Our Story:
From Podcast to Global Influence
Founded in 2019 by Grant Gibson, Material Matters began as a critically acclaimed podcast, delving into the relationships between designers and materials. The show has since grown into a global movement, with over 640,000 downloads and praise from The Observer, Wallpaper, House & Garden, Elle Decoration, and Dezeen.
In 2022, the Material Matters Fair was launched, quickly becoming a flagship event within the London Design Festival, drawing over 6,000 trade visitors annually. The fair provides an essential platform for leading global brands, emerging designers, and material pioneers to showcase innovative and sustainable solutions.
Now an established international platform, Material Matters continues to drive engagement through a range of industry initiatives, including bespoke consultancy, thought leadership events, and strategic partnerships.
Material Matters Fair
A Global Hub for Material Innovation
Held annually in London and launching in Copenhagen in 2025, the Material Matters Fair showcases the latest advancements in sustainable materials, circular economy solutions, and experimental design.
2025 Locations:
Copenhagen (June 18-20) – Hosted at Gammel Dok as part of 3daysofdesignLondon (September 17-20) – New venue: Space House, a restored modernist landmark.
- Premier trade event attracting over 6,000 visitors & 300+ press/media
- Global brand exhibitors, including adidas, Humanscale, Camira, Hydro
- Innovative emerging designers & materials specialists
- Provocative talks programme, featuring keynote speakers and panels
- Highly engaged trade audience, with leading architects, designers, and specifiers
Material Matters Podcast
In-Depth Conversations on Materials
The Material Matters Podcast serves as the philosophical core of our platform, featuring in-depth interviews with leading architects, designers, and makers. Hosted by Grant Gibson, the show explores the intersection of materials, sustainability, and innovation.
- Winner: Best Podcast (Archiboo Awards, 2020)
- 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts
- Over 640,000 downloads worldwide
Consultancy & Special Projects
Tailored Brand Collaborations
Material Matters collaborates with brands, manufacturers, and design leaders to craft strategic content, marketing campaigns, and bespoke events.
Our expertise spans:
- Custom podcast series & content marketing
- Brand positioning & audience engagement strategies
- Event curation & strategic industry partnerships
Past collaborations include:
- The Future of Materials Symposium (3daysofdesign, Copenhagen 2023)
- Market-introduction campaigns & pop-up experiences
- Material-led consultancy for leading manufacturers
Meet the Founders
Grant Gibson - Founder & Editoral Director
Grant Gibson is an acclaimed design journalist, curator, and podcast host with an extensive background in the architecture and design industries. He has held senior editorial roles at Blueprint, FX, and the RIBA Journal and has contributed to leading publications such as The Observer, New Statesman, The Daily Telegraph, and Crafts Magazine.
With a career spanning over two decades, Grant has built a reputation for thought-provoking content and insightful industry analysis, shaping critical discussions around sustainable materials, design innovation, and material intelligence.
William Knight – Co-Founder & Director
William Knight is a renowned design industry leader, consultant, and event director with over two decades of experience in design curation, exhibition management, and strategic brand partnerships. He has held senior roles at the London Design Festival, Media 10 (where he directed 100% Design and Clerkenwell Design Week), and was previously Director of Dubai Design Week.
With a proven track record of developing high-profile design events and industry initiatives, William leads Material Matters’ global partnerships, content strategy, and event curation, ensuring the platform continues to drive innovation, engagement, and influence in the architecture and design industries.
Our Strategic Partners
At Material Matters, we collaborate with a diverse network of media, industry, and strategic partners to extend the reach and impact of our platform. These partnerships allow us to develop world-class content, curate engaging installations, and amplify key discussions on material intelligence, sustainability, and design innovation.
Our partners include leading design publications, global trade organizations, innovation hubs, and forward-thinking brands, all united by a commitment to advancing material-led innovation in architecture and design. We’re always open to new partnerships that align with our mission.
To explore partnership or sponsorship opportunities, please get in touch at hello@materialmatters.design.