Leading professionals shape DesignTalks 2027

DesignTalks is the opening event of DesignMarch and has for many years provided a platform for international and Icelandic dialogue on progressive design, architecture and society. Designers, architects and creative thinkers come together to share new ideas, projects, solutions and experiences.

Iceland Design and Architecture has appointed an artistic team of leading professionals from different fields of design to shape the theme, content and creative direction of DesignTalks 2027.

The new format places an emphasis on bringing together knowledge, experience and connections from across the design and architecture community, creating a strong foundation for an inspiring and diverse programme. The team’s work builds on the excellent work of Hlín Helga Guðlaugsdóttir, who has now stepped aside from her role as Artistic Director of DesignTalks.

„DesignTalks has been a leading platform for progressive dialogue around design and architecture. We wanted to open up the process and bring new and diverse voices and perspectives into the shaping of the programme. The artistic team brings a wealth of experience, knowledge and connections, which we hope will be reflected in a diverse and engaging programme, while further strengthening the dialogue and connections between Icelandic design and the international design community,“ says Halla Helgadóttir, CEO of Iceland Design and Architecture.

The team consists of Anna Clausen, stylist and artistic director; Jón Helgi Hólmgeirsson, product designer, musician and Programme Director of the MA Design and New Environments programme at Iceland University of the Arts; Magnea Þ. Guðmundsdóttir, architect and founder and owner of STIKA; Nils Wiberg, interaction designer and co-owner of Gagarín; and Sigurður Oddsson, Design Director at Aton.

The team works across different fields, with the aim of ensuring that DesignTalks reflects the broad spectrum of design and architecture and creates a platform for dialogue that extends beyond the design community itself. The goal is for DesignTalks to be not only a source of inspiration for designers and architects, but also for people from different fields of society who are working to shape visions and solutions for the future.

DesignTalks 2027 will take place at Silfurberg, Harpa Concert Hall, on Wednesday, 7 April 2027.

The DesignTalks Artistic Team

Anna Clausen

Anna has worked in the fashion industry for many years as a stylist and creative director, collaborating with international fashion publications including Vogue and Dazed & Confused. She studied at London College of Fashion and currently teaches in the Fashion Design department at Iceland University of the Arts. Anna has also been involved with DesignMarch in recent years, including as creative director of the festival’s 2026 fashion programme at the Nordic House and Young Talents of Fashion.

Jón Helgi Hólmgeirsson

Jón is a product designer, musician and Programme Director of MA Design and New Environments at Iceland University of the Arts. His work often explores the intersection of design, technology and music, and he has previously served as Head of Design at music technology company Genki Instruments. His recent projects include Hljómkassar, a series of speakers made from Icelandic materials, developed together with Halldór Eldjárn and nominated for the Icelandic Design Awards in 2024. Jón Helgi is a recipient of both the Icelandic Design Award and a Red Dot Design Award.

Magnea Þ. Guðmundsdóttir

Magnea is an architect and the founder and owner of architecture studio STIKA. Her work spans a broad range of projects in architecture and planning, from urban design and spatial planning to buildings and exhibition design. For many years, she has been an active voice in professional discussions around the built environment, architectural quality and the social responsibility of design. Magnea has contributed to discussions on urban design on Víðsjá on Rás 1 and has previously spoken at DesignTalks.

Nils Wiberg

Nils Wiberg is an interaction designer and partner at Gagarín, where he has worked since 2009. His practice explores the intersection of design, communication and technology, and he has also taught and led workshops in interaction and future-oriented design, including in collaboration with MA Design & New Environments at Iceland University of the Arts and Design Academy Eindhoven. Nils has contributed to numerous award-winning exhibitions and experiential projects by Gagarín, both in Iceland and internationally.

Sigurður Oddsson

Siggi Odds is an award-winning multidisciplinary designer and Design Director at Aton. He has worked both in Iceland and New York, where he lived for a number of years. His work includes branding and design projects for Apple, Saint Laurent, Equinox and Atmos Magazine. His practice has spanned a wide range of disciplines and projects over the years, earning him numerous international awards and recognitions.

Have a speaker in mind for DesignTalks? We welcome suggestions at info@honnunarmidstod.is.

Early bird ticket sales for DesignTalks begin 2 November on tix.is and harpa.is.