The Society of Interior Designers Singapore (SIDS) returns with its annual design festival, SIDFest 2025, running from 15 September to 4 October 2025. Supported by the DesignSingapore Council (Dsg), this year’s festival is curated under the theme, “Design in Dialogue: The Collaborative Convergence”, and is a community event of Singapore Design Week 2025.
The expanded fifth edition of the festival is structured into three core pillars: the flagship SIDS Design Convention, a series of specialised Design Symposiums, and an immersive Overseas Mission Design Exchange Expedition (DEX). SIDFest 2025 places a special emphasis on empowering interior design professionals and students to navigate pressing business challenges and future-proof their careers through upskilling. The programme is curated to bridge critical gaps between education and industry, traditional practice and technological innovation, and creative vision and regulatory frameworks.
“The role of the interior designer has evolved dramatically. Beyond designers of spaces, we are partners contributing to business success, human well-being, and technological integration. SIDFest 2025’s theme, “Design in Dialogue”, is a direct response to this evolution. It is our commitment to equipping our design community with the collaborative mindset and future-ready skills necessary to lead in a complex global landscape,” says Tung Ching Yew, President of SIDS.
Festival Highlights
1. SIDS Design Convention: Global Expansion Strategies for Design Businesses
Date: 17 September 2025
Venue: The Ngee Ann Kongsi Auditorium & Foyer, National Gallery Singapore
As Singaporean design businesses mature, many are looking to regional and global opportunities. This convention brings together leaders from established international firms to share insights on strategic growth, branding for global audiences, and operational models for sustainable expansion. The session aims to empower local studios with the tools and partnerships to confidently navigate global frontiers.
Speakers:
- Clint Nagata, Founder and Creative Partner, Blink Design Group
- Tulsi Grover, Founder, re.vorG
- Sabine Beck, Partner, Hirsch Bedner Associates
- Andy Fisher, Managing Director, Andy Fisher Workshop
2. Design Symposium Series
FIND x SIDFest 2025 Design Symposium: Closing the Gap: Integrating Design Education with Industry Practice
Date & Time: 13 Sep 2025, 9am – 12pm
Venue: Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Level 1, Hall B
Examine how global design trends and cultural influences are being adapted and reinterpreted in local contexts.
Symposium I: Smart Interiors: Embracing Digital Innovation in Spatial Design
Date & Time: 19 Sep 2025, 2 – 6pm
Venue: Lixil Experience Centre
Explore the integration of smart lighting, automation, and AI-powered solutions into spatial design to create intuitive, connected, and responsive user experiences.
Symposium II: Designing for Well-being: Health and Wellness in Interior Spaces
Date & Time: 22 Sep 2025, 2 – 6:30pm
Venue: Daikin Auditorium
Delve into biophilic design, sensory engagement, and inclusive environments that enhance mental, emotional, and physical wellness in our homes, workplaces, and communities.
Symposium III: The Impact of Emerging Technologies on Interior Design Practice
Date & Time: 24 Sep 2025, 2 – 6pm
Venue: Admira Showroom, The Library
Understand the rapidly expanding toolkit—from real-time rendering to generative AI—that is transforming design processes, enhancing creativity, and redefining client interactions.
3. Overseas Mission: Design Exchange Expedition (DEX) to Bangkok, Thailand
Date: 1 – 4 October 2025
An immersive expedition for delegates to engage with Thailand’s vibrant design scene, fostering cross-cultural collaboration and uncovering new market insights.
Eric Ong, Chairman of SIDFest 2025, adds, “We have curated a programme that provides actionable insights. Whether it is about regional expansion or integrating smart tech into projects, our goal is for every attendee, from student to studio principal, to leave with tangible skills and a renewed strategic vision.”
SIDFest 2025 is a must-attend event for interior design professionals, architects, educators, and students who are passionate about shaping the future of space.
Information on tickets and the full festival schedule are available at sidfest.sg.
