebrating rising talent, encouraging industry connection and recognising the fresh thinking that will help define the next chapter of commercial interiors.
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