‘With Limitations’ is an immersive exploration of the challenges facing today’s emerging designers hosted in Aram gallery from 11 September to 10 October 2026. 

The installation, presented as a fictional flat, explores the challenges, constraints and resourcefulness shaping contemporary design practice. Furnished entirely with over 130 objects by over 100 designers from across the UK, the apartment reflects the spaces where many creatives live, work and create. Each object responds to a different limitation – whether space, budget, time, access to materials or equipment. This offers an honest insight into the constraints that shape the work of independent practitioners while collectively raising broader questions about the challenges facing emerging practitioners, from the availability of affordable workspace to access to resources and opportunities in cities. The works on display reveal the different ways these limitations can shape both process and outcome.

Grace Eden, Creative Manager of Aram, says “With Limitations brings multiple disciplines together in away that both reflects and subverts the domestic environment, transforming the gallery into a space for shared learning, discussion and community, driven by Design Everything’s belief in UK design talent. Crucially, this takes place in a physical space rather than via a screen.”

“The designers involved are full of ideas, community-minded and ambitious, embodying the entrepreneurial spirit and artistic energy that the UK’s creative scene is known for. Together, they’ve created a living exhibition that brings visitors into their world while showcasing some of the country’s most exciting emerging and independent talent.”

Supporting emerging talent lies at the heart of ‘With Limitations’. At a time when many exhibitions remain financially out of reach for early-career practitioners, the project has been developed as a free-to-participate exhibition, removing financial barriers and creating a more accessible platform for new voices, ideas and perspectives in contemporary design. Throughout the duration of the exhibition, several exhibitors will host live demonstrations in Aram’s gallery space to showcase their making process. The programme will also feature three talks with established designers, including Martino Gamper, Kim Colin and Ella Doran, who will each select a participating designer from ‘With Limitations’ to join them as they share insights into their work and personal journey as an emerging designer, rather than focusing solely on their latest or most high-profile projects. 

Live Demonstration Details:

• Saturday 12th September 11am-5pm: Live Making, George Boyce

• Monday 14th September 10am-5pm: Live Making, James Woods

• Tuesday 15th September 10am-5pm: Live Making, Abigail Ghent

• Wednesday 16th September 10am-5pm: Live Making, Oliver Linnell

• Thursday 17th September 10am-5pm: Live Making, Anna McAllister

• Friday 18th September 10am-5pm: Live Making, Polly Jennings

Talk Series Details:

Register HERE

• Thursday 24th September 7-8pm, Martino Gamper with participating designer Jake Robertson

• Wednesday 30th September 7-8pm, Kim Colin with participating designer David Searcy

• Saturday 10th October 2-3pm Ella Doran Talk with participating designer Olivia Webb