Kingdom & Sparrow Keynote at the Borderless: Design X Change in Bangkok

At the beginning of August, our Co-Founder Sophie travelled to Thailand to speak at Borderless: Design X Change, an event dedicated to exploring new possibilities for Thai design through global perspectives. Hosted with remarkable hospitality and warmth by the Thai Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), the event united voices, disciplines, and cultures in conversation about the future of design.

Here, Sophie shares some insight into her trip and her keynote presentation:

The keynote speakers

I had the privilege of sharing the keynote stage with three incredibly talented designers:

Stefan Scholten from Studio Stefan Scholten in the Netherlands, renowned for his mastery of colour, form and his Atelier method of working.
Yoshiaki Irobe, Art Director of Irobe Design Institute in Japan, celebrated for his distinctive visual language and precision.
Mitsuko Matsuzoe, President of the D&Department Project, another BCorp company whose design bridges tradition and modernity.

Hearing their perspectives and meeting a whole host of exceptional Thai designers and agencies, reminded me that while design languages differ, we all look to make an impact with our creativity.

The Business of Creativity

My keynote talk focused on a subject close to my heart: how we balance running a successful business whilst prioritising creativity. In the design world, it’s easy to think of business and creativity as being at odds, but in reality, they can (and should) co-exist symbiotically.

I explored how building sustainable structures around our creative work, whether through mindful pricing, smart operations, or clear brand positioning, actually frees us to take creative risks. For me, this balance is the key to longevity, both creatively and commercially.

Bangkok’s Creative Culture

Beyond the conference walls, I explored Bangkok’s Chao Phraya riverside creative district in Charoenkrung, a neighbourhood alive with history and innovation in equal measure. Highlights included:

Thailand Creative & Design Centre (TCDC) – a hub where Thai and international creativity coalesce.
Warehouse 30 – once industrial space, now a curated blend of art, design, and community.
River City Bangkok – a cultural landmark bridging contemporary creativity with heritage.

Each stop offered a different lens into the city’s creative identity, rooted in tradition with a really modern approach to brand and creativity.

Why Borderless Design Matters

In a world where design influences everything from public spaces to human behaviour, cross-cultural exchange is so essential. Events like this bring together diverse perspectives and I feel very lucky to bring some of that back to our studio.