14 years ago Murray Bell founded Semi Permanent: a curated event which opens up the dialogue of design to creative communities bringing people together to share experiences and collaborate. Originating in Sydney, Australia, the event now draws audiences in 12 cities and attracts an array of local and international guest speakers – this month the line-up includes leading design professionals from Google, Uber, Netflix, Airbnb, and more.
It all began in 2002 from a collective concept and according to Murray Bell, the power of collaboration is indispensable in Today’s industry: “A design website I ran with a friend had been asked to present at an event in Spain, and while there, I made it my mission to find the people from the main sponsor, Diesel, to thank them for the free clothes. When I connected with them, they said they were fans of the site and asked if there was a project we wanted to do together – which was Semi Permanent.”

We spoke with the founder about what to expect from this month’s event and why design-led thinking is shaping the world we live in.

Why do you think Semi Permanent has been so well received overseas? 
We’ve been collaborating and creating these experiences for and with the industry for nearly 15 years now, so we’re lucky enough to be trusted. We’re running a business, yes, but our motives are pretty clear that we’re here because we love design and creativity.

You encourage attendees to mingle with like­-minded people to open the doors for potential collaborations and partnerships. Explain the importance of this?
It’s essential. I think people are less interested in chasing that job title and a higher salary, and more interested in collaborating with like-minded people. The great part about design is that there is a huge amount of impact you can have. Look at companies like Airbnb, which was founded by designers – they are changing the game of how and where we live and also invented a whole new revenue model for people – all with design-led thinking. Think about Apple, Tesla etc. The list is getting longer.

What can the audience expect to take away from this month’s experiences and talks?
A lot of conversation and learning around the future of design, work, and community. We have a group of crazy talented designers from overseas and locally, who will be sharing insights and inspiring us.

I feel like there is a lot of things in motion right now, and when these things merge, life will change.

The lineup includes some of the biggest names in the design industry worldwide. Who are you most excited about? 
I’m most excited about the Future State panel discussions, which we’re working with Qantas on. We’re bringing together the Design Directors, Founders, Directors of Facebook, Uber, Netflix, Google, Ace Hotel, Teague, IDEO, Airbnb and more to unpack design in technology, environment, moving people and more. These people will be joined by some amazing individual talent like Del Kathryn Barton, Photographer Gregory Crewdson and Vince Frost.

One of the key discussions at these Future State sessions is where the industry might be in 10 years. Do you have a personal opinion on this? How do we prepare ourselves for what’s to come (for both business owners and people within one)?
This is really exciting. I think we’re going to see some big shifts not only through design but also when the next generation find their feet. I feel like there is a lot of things in motion right now, and when these things merge, life will change.
For starters, what are the two most expensive things we’ll buy – a home and a car. In the future, we won’t own cars on our own. We’ll share them, and they’ll communicate with one another, and tell us when to jump aboard, and help us get things all set up for the day. Homes are next. So if we don’t have to spend all our money on those things (you still will be able to if you want), then you will have all this extra money and a clearer mind to do the things you want to do – start a label, or a magazine, launch a startup.

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Photography Trevor King
Shot on Location at the Old Clare Hotel

By Oliver Grand