Claire Pijoulat and Odile Hainaut on What to Expect at ICFF 2026

What does the theme of “Common ground” mean to you both?

Odile Hainaut: The theme came naturally from the notion of how our industry and the creative industry at large can help unite, rather than divide. So, sharing ideas—wherever you are based, whatever your focus or interest is—how can we encourage communicating and sharing rather than everyone fighting for their own idea? This is maybe very idealist, but it’s a response to what’s happening right now in the world. At ICFF, we bring people from all over the world who have different ideas, who have different expertise, but we are all here to create something that is for everyone. So what is it that reunites and that helps us to build something together rather than competing with one another? It’s really about creating a sense of dialogue.

Claire Pijoulat: Yes, in a world where everything feels like it’s falling apart and nobody seems to be able to agree on something, at least for those three days, we can all agree on connecting and being together, sharing ideas, and discussing design. And we’re not solving the world’s problems, but we are doing our part to make space for a beautiful moment of gathering and human connection.

What are some of the shared values you hope to cultivate in the design industry this year?

OH: I think that the notion of collaboration is very important as well as valuing nature and the environment. I feel like now a lot of people in our industry value sustainability and everyone is working to better design and to better produce. I mean, I hope we are at the point now that everyone understands the urgency of that.

There is also this notion of not having everything looking the same, and of design expressing identity. I think we are seeing more value being put into the identity of the product and making identity and the cultural background understandable and accessible to everyone. This is something very important and that fits into the theme of Common Ground—We can all be different, but we can all be together as well.

I’d love to hear more about the collaboration with Parsons Healthy Materials Lab. In general, are you noticing a growing demand for materials-driven research and design at the fair?

OH: Absolutely. I mean, we love Jonsara Ruth and the work she’s done at Parsons’ Healthy Materials Lab (HML). She’s so passionate and she has always been the resource in our industry. I mean, when someone is asking us, “Do you know someone that I could meet with? I’m interested in new materials, innovation, healthy materials…” Like, yes, okay, go to Jonsara.

This year, we wanted to make healthy materials more visible, so it’s not something that is only talked about in passing, but there is a physical presence. When we met a few months ago in the HML at Parsons, I was like, “Why don’t we try to bring what you do here to the Javits?” And so, for people who have not been to the Lab, at least they can have an entry point into the work they are doing and the importance of these materials at ICFF. And we wanted to really mimic what they do, which is two part—there is the material research itself, the works in progress and research plans that aren’t being implemented at scale yet—and then there is the material library, the material library where they showcase materials that exist and are being brought to the market from companies all over the world.

And I think that’s what we are trying to do, to say, this is available and all designers and architects, whenever they start a project, they should first consider what materials are available to build something that is going to be sustainable. So in the Healthy Materials Lab space at ICFF, there will be daily workshop. It’s not just about the new materials, but about how we can reuse and repair what already exists. So, it’s not just about looking at materials on a table, but it will be a dynamic and engaging place. We want people to stop by and spend time and discuss and sit down and touch and feel and explore.

Aside from the Healthy Materials Lab, are there any exhibitors or brands that stand out to you in terms of sustainability and material innovation?

CP: Yes. Yeah, there are a few brands that are very much pushing the limits on traditional manufacturing and distributing. Gantri is one of them—the way they produce is on demand. And because of the nature of the products, they’re able to manufacture very quick and ship also very quick. So it’s a great experience for the client, but also it makes sense for their business. The upcycled material that they use is also a much better option than any other plastic that’s out there on the market.

So when we see brands like this that are a really young company that has figured out a successful business model, it’s very important to highlight them and give them as much love as possible, because if every brand would take the time to figure out a few of these things—a sustainable business model and attention to customer experience through good, original design—then we would have more of these brands out there.

If you had to name one thing that you’re particularly excited about for this year’s edition, what would it be?

CP: One thing that we have not mentioned is the Emerging Designer Spotlight, which is a new program that is on the Main Stage. Separate from Launchpad, it’s also another opportunity for young designers to present their design concepts. So they don’t have to be exhibitor or part of Launch Pad or the school showcase to come on stage and pitch their project. It’s kind of like Shark Tank, but without a million dollars.

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• Manufacturing

• Healthy Materials Lab
• ICFF
• Jaxson Stone