Material Matters with Grant Gibson

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Bonus episode: Algae, sustainability and systems design with Rebecca Lawson of Aesop and Jessie French of Other Matter

July 31, 2026

Can algae reshape a global beauty brand's material future? In this special summer bonus episode — recorded live at Aesop's Copenhagen store during 3daysofdesign — Grant Gibson is joined by Rebecca Lawson, Aesop's head of sustainability, and multi-award-winning artist and designer Jessie French, founder of Melbourne-based studio Other Matter.In this episode, we dive into the collaboration between a heritage skincare brand and a pioneer of algae-derived polymers. We discuss:The P...

Designing for Survival with Harry Blakiston Houston of Insulate Ukraine

June 02, 2026

Can a $21 window help a nation survive a war? Harry Blakiston Houston, founder of Insulate Ukraine, joins Grant Gibson for this landmark 150th episode to discuss how a simple double-layer window — made from PET and manufactured entirely in Ukraine — is helping families stay warm, creating local employment, and offering a sense of normality in a country shattered by Russia's invasion. In this episode, we dive into what 'material intelligence' looks like when designing under the ...

Hella Jongerius on craft, industry and the power of imperfection

May 26, 2026

Can imperfection reshape modern industry? Hella Jongerius — one of the most influential designers of her generation, and one of the field's sharpest critical voices — joins Grant Gibson to discuss craft, colour, and her enduring fascination with the messy edges of mass production.In this episode, we dive into the politics of materials and the discipline of long-term collaboration. We discuss:From Droog to Vitra: Emerging in 1993 alongside Jurgen Bey and Marcel Wanders, and what those ear...