Architects & Interior Designers

In-house creative teams are redefining what great brand work looks like. This session explores how Monzo built a world-class creative studio from within, establishing clear creative vision, strong craft standards, and a talent model that allows creativity to lead, not just execute. Great in-house creativity depends on strong internal partnerships. Coral shares how Monzo’s studio works across marketing, product, and external agencies, building trust, designing processes that protect quality, and navigating organisational complexity without compromising creative ambition. **Event Overview** In this fireside chat, Coral Garvey, Creative Director at Monzo Bank, offers a candid look at building and scaling a high-performing in-house creative studio. **01 - Building a World-Class Creative Studio from Within** What it takes to establish the right foundations for an in-house studio, from defining creative vision and craft standards to designing talent architecture that scales. Coral shares how to move beyond a service mindset and build a team that leads creatively, not just executes. **02 - Making Creativity Work Across the Business** How strong in-house studios partner effectively with marketing, product, and external agencies. Learn how trust is built internally, how processes are designed to protect creative quality, and how to navigate organisational constraints without dulling creative ambition. **03 - Culture, Craft, and Scaling Without Losing the Edge** An honest look at the realities of growth, what breaks, what needs rebuilding, and how to maintain a safe, high-output creative culture as expectations rise. From early missteps to momentum-building moments, this is a behind-the-scenes view of creativity at scale. **Speakers** **Coral Garvey - Creative Director, Monzo** Coral Garvey is a multidisciplinary Creative Director from NYC, now based in London, working at the intersection of brand, product, and culture. She is currently Creative Director at Monzo, a leading global fintech bank, where she leads brand strategy and creative execution across design, writing, marketing, and product. Coral has been instrumental in building Monzo’s internal Creative Studio, establishing global brand systems, and directing integrated campaigns, product launches, and experiential work, while embedding brand thinking directly into the product experience and supporting international growth, including the US market. Previously, Coral was Creative Director at Depop, helping scale the platform into a global Gen Z cultural force, and Chief Creative Officer at Playground, an experiential Web3 platform. Her work spans global brands including Adidas, Diesel, and Under Armour, with a practice rooted in culturally driven storytelling and bold creative leadership.

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/make-a-french-mattress-cushion-16/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/make-a-french-mattress-cushion-16/) **⋆⋆⋆** **How to make a French ‘Mattress’ cushion** Have you admired the latest hand-sewn cushions that are featured in a lot of Interior decor magazines? In this 1 day weekend course, you will create a 50cm x 55cm x 12cm sample French cushion using materials from sustainable resources. You will be introduced to the necessary materials and techniques needed to make this type of cushion, including choosing the right fabric, measuring and cutting, sewing techniques, and stuffing methods. The workshop will teach you step-by-step how to create your own, including how to identify the different types of materials that can be used to make one. You will learn how to select the right fabric, including considerations such as texture, weight, and durability. Next, you will be introduced to the techniques involved in measuring and cutting the fabric, including how to create a pattern, and how to ensure that the cushion will be the right size and shape. You will also learn how to sew the pieces together, using traditional upholstery techniques. This project crosses the techniques of home furnishings and upholstery By the end of the weekend, you will have gained an understanding of the materials and techniques involved in making a beautiful and comfortable French cushion. You will have the skills and knowledge needed to create a unique and personalized cushion that will add elegance and charm to any room

Learn how to build websites using AI and start your own web design business - no experience needed. Includes training, tools, and a 12-month opportunity. Official partner: Tide Bank \| Powered by Brand Backie and a custom AI website builder\. **This isn't just a course. It's a business opportunity.** We'll show you how to: * Build websites using AI tools * Start and grow your own web design business * Find and sign up paying clients * Get your entire business system set up for FREE for 12 months (conditions apply) *** **PLEASE READ EVERYTHING BEFORE BOOKING** *** **WHAT MAKES THIS DIFFERENT** This course was created by the people who actually built the tools you'll be using: * **Brand Backie** — an AI marketing tool that helps you promote your services and find clients * **Custom AI Builder** — a brand new AI website building platform that lets you create websites without writing any code We also work with **Tide**, a business banking platform that gives you the proper banking setup to run your business legally from day one. We didn't just study this stuff — we built it, we use it, and we'll show you exactly how it works. *** **WHO IS THIS FOR?** This is perfect for you if you: * Have no background in web design or tech * Want to earn money online * Are thinking about going freelance or starting a small agency * Want to learn AI tools and "vibe coding" (building with AI instead of writing code) *** **WHAT YOU'LL LEARN** * How to find businesses that need a website * How to reach out to potential clients and get them interested * How to build a professional website using AI — fast * How to deliver your work in a clean, professional way * How to set up and run your own agency *** **WHAT YOU GET** * Hands-on training with AI website building tools * Access to a custom AI builder with built-in lead generation features * A step-by-step plan to launch your agency * A chance to qualify for up to 12 months of free access to the full system *** **THE OPPORTUNITY** By the end of the session, you'll know exactly how this business model works and whether it's the right fit for you. If you decide to move forward, you'll be guided to open a Tide business bank account. This is the banking layer you need to legally operate your agency. You'll deposit a small amount (usually around £100) into your own account to get things up and running — this is your money, not a fee. Once that's done, you'll get: * Up to 12 months of free access to the full AI agency system (conditions apply) * Ongoing support as you get started * Full access to the website building and lead generation tools * A clear action plan to land your first clients *** **WHY COME?** * Start a real online business from scratch * Learn a skill that can generate income * Build websites in minutes, not days * Get clarity on how to find and sign your first clients * Leave with tools and a plan you can act on immediately *** **FORMAT** In-person, practical workshop *** **SCHEDULE** * 4:00 – 4:20 PM: Welcome and overview * 4:20 – 4:50 PM: How to get clients (beginner-friendly system) * 4:50 – 5:30 PM: Live AI website building demo * 5:30 – 6:00 PM: Q&A and next steps *** **ARRIVAL - Be on Time!** This is a structured session - everyone starts together. Please arrive on time. If you're more than 15 minutes late, you won't be able to join, as it's disruptive to the other attendees. *** **LOCATION** Sierra Quebec Bravo, Canary Wharf, London. Ask reception when you arrive and they'll point you to the right room. *** **WHAT TO BRING** * A laptop (recommended) * A willingness to learn and take action *** **IMPORTANT** The 12-month free system access is offered to eligible participants based on their commitment and suitability. *** **BOOK YOUR SPOT** If you've been thinking about starting something for yourself, this is a great place to begin. Spaces are limited — register now. Follow us to hear about future workshops.

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/intro-to-traditional-upholstery-evening-37/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/intro-to-traditional-upholstery-evening-37/) ⋆⋆⋆ **KEY PROJECT: TRADITIONALLY STITCHED AND SEWN EDGED FOOTSTOOL** *All of our upholstery classes are for absolute beginners. It doesn’t matter which one you choose to take first. Each technique that is offered is part of all the processes that every upholsterer has to learn.* 6-week workshop. Thursday nights. 6:30pm – 9pm. A perfect course for a beginner. Jumpstart your knowledge of traditional upholstery skills and methods. Over six Thursday evenings, experienced upholsterers will guide you through the wonderful world of upholstery and help you build a fabulous footstool using traditional methods. You can leave your project at the centre in between classes. Before the advent of foam in the middle of the twentieth century, the only way to make wooden seats more comfortable was to build up layers using available materials. Our small fabric footstool (above) is built from layers of woven webbing, hessian, vegetable fibre, animal hair and calico and is sewn with specialist needles and stitches. Although this method is more labour-intensive than the modern method of using foam, it is much longer lasting and preferred in more expensive pieces of furniture. This is the method used in many traditional chair seats, so once learned, you can apply this method to your own projects. We provide everything for the workshop, from the wood frame to the set of natural beech wood legs that are included for you to paint or stain as you wish. Choose from our selection of top fabrics, or bring your own. You will need about a metre of fabric and you will not need it until the final class. The use of all tools and materials is included. We also have a selection of specialist upholstery tools and all the materials that we use in our workshops for sale at the Goodlife Centre for you to continue your new hobby at home. Beginners welcome. This course is run on a Thursday evening over 6 consecutive weeks. 6:30pm – 9:00pm

**We will be at The Mitre pub in central Greenwich.** **This meetup will start half an hour earlier than usual, as we need to finish half an hour earlier to give the pub the room back for another meeting.** This meetup is free and casual. We just sit around for a few hours and write together. Bring a laptop, or use a pen and paper or clay tablet and stylus if that's what works for you. The structure of the session is roughly: 2pm: chat 2:20–3:25: writing time 3:25: chat/coffee break 3:40–4:45 writing time 4:45: chat But our Saturdays are very casual, so feel free to drop in and out. **This is usually in the meeting room at the Mitre. If you arrive a bit later, you may need to ask the bar staff to show you through to the room.**

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/lino-block-printing-4/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/lino-block-printing-4/) **⋆⋆⋆** **Suitable for:** Suitable for beginners. No prior experience is required. **About:** Spend a day learning to cut a lino block, ink up and print onto fabric. On this one day workshop you will gain an introduction to the lino printing technique onto fabric. You will create your own one color lino print on fabric, an artwork ready to hang on your wall or perhaps as a gift for someone. Taking inspiration from natural objects, plants and images provided and learn to free your hand and mind with the process of mark making itself. Katharine will guide you through the process of carving your own piece of natural linoleum which you will then ink up and print onto your prepared piece of fabric multiple times using a brayer roller. You will make your own creative decisions as you go with as much or little guidance as you need, while always bearing in mind mistakes can lead to positive and new outcomes!

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/make-a-piped-cushion-60/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/make-a-piped-cushion-60/) **⋆⋆⋆** For everyone who would love to make their own cushions for seats and sofas. The perfect way to fit out your camper van or jazz up your shed. Whether it’s a square scatter cushion or an elegant piped boxed cushion, learn the process in our one-day weekend workshop. If you are not confident with a sewing machine, we suggest you make the square scatter cushion. During the day you will be able to sew your creation to make either a 40cm piped, square cushion or a square 3” deep 35cm piped boxed cushion to take home. An expert upholsterer will guide you through the process of cushion-making to ensure a crisp fitted result. Master the techniques of measuring, marking and cutting accurately to maximise fabric use and how to pattern match. Learn how to make piping using bias-cut strips and piping cords. We will also show you how to fit a zip along one side so you can take your cover off for washing. All materials (including hypoallergenic cushion pad or foam pad) are provided and you will be able to choose your fabric from a small selection we have at the centre. You may bring a metre of your own soft furnishing fabric if you choose. Please make sure to avoid velvets, stretch or satin as these are more suitable to an advanced learner. A linen-weight fabric is ideal. We have well-maintained domestic Janome and Bernina machines to learn on. These workshops are kept to a small number and everyone has a dedicated machine. If you would like to build up confidence with a sewing machine first, we suggest our one-day ‘[Intro to Machine Sewing](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/intro-machine-sewing/)’ workshop. Book early to ensure your space.

Schedule: * Introductions and Disclaimers * Topic for the week * Sharing circle(s) * Wrap up Code of Conduct: 1. No bigotry of any kind (racism, sexism, ableism, etc.) 2. Treat others how you want to be treated 3. Prioritize listening, ask for permission before providing solutions to problems 4. Stressful topic may be convered, strive to maintain a positive mental attitude

Calling all foodies and gardening enthusiasts! Join us for an exclusive **Sip and Learn** event where you'll get to taste fresh, live herbs while learning how to grow your own food indoors year-round. 🌱 **Clift** will demonstrate how easy it is to grow more than **75 pounds of food** every year using **LED grow lights**—all from the comfort of your home. Whether you live in an apartment or have limited outdoor space, this event will show you how you can maximize small areas to grow delicious, pesticide-free produce. ### **What to Expect**: * **Live Herb Tasting**: Sample fresh herbs like basil, mint, and thyme, and discover their flavorful uses in your favorite dishes or drinks. * **Grow 75+ Pounds of Food**: Learn how you can grow your own fresh food year-round indoors with minimal setup. * **Indoor Gardening Benefits**: From saving on grocery bills to having pesticide-free herbs and vegetables at your fingertips, we’ll cover the perks of indoor gardening. ### **Why Attend?** * **Perfect for small spaces**—no backyard needed! * Gain expert tips on indoor gardening and sustainable food production. * A fun, engaging way to explore the benefits of fresh herbs and veggies for your meals. * Connect with like-minded individuals passionate about urban farming and sustainability. **How to Join**: Simply RSVP here to secure your spot! Bring your favorite drink or meal to pair with our live herbs. 🌿 Don’t miss out on this chance to sip, taste, and learn! Visit **[indoorgardenmarket.com](https://iwantagreenthumb.com)** to learn more, and RSVP now for a fun afternoon of herbs, learning, and indoor gardening! Thank you, Clift --- Chief Community Grower at indoorgardenmarket.com

Real estate deals are all about adding value, whether you’re renting and holding, fixing & flipping, (or wholesaling). But let’s be honest, not every property you look at is one you’ll close on. So how do you figure out renovation costs without wearing out your contractor? This meeting will teach you how to confidently estimate renovation costs from the comfort of your home AND how to ballpark costs quickly and effectively, saving time for yourself and your contractor while making smarter decisions on which deals to pursue. If you’re ready to take the guesswork out of renovation estimates, this is for you! **Event Details:** **• Date:** May 7, 2026 * 6:00pm ET — Sign In for Registration * 6-6:05pm ET — Introduction * 6:05pm-7:30pm ET — Training * 7:30pm-8:00pm ET — Q&A **• Location:** 1900 Campus Commons Dr #100 Reston, VA 20191

Join Service Design DC for a community movie night focused on learning, reflection, and connection through two keynote presentations from last year’s Service Design Global Conference. SDGC25 brought the global service design community together around the theme “Business Transformation by Design,” exploring how service design can influence strategy, operations, and customer experience across organizations. For this gathering, we’ll watch 2 selected talks from SDGC25, then open up a casual group discussion about what resonated, what feels relevant for our work now, and what these ideas might mean for service design practice in DC. The 2025 conference centered on service design’s role in helping organizations navigate cross-functional transformation, making these talks especially relevant for practitioners working across systems, teams, and change. **What to expect** * Watch 2 selected presentations from SDGC25 together. * Casual facilitated discussion after each talk. * Time to connect with other service design and adjacent practitioners in the DC area. **Evening Agenda** 6:00 P.M. - Doors Open + Socializing & Networking 6:30 P.M. - First talk highlights + conversation 7:15 P.M. - Second talk highlights + conversation 8:00 P.M. - Wrap up **Many thanks to our host and sponsor, MediaBarn!** *Mediabarn’s customer-centric philosophy defines who we are.* *In its simplest form, we are committed to applying Human-Centered Design (HCD) methods to understand customer needs, collect feedback, and use that feedback to improve services and products. Whether it’s for customers, citizens, or employees, our Experience Design Studio creates research-informed designs to improve the experience of every human involved.*

**You may have heard other investors, gurus and financial planners discussing the virtues of owning rental properties.** And it is definitely true that a portfolio of GOOD rental properties can provide lifetime income and financial security. But what really makes a GOOD rental property? What should you expect from your rental portfolio and how do you manage it for maximum return on minimal effort? We will also deep dive into the BRRRR strategy and show you how it can help you build massive wealth. BRRRR stands for: * Buy * Rehab * Rent * Refinance * Repeat We'll cover those points and more with real examples and data at this month's meeting. Come for training, stay for the networking! ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ **Did you miss it?** [Watch all GRID Reston event playback on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOTh5kxLLJI1G3VH6Pqhlhu0uTA8yrdpi) ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ **Join the GRID Facebook Community** [Join the online GRID community here](https://www.facebook.com/groups/gridinvestor) to post deals, ask questions, and connect with other investors across the globe.