Dezeen has teamed up with Material Bank for a live panel talk next week in London exploring how its easy-access platform is changing the way that architects and designers specify materials.

Titled "Material Bank: it has never been so easy to source and sample materials", the talk will identify how the digital platform can support architects, designers and material manufacturers.

Material Bank is the world's largest marketplace for searching, sampling and specifying architecture, design and construction materials. The platform functions as a one-stop shop of material samples from hundreds of brands, allowing users to compare different products and keep track of their orders.

Samples from different manufacturers can be combined in single shipments, with next-day delivery as standard.

The conversation comes ahead of Material Bank's expansion into Europe this year, following success in the USA. First launched in 2019, the platform hosts over 500 manufacturers and is used by more than 100,000 architects and designers.

The panel will include Philippe Brocart, managing director of Material Bank Europe; Amy Marrocco, head of A&D sales at Autex Acoustics; and Perkins&Will's principal Adam Strudwick, and senior associate Maria Papadopoulou.

The conversation will be chaired by Dezeen's design and environment editor Jennifer Hahn.

Talking points will include the growing importance of material traceability, particularly in light of climate concerns, as well as the challenges of navigating product certification.

Philippe Brocart will discuss some of Material Bank's key innovations. The managing director joined the company in 2022, following nine years in a similar role for the French design fair and digital platform Maison&Objet.

Brocart is keen to build on Material Bank's growing audience in Europe, following acquisitions of UK company Clippings and US database Architizer.

"Material Bank has received incredible feedback from the design community in Europe," he said. "It is a significant advancement for the architecture and design industry, and we are beyond excited to bring positive change to this market."

Adam Strudwick, principal at Perkins&Will, and Maria Papadopoulou, associate and interior designer at the firm, will give insights into how the platform has impacted their design process.

Both have a wealth of experience across commercial interiors.

Strudwick has spent the past 20 years working on interior architecture projects that range from retail and branded environments to corporate interiors and commercial building repositioning. He has worked for clients in multiple sectors including technology, financial and professional services across Europe, Asia and the US.

Papadopoulou joined Perkins&Will in 2013, following six years of experience in Athens, and was promoted to associate in 2019 after impressing with her interior design skills.

Amy Marocco will speak on behalf of Autex Acoustics, a UK-based manufacturer of acoustic panels and insulation, whose products are among those listed on Material Bank.

The talk is taking place at the Autex Showroom in London in front of a live audience. To sign up, please submit this form.

"Material Bank: it has never been so easy to source and sample materials" and a drinks reception takes place on 24 May from 6 to 9 pm at Autex Showroom, 61-67 Old Street, Level 5 Roof Terrace, EC1V 9AJ, London, United Kingdom. See Dezeen Events Guide for an up-to-date list of architecture and design events taking place around the world.

Partnership content

This video was produced by Dezeen as part of a partnership with Material Bank. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.