Creative Director Rebecca Finney is invited as key-note speaker at Sheffield Hallam University ‘Future Now’ Mini Symposium Launch Event.

The Power of Collaboration

Creative Director Rebecca Finney represented the interior design industry at the Sheffield Hallam University’s Future Now Mini Symposium Launch Event. Speaking to a packed Dorothy Fleming Lecture Theatre, Rebecca addressed over 200 second-year Art and Design students, delivering an inspiring session that set the tone for the second term of the academic year.

Drawing from her own professional journey, Rebecca shared real-world experiences of working with clients and navigating the realities of the interior design industry. She spoke candidly about the challenges and rewards of creative practice – balancing commercial demands with design integrity, building strong client relationships, and remaining adaptable in an ever-evolving field.

Her talk focused on interpreting a brief with clarity and creativity, guiding students to uncover meaning, identify opportunities, and respond with purpose. The session marked the beginning of a collaborative, multidisciplinary project in which students were to respond to a shared theme. Working in cross-disciplinary teams, they brought together a range of perspectives and skillsets to promote innovation, fresh thinking, and collaborative problem-solving.

Rebecca was joined by a diverse panel of speakers including Paul McKee, Corin Mellor, and Alys Bryn, from sectors such as construction, sustainability, and furniture design. Together, they offered students a rich introduction to the breadth of the creative industries, sharing insights, sparking ideas, and encouraging a bold, exploratory approach to design.

Thanks to Senior Lecturer Dr Sally Billau at Sheffield Hallam University for inviting us to such a thought-provoking and energising event.