Design Café – meetings for designers and architects

At Wise Habit, we support designers and architects in creating conscious, responsible solutions. We stand for design that shapes a conscious and sustainable world. We aim to build bridges between design and education, research and implementation, technology and craftsmanship, innovation and caring for the planet. We do this by organizing projects and events that connect diverse creative and professional communities.

We're now introducing a new meeting format – Design Café. It is a space for exchanging knowledge and experiences for specialists and innovators from the world of architecture, design, science, and business, as well as artists and representatives of NGOs. We are organizing it in collaboration with Architektura-Murator, a monthly magazine that has shaped the Polish architectural discourse since 1994. We share a common goal: to raise awareness of thoughtful design and expand the horizons of the industry.

Knowledge + relationships

Design Café is a monthly meeting that tackles the most important topics related to design and sustainable development. We start with an expert panel discussion and conclude with a networking session, creating opportunities for meaningful connections. And all of this over high–quality coffee from COFFEE PLANT – because we believe in the power of rituals and mindful moments that allow for unhurried conversations.

A new level of dialogue

When designing the format of the series, we started with a conversation about... conversations. Together with Artur Celiński, the editor–in–chief of "Architektura-Murator", we reflected on how to conduct a dialogue that allows us to truly listen.

We have opted for interdisciplinary exchange of perspectives. We address topics that matter today while encouraging forward–thinking discussions. We aim to create a space built on respect, where every opinion is valued. We have invited experts from Poland and Europe whose voices will be heard in a broad, interdisciplinary context. We have prepared thought–provoking questions that inspire both substantive and creative discussions, blending theory (design philosophies, current trends) with practice (technologies, materials, processes).

As Marcelina Plichta-Wabnik, CEO of Wise Habit, summarizes: "Our guests embrace sustainable thinking but come from diverse industries, which allows us to view topics from multiple dimensions. We are creating a space for open debate, where we don't have to agree, but we want to work together to find solutions."

Themes shaping the direction

We have identified six key areas that will shape the thematic direction of our meetings.

We will open the series with a topic closest to our mission – Inclusive Design: Designing for Community and People. Together with experts, we will explore how to replace barriers with solutions that integrate, support and connect. We will look for various pathways to inclusivity – from product design through architecture and new housing models to supporting technologies.

The second meeting will revolve around Art & Design: Designing for Social Value and Art in Design. We will discuss how to integrate art with design and architecture to enrich the cultural dimension of spaces and objects. We will begin with a provocative question: does contemporary blending of art and design increase accessibility or, on the contrary, diminish its significance?

Next, we will focus on Longevity Design: Designing for Longevity. How do we create adaptive solutions that last generations? We will examine this from two perspectives: spaces designed for different life stages and products with extended life cycles. Our discussion will explore how to enhance well–being and make conscious use of resources.

The next meeting will center on Neurodesign: Designing for the Senses. Drawing on the latest neuroscience research, we will discuss how spaces can be shaped to support mental and physical well–being. We'll explore whether understanding the relationship between the brain and design can help designers and architects create better and more accessible projects.

Following this, we will dive into Benefit Design: Designing for a Better World. In a reality where social responsibility is increasingly important, we'll analyze the values of B–Corp certification in the context of design brands and architectural firms. How can we apply them in practice to create products and services that are good for people, business and the planet?

We will close the first half of the series with Regenerative Design: Designing for Renewal, where we'll seek answers to how design can help restore balance – to nature and ourselves. We will explore nature–inspired design that minimizes waste and supports resource regeneration while enhancing a high quality of life for people.

Inspiration and implementation

We believe in the power of conversation, but we don't stop at analyzing things. We challenge conventional thinking, question industry norms, and ask unconventional questions – but most importantly, we seek solutions. Our goal is for every participant to leave the meeting with a vision of concrete actions they can implement in their design practice. We aim to provide knowledge that fosters agency.

As Marcelina Plichta-Wabnik, CEO of Wise Habit, states: "We want to examine every topic through the lens of solutions. Our aim is not just to inspire action but to provide practical knowledge that enables the implementation of sustainable and conscious design models."

Be part of the community

After each panel discussion, we invite you to join the networking session – a space for building new connections, exchanging experiences and finding potential collaborators. It is also an opportunity for mentoring and showcasing specific implementations or products that directly address the challenges discussed. We believe this will transform our Concept Store into a living lab of innovation, where ideas translate into action.

Let's meet over coffee

Join us – ask questions, share knowledge, build relationships. Together, we can shape the future of the industry and inspire broader change.

Check our event calendar and get ready for creative conversations!