Habitat appoints Sebastian Conran as Designer in Residence Ahead of 60th Anniversary
26 October 2022
Thursday 27th October 2022: Since its revolutionary beginnings in 1964, Habitat has brought thoughtful and accessible furniture and homeware design to the UK. Continuing this legacy of democratising design, Habitat has announced a new era for the brand: a creative partnership with designer Sebastian Conran, son of the iconic brand’s founder, Sir Terence Conran.
Conran will oversee a collaborative Designer in Residence programme in the build-up to Habitat’s 60th anniversary in 2024.
Bringing his extensive design talent to the 22-strong in-house design team, he will advise on design, innovation and new product concepts, whilst inherently keeping heritage and reputation at the core.
The year-long partnership will also see Sebastian contribute to exclusive collections celebrating outstanding British design ahead of Habitat’s 60th anniversary.
Having studied Industrial Design Engineering at Central St Martin’s, Conran has a prolific background in design that began at a very young age.
“My father did not take me to football matches; he took me to factories where I remember his furniture designs being built before my eyes. I spent a major part of my career working with my father and he imbued me with a strong design ethos, to create emotional and tangible value in everything I design.”
Sebastian Conran
He founded his own successful studio, Sebastian Conran Associates, in 1986 and continues to lecture and judge on international design panels. From his first job in 1970 at Habitat Tottenham Court Road, his highly credible heritage, along with the strong family ties to Habitat, made him a natural collaborator to celebrate the brand’s future direction and thinking.
“Habitat was founded on the principle of democratising great design and it’s never been more important to make beautiful products for the home accessible and affordable for our customers. We are thrilled to have Sebastian on board to support us in achieving this mission.
“Our in-house design team includes creatives at the top of their game in areas such as lighting, print design, textiles, ceramics and furniture. Combining their expertise with Sebastian’s knowledge and vision offers a brilliant opportunity to create more new and exciting great value furniture and homewares our customers will love.”
Paula Nickolds, Commercial Director, General Merchandise at Sainsbury’s
“I saw my first design go into production whilst working as a design assistant for Habitat in the 1970s, so it’s incredibly exciting to have an opportunity to return and work with a talented design team at a brand close to my heart.”
Sebastian Conran
Habitat is Sainsbury’s main homeware and furniture brand and is available online at Habitat, Argos and Sainsbury's, as well as in selected Argos and Sainsbury’s stores and three standalone Habitat showrooms.
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ABOUT SEBASTIAN CONRAN STUDIO
Sebastian studied Industrial Design Engineering at Central St. Martins, where he gave the Sex Pistols their first booking and designed the record sleeves and posters for The Clash. After working at corporate identity consultancy Wolff Olins and leading hard-goods development at Mothercare, in 1986 he founded Sebastian Conran Associates design studio, which he continues to lead.
In 1999 he merged his studio with his father’s to become Conran & Partners, working with some major projects such as designing the interior of Concorde, cars for Nissan and a range called By Conran for Sainsbury’s.
Sebastian has taught furniture design at the Royal College of Art, lectures frequently, judges many international design awards (Audi, D&AD, Design Week, Dyson, Red Dot, RSA, etc.) and has written several books, articles and papers on design. An active member of many bodies, Sebastian has worked with many design and educational institutions.
Based in West London, Sebastian Conran Associates studio-workshop is a product design and development studio that focuses on creating charismatic retail merchandise and user experiences that are contemporary, innovative and satisfying.