Design Exchange 2026 - "a fantastic day of industry engagement and inspiration"
Over 500 students took part in this year's event which aimed to support employability and professional development through workshops, mock interviews, networking and more.
By Jon Duckworth | Published on 6 March 2026
Design Exchange 2026 took place on Thursday 26 February, providing an opportunity for students across Nottingham Trent University's (NTU) product design and architecture courses to showcase their work and engage with industry professionals. They were joined by over 80 industry guests from wide-ranging companies including Alpkit, Whittam Cox Architects, Visune and others.
As well as the always impressive display of student project work, the Design Exchange is a chance for students to prepare for their future careers. There were over 250 mock interviews, opportunities for students to review and sharpen up portfolios and CVs - and even a professional photographer to help give their LinkedIn profiles a glow-up.
The Design Exchange enables industry partners to see work from the "next generation of designers".
Chris Jones, Employability Manager for the School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment (ADBE), said, following the event:
"It's been another fantastic day of industry engagement and inspiration for our ADBE students. So much brilliant advice, confidence boosting chats, motivational presentations and opportunities to build personal and professional connections.
"But it’s not just our students who benefit - I’ve spoken to so many of our industry delegates and alumni who have been energised and enthused by their experiences of meeting our students. Events like these are a great way for our valued industry partners to stay connected to the university and see what the next generation of designers are getting up to!"
Students were able to try out VR equipment used in architecture and product design - and experience virtual job interviews!
Priten Chauhan, co-founder of Mesh Training Ltd and CAD lecturer at NTU, was on hand to demo some cutting-edge technology using the School's new VR headsets, including software that enables students to hone their interview techniques in virtual reality.
This was followed by an afternoon of industry insights and discussion as students took part in Q&As with a selection of industry panellists drawn from organisations including RIBA, Foster + Partners, SOHO Home Design, Kohler Mira, E1 Series, Mustard, Kier Construction, and Leonard Design.
Students value the Design Exchange as an opportunity to find out more about careers in design, showcase their work, and gain invaluable career advice. Interior Architecture and Design student Stella Brown said:
"Seeing everyone's portfolios and being able to talk to employers really helps because we wouldn't be able to do this on our own, so it helps us get our foot in the door to the real world!"
Thanks to everyone who helped organise the event and to all those who took part. We hope you found it a worthwhile and productive day.