From Sydney to Copenhagen: Four Leading Creatives Share Essential Global Design Insights.

‘Design Horizons: Fresh Perspectives from Copenhagen to Sydney’ event brought inside conversation from 3 Days of Design home to Australia. The event took place in Sydney on August 7th at the Armadillo showroom. Photography by Fiona Susanto.

The gathering featured a panel discussion curated and led by Dana Tomić Hughes with three prominent Australian creatives and friends: Yasmine Ghoniem of YSG Studio, Nick Karlovasitis of Design By Them, and industrial designer Tom Fereday, all of whom participated in 3 Days of Design.

The central aim of the evening was to share the most inspiring, surprising, and insightful moments that were observed or showcased at 3 Days of Design, and to discuss how these insights translate back into the Australian context. The event emphasised the importance of gaining fresh perspectives from international design experiences.

The format was a relaxed, friendly, unscripted conversation that avoided the rigidity of a typical panel. So many LOLs, so little time… ;-)

Despite all the laughs, plenty of insights were shared. “Copenhagen reaffirmed that good design is about genuine connection and intimacy,” said Dana Tomić Hughes. “If there’s no trust (in collaborations), there’s no product or there’s no magic,” added Yasmine Ghoniem. “Australian design has a place on a global platform,” proclaimed Nick Karlovasitis. “Good collaborations allow you to create something perhaps greater than individually you might be able to do,” shared Tom Fereday.

When three of Australia’s most respected creatives returned from Copenhagen’s 3 Days of Design, they brought back more than just inspiration—they carried insights that could reshape how we view Australian design on the global stage. On August 7th, Armadillo’s Sydney showroom became the setting for ‘Design Horizons: Fresh Perspectives from Copenhagen to Sydney,’ an intimate gathering conceptualised by Yellowtrace that unpacked the most compelling moments from Denmark’s premier design festival.

With a friendly and insightful conversation led by Dana Tomić Hughes, the evening featured Yasmine Ghoniem of YSG Studio, Nick Karlovasitis of Design By Them, and industrial designer Tom Fereday—all fresh from their Copenhagen experiences. What emerged was a genuine exploration of how Australian design is finding its voice internationally, and why Copenhagen might just be the perfect stage for that conversation.

The Copenhagen Difference

Over its 13-year evolution, 3 Days of Design has grown from showcasing four brands to hosting over 400 exhibitors, yet it has maintained an intimacy that larger events often sacrifice. “It’s curated and of a consistent level of quality,” Nick explained, highlighting how the festival avoids the “lowest of lows” that can plague larger design weeks.

Dana remarked on its “lowkey” yet celebratory feel, where design is deeply “impregnated into the fabric of society” without overt fanfare. This allowed for a less “frazzled” experience for attendees.

What makes Copenhagen particularly compelling for Australian designers is the alignment of design philosophies. Tom noted this “alignment in aesthetics,” while Yasmine described feeling a “synergy between Australia and Danes.”

My First 3 Days of Design in Copenhagen Changed How I Think About Design Events.

Operating within Denmark's trust-based society during summer solstice, this event transforms the entire city into a living design experience. Dana Tomić Hughes shares her take.

Australian Design Finding Its Global Voice

One of the most significant takeaways from the evening was the growing international recognition of Australian design. Yasmine’s declaration that “Australian design is hot out there” wasn’t just enthusiastic optimism—it reflected genuine market interest and appreciation she witnessed firsthand. Her collaboration with South Australian hardware brand Bankston, which took two years to develop, found its perfect launching pad in Copenhagen rather than the obvious choice of Milan.

Nick’s perspective as a brand owner added another layer to this narrative. His main highlight was observing “more and more Australian brands and designers giving it a real shot” on the international stage. For Design By Them, which debuted in Copenhagen, showcasing work from 14 designers, including two new collections with Tom Fereday, the experience served as a crucial benchmarking. “Australian design has a place on a global platform,” Nick emphasised, reflecting a growing confidence within the local design community.

Tom’s multiple collaborations—with Armadillo, Design By Them, and Nau Design—demonstrated this international appetite for Australian creativity. His Armadillo collection, which used their Agra rugs as furniture inlay, explored innovative approaches to traditional materials.

The Art of Meaningful Collaboration

The evening’s discussion revealed collaboration as a central theme in successful design outcomes. Yasmine stressed the importance of “aligning your own values” and trust between collaborators, stating that “if there’s no trust, there’s no product or there’s no magic.” This sentiment was echoed by Tom, who views collaboration as an opportunity to “create something perhaps greater than individually you might be able to do.”

Nick, from the brand perspective, valued designers who understand his company’s identity while being willing to “challenge and push boundaries”. This dynamic creates the kind of productive tension that leads to exceptional outcomes—not just products that fill market gaps, but pieces that advance the conversation around Australian design.

Creating Connection at Home

Yasmine expressed her desire for Sydney to develop its own equivalent to Copenhagen’s intimate design celebration. “I don’t know why Sydney doesn’t have three days of something,” she reflected, adding that “Sydney’s really crying for it.” The power of gathering to share insights and foster connection within the design community was evident throughout the evening.

The Copenhagen experience had further emphasised how good design is “about genuine connection and intimacy”, as Dana noted. By bringing those conversations home to Sydney, ‘Design Horizons’ created the kind of dialogue that strengthens the local design ecosystem.

As Australian design continues to gain international recognition, events like this serve as vital forums for processing those experiences and translating global insights into local action. The recognition that “everyone’s success is shared,” as Nick emphasised, reflects a design community that’s moving beyond competition toward collective advancement.

The ‘Design Horizons’ event was hosted by Armadillo with the support of Bankston and Design By Them. Our proud partnership reflects a shared commitment to elevating Australian design globally.

From left to right: Tom Fereday, Yasmine Ghoniem, Dana Tomić Hughes and Nick Karlovasitis.

[Images courtesy of Armadillo. Photography by Fiona Susanto.]