10 top talks at Grand Designs Live
Where to find ideas and inspiration at the London show
Grand Designs Live 2022, the UK’s best self-build and renovation show, returns to NEC Birmingham for five days from Wednesday 5 October to Sunday 9 October. This year’s event features the latest in ideas, innovation and home project guidance. Visitors can find an array of exhibitors, experts and live talks, across four unique Project Zones; Build, Kitchens & Bathrooms, Gardens and Interiors.
This year, there are four live talk theatres, each with up to six talks a day. Here are 10 talks you don’t want to miss…
Please note that talks, times and participants may be subject to last-minute changes, so please check the information boards on arrival at the event.
1. Architecture & wellbeing in support of World Architecture Day 2022
05 Oct 2022
12pm – 12:45pm
Grand Designs Magazine Theatre
Broadcaster and Property Expert Kunle Barker will discuss Wellness Architecture – the practice of architecture that relies on the art and science of designing built environments with socially conscious systems and materials to promote the harmonious balance between physical, emotional, cognitive and spiritual wellbeing whilst regenerating the natural environment. Barker will be joined by Architects Ruth Grimshaw and Rob Glass.
Photo: Media10
2. Bang on style: Decorating a rental on a budget
05 Oct 2022
1pm – 1:45pm
Interiors Theatre
Join Deborah Stubbington to find out how to decorate your rental home on a budget using upcycling, DIY and savvy second hand shopping. Debs will share how she created a colourful, happy home in her rented property and ways you can add personality to your own without breaking the bank or your landlords’ rules.
3. Right to build: Kevin McCloud in conversation with Richard Bacon MP
05 Oct 2022
3pm – 3:45pm
Grand Designs Magazine Theatre
Help to Build is a government equity loan that is available to people in England who want to custom build or self-build their own home. Mr Richard Bacon, the MP for South Norfolk since 2001 and self-build advocate, was commissioned in 2021 by ex-Prime Minister Boris Johnson to lead a review on how to scale up the delivery of self and custom build homes, called The Richard Bacon review. Richard is joined by Kevin McCloud and broadcaster and property expert Kunle Barker.
Photo: Media10
4. How to create a timeless kids room
06 Oct 2022
3pm – 3:45pm
Interiors Theatre
Creating a timeless, yet practical space for children at home. Join the talk with Medina King, award winning interior designer and founder of MK Kids Interiors. The award-winning company specialises in fun yet functional bedrooms and playrooms for celebrities and dignitaries across the UK, Middle-East and Africa. MK Kids Interiors also take a keen interest in creating spaces for children with Autism, creating sensory rooms to ensure safety and development.
5. Are energy efficient & sustainable homes affordable?
06 Oct 2022
12pm – 12:45pm
Grand Designs Magazine Theatre
Join Writer and Property Expert Kunle Barker to discuss that while more recently constructed buildings tend to be more energy efficient, much of the existing building stock isn’t very energy efficient. This means that decarbonising existing building stock is now a priority if the UK is set to reach net zero by 2050. Particularly as most of the buildings we will be using in 2050 have already been constructed. Barker is Joined by a host of experts in the field.
6. How to use Pinterest to decorate your home
07 Oct 2022
2pm – 2:45pm
ufurnish.com Theatre
Jen Stanbrook is a digital entrepreneur running the top UK home interiors blog, Love Chic Living. The award-winning site shares inspirational yet achievable tips on creating a stylish family home. Jen is also a Pinterest marketing coach, was an early adopter in the UK and has over 1 million followers. As well as using it for homes research, she teaches creative businesses and brands how to use it as marketing and promotional tool. Jen is joined by the founder and CEO of ufurnish.com, Deirdre McGettrick.
7. Practical self-sufficiency with James Strawbridge
07 Oct 2022
3pm – 3:45pm
Grand Designs Magazine Theatre
We can all take steps to reduce our carbon footprint and be more self-sufficient. For some, that might mean upping sticks and living off the land. For the rest of us, the reality might involve smaller, but no less important, lifestyle changes: cutting back on plastic or food waste, growing vegetables, preserving meat and fish, preparing jams and chutneys, baking sourdough bread, making your own plant-based milks, or keeping a chicken or two. Speaking is sustainable living expert and chef, James Strawbridge.
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8. How to add character to a new-build
08 Oct 2022
1pm – 1:45pm
Interiors Theatre
An engineer by day and an avid DIY-er and interiors lover by night, Alexandra Lawson is on a mission to inspire people out of their comfort zone, try new projects and create a beautiful home in the process. Alex shares DIY projects, tutorials and home interiors inspiration. She’s passionate about showing others that creating a home doesn’t have to break the bank. Alex will outline how to add character to a new build without breaking the bank to create a home you love! She will share top DIY tips; favourite interior hacks & go-to retailers.
9. The Tool Club with Max McMurdo and Jess Grizzle in association with Silverline
09 Oct 2022
12pm – 12:45pm
Grand Designs Magazine Theatre
Fresh from Channel 4’s new DIY TV Show, the Tool Club, duo Max McMurdo and Jess Grizzle are coming to Grand Designs Live! Join the stars of the show as they talk about their experiences on Tool Club and teach us how to design, make, fix and upcycle. A lucky member of the audience will also have the opportunity to get hands on with some tasks themselves!
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10. What is V2G technology explained
09 Oct 2022
12pm – 12:45pm
Sustainable Future Theatre
James Walsh, CEO of Studio Anyo Architects discusses how V2G technology turns your car into an energy storage system and allows you to sell any excess energy stored in your EV’s battery back to the national grid. This not only makes you money but helps balance supply across the national grid when demand for energy is at its highest. So how do you adapt and what vehicles have adopted this technology so far. James will be joined by Helen Anthony.
