On Tuesday night, at the newly opened Armani/Casa boutique on Sloane Street, executive editor of Brummell magazine and Show Media CEO Peter Howarth chaired a panel discussion on the future of architecture and interior design. Peter was joined by interior designer Jo Hamilton, leading classical architect George Saumarez Smith and creative consultant and former editor-in-chief of Wallpaper* Tony Chambers.

Set within the unparalleled elegance of Armani/Casa’s London flagship boutique, diverse discussion topics included the impact of tech on industrial and domestic design, the importance of texture and comfort in the home environment, and making sure that the legacy of historical architecture and authentic design doesn’t get lost in the pursuit of the new.

In Tony Chambers’ view: “Human nature does desire more than just functionality… a desire to touch, and feel, and use the senses more and more… tempered with a knowledge, understanding and sensitivity to what is ‘modern’”. Jo Hamilton was keen to point out how a client’s own preference is increasingly taking precedence over the current trends: “In interior design through the years, there’s always been a real focus on a particular style, but now I’m finding that clients want to break the rules… now my first question is, ‘what do YOU want? What emotion do you want to feel when you walk into your home, and what does home mean to you?’”. George Saumarez Smith shared his view of architectural design on the world stage: “There’s a tension between the pull of global architecture brands, of wanting to get big names to do things, and at the same time a possible loss of identity specific to that place. In an increasingly globalised world we are becoming much more aware of local traditions and identity… there’s an interesting question of how we negotiate identity and design alongside increasing globalisation”.

One of the key pieces on display was the Logo Lamp, designed by Giorgio Armani in 1982 for his own office. The lamp was created some 18 years before Armani became the first fashion designer to diversify into interior design.

To find out more about Armani/Casa or to view the collection, visit armani.com/casa, or find the boutique at 37 Sloane St, Knightsbridge, London SW1X 9LP