Dorridge Design Day celebrates regional creativity and regeneration

Hosted by Solus managing director Ryan Bennett, the second edition of Dorridge Design Day brought together over 100 leading voices from the Midlands’ luxury residential design sector for a day of conversation, connection, and collaboration.

Held at the Forest Hotel in Dorridge, the event served as a vibrant platform for architects, interior designers, residential builders, property developers, and product  manufacturers to explore how high-quality materials and thoughtful design can shape the future of modern living across the West Midlands and Warwickshire region.

The afternoon began with a Product Discovery Session, giving attendees a chance to engage with the latest finishes and materials influencing luxury architecture. This was followed by a powerful panel discussion on regeneration in the West Midlands, moderated by Ryan Bennett.

Speakers included Maggie Grogan (Muse Midlands), Andy Street (former WMCA Mayor), Ryan Gormley (Fabric Design and Build), and Conor Nolan (Building Brum), who examined how design and development can unlock growth, opportunity and long-term community value.

A curated selection of exhibitors added depth and variety to the day, with each bringing specialist insight into luxury residential living.

As main sponsor, Solus (a Birmingham-based tile supplier with nearly 30 years of experience) led the way in showcasing innovative surfaces that elevate design at every scale.

They were joined by a dynamic line-up of brands including Sanipex Group, DM&Co, Veritais, The Kitchen Gallery, Ripples, ScanTech, Joal Interiors, Bellagio Stone, The Window Centre, Pride in Gardens, EH Smith, Staging-rooms, and EnerGym.

Together, the exhibitors created an immersive, hands-on experience for attendees, reinforcing the Midlands’ position as a hub for high-quality design expertise.

The day concluded with informal networking over Prosecco and delicious food prepared by the chef lead team at the Forest Hotel, celebrating the creative spirit that defines the region.

A scale model of Solihull’s Mell Square, provided by Muse and Howells, proved to be a particular point of interest, sparking rich conversation around local reimagination and placemaking.

Reflecting on the success of the event, Ryan Bennett commented: “I’m absolutely delighted with how Dorridge Design Day has grown. It’s been wonderful to welcome friends, neighbours, and peers to my own doorstep for a day of meaningful discussion about the future of design in our region.

“Events like this show just how much talent and energy there is here in the Midlands, and how collaboration at a local level can lead to real impact across the wider community.

“Across the Midlands there is an exciting confluence of significant commercial, residential and infrastructure construction projects which will create jobs and opportunity for all of the local businesses who are willing to get involved.

“I believe that these Midland’s “mega” projects can act as a catalyst for local construction projects of all sizes and ambitions, and we will continue to focus on this huge opportunity at future Dorridge Design Day events”.

With a significant rise in guest attendance and growing social media engagement, Dorridge Design Day is quickly becoming a key date in the Midlands design calendar.

Planning is already underway for the 2026 edition, which promises new voices, new ideas, and even more opportunities to connect the local design community.