On 29 May 2026, the Museum of Polish History in Warsaw will host the second edition of the Next Design Summit – the only conference of its kind aimed at interior designers, owners of design studios, team leaders, and representatives of the property development sector and premium brands working with the industry. The first edition attracted 580 participants, and over a thousand people purchased access to the online recordings. This demonstrated that the design community needs a bold discussion not only about aesthetics, but also about the economics of the profession and the future of the market. The spring 2026 edition goes a step further – with a more extensive programme, high-profile speakers and an expanded networking section, including an extended evening industry gathering.
Interior design is increasingly becoming a key factor in the value of a property investment – it influences clients’ purchasing decisions, the perception of the developer’s brand, and the quality of life for those using the space. As the scale of projects grows, so does the responsibility of designers: for cost estimates, for relations with investors, and for organising the team’s work. The transition from being an anonymous craftsman to a recognisable strategic partner is a process. It requires more than just good designs – it requires a consciously built brand.
The Next Design Summit responds to this shift by offering a curated gathering of decision-makers from the design and investment sectors – studio owners, team leaders, representatives of global firms, developers and innovators. Rather than inspirational slogans, it guarantees meaningful business discussions, the exchange of experiences and concrete directions that translate into company growth. The ticketed format in a high-quality venue creates an environment conducive to meaningful relationships and strategic-level collaboration, where design is treated not merely as aesthetics, but as a tool for growth and competitive advantage.
Confirmed speakers – high-calibre speakers and creators with a wide reach
The Next Design Summit focuses on the areas that, in day-to-day practice, determine a studio’s stability and growth: sales, client relations, finance, law, communication, new technologies and soft skills. The programme also incorporates the latest insights from neuroarchitecture, the psychology of space and inclusive design. Every element of the programme is designed so that a day set aside from the calendar is an investment – productive, concrete and capable of being put into practice the very next day. The Next Design Summit does not merely provide ‘momentary’ inspiration – it provides the tools to make better decisions.
The event format focuses on short, dynamic presentations and knowledge shared by practitioners, business leaders and experts who work with projects and budgets across various industries on a daily basis. This is professional know-how that is hard to find in traditional conference programmes or AI.
Speakers and topics:
JOANNA JURGA, spatial designer, neuroarchitecture expert | Neuroarchitecture and urban planning of the future
WOJCIECH PLONA, business consultant, financial strategist | Hourly rate: how to price your work?
DAGMARA BRZEZIŃSKA, sales leader, Vogue Polska podcaster | Organisational culture and team building
in a design studio
KATARZYNA KRASZEWSKA, interior designer, co-organiser of NDS | Commissions without taboos: how to regulate them in the market
HENRYK KWAPISZ, expert at the Association for Better Acoustics ‘Komfort Ciszy’ | Silence in space – how to design acoustically comfortable buildings
MARCIN P. STOPA, expert in neuroscience and neurotechnology in business and marketing | Neuromarketing and confident customer decisions
PAWEŁ PILARCZYK, technology journalist | Practical applications of AI in project visualisation
PAWEŁ TKACZYK, branding and marketing expert, creator of strong brands and author of industry publications | Interior design reimagined – how to restore the profession’s standing and gain authority
The event was initiated by Katarzyna Kraszewska – an interior designer, entrepreneur, and co-founder and board member of Deccore. It is organised by Deccore – a company providing technological solutions for the design industry in Poland.
The conference will be hosted by the editor-in-chief of GQ magazine, Olivier Janiak, who will provide a narrative linking the world of design with culture and business. The presence of the editor-in-chief of an international lifestyle magazine highlights the changing perception of design – as a field influencing not only aesthetics, but also lifestyle, consumer decisions and brand image.
The programme is being developed in collaboration with a Programme Council comprising practitioners – architects, interior designers and representatives of industry bodies – who have a clear understanding of the discussions currently lacking in the market. The members of the programme council are: Anna Kuk-Dutka, Piotr Łucyan, Nastazja Kropidłowska-Słaboszewska, Łukasz Michalski, Agnieszka Przewoźna, Agnieszka Wójtowicz, Ola Ziarek, Paweł Jurkiewicz, Bartosz Deka, Zofia Wyganowska and Katarzyna Kraszewska – co-organiser of NDS.
The 2026 edition – even more quality, even more coverage
Next Design Summit also features carefully designed networking – with ample space for building relationships and exchanging up-to-date knowledge between design studios, manufacturers and the investment market. In addition to a strong programme, May will bring you many warm moments within a community that can discuss the most important issues in a relaxed atmosphere. The second edition has been expanded to include an extensive networking area – with coffee breaks, a lunch break and a longer evening gathering in an open-discussion format.
For business partners, this is a model of cooperation free from the logistical and exhibition-related effort typical of trade fairs. The event does not require stand design, costly fittings or large sales teams. Instead, it offers a presence in an intellectual environment, access to a substantive programme, and the opportunity for direct discussions with designers and decision-makers – in a format that fosters quality relationships rather than chance encounters.
A prestigious location and the finest architecture
The event is once again taking place at the Museum of Polish History in Warsaw, designed by the WXCA studio. This is architecture that is not merely a backdrop, but an active participant in the experience. The monumental, minimalist structure with its distinctive, monolithic form plays with light, scale and materials, creating an atmosphere of focus and reflection.
Set against the backdrop of the Warsaw Citadel, the museum blends history with modernity, creating a space for dialogue between the past and the future – just as contemporary design blends tradition with innovation. For the design community, it is a natural setting for discussions about quality, responsibility and the direction of the industry’s development. A meeting in such a space allows one not only to hear about design, but to experience it in a tangible way.
Knowledge available all year round – an additional digital format
The Next Design Summit is designed as a knowledge platform, not a one-off event. That is why every edition is recorded in full in 4K quality and made available as a professional online package.
Participants and partners receive access to full recordings of the talks and an e-book containing the presentations and key takeaways. This is material you can return to at any time – when planning your studio’s strategy, valuing a project, discussing matters with an investor or onboarding partners. This format allows you to access the knowledge at your own pace and when you really need it – without time pressure and without losing any of the substantive value.
Online access also provides long-term exposure for partners and speakers. Their presence does not end with the final panel – the content lives on, reaching thousands more industry professionals and building brand visibility after the event.
Warsaw, Museum of Polish History
29 May 2026
Tickets: HERE
More information at: www.nextdesignsummit.pl Instagram Facebook LinkedIn
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