Past Event

London, UK

The last week in October 2025 marked a special moment; the very first WOD New Wave event, hosted at Gensler in London. It was more than just a launch; it was the beginning of a new chapter for the design community.

WOD New Wave is an initiative created for early-career designers, a platform to connect, share experiences and find a genuine sense of belonging within the fast-paced world of architecture and interiors. It’s about creating room for honest conversations, mentorship and mutual growth.

Our core team, Nadia Barakat, Chelsea Bernardez, Isabela Alves supported by Urszula Bytnar (WOD Ambassador) set out to build a community that champions emerging voices and celebrates the perspectives shaping the future of workplace design.

The launch discussion, “Growth vs. Stability in the Workplace,” brought together a room full of energy, curiosity and optimism. Guests including Stephen Drew (Architecture Social), Riku Rusanen (Nokia), and Chloe Farrell (Gensler) shared thoughtful insights on balancing ambition with recognition and the importance of purpose and connection in design.

As conversations flowed, one thing became clear, the next generation of designers is not just ready to participate, but to lead with empathy and curiosity.

 If you’re an architectural, interiors, or product designer at the start of your professional journey and looking for a community that supports and inspires you we’d love for you to join us at our next New Wave event.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who came along, shared their stories, and made this first event such a meaningful success. We can’t wait to see where this wave takes us next.