As part of their continued support for the Sri Lanka Design Festival, the British Council Sri Lanka was pleased to bring Jason Holley, the Director of the Universal Design Studio, to participate in panel discussions and presenations around interior design for hotels in December. Jason co-directs the studio, a multi-disciplinary team of architects, interior designers, product designers that specialise in creating spatial identity, ranging from architectural envelope to bespoke furniture and fixtures. Universal was founded in London in 2001 by Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby, to augment their award-winning product and furniture design folio and has completed projects for clients such as Mulberry, Virgin, Stella McCartney, Sony and Vitra. Universal Design Studio were behind the design of the new Ace Hotel in Shoreditch. 

Sri Lanka Design Festival was conceptualised by the Academy of Design Sri Lanka in 2009. Fulfilling the need for a global platform for the country’s growing design activity, SLDF highlights Sri Lanka's multi-billion dollar fashion manufacturing industry, contemporary craft design sector and interior design. With a special focus on delivering commercial links and international exposure for these sectors, SLDF annually hosts a range of events to deliver a unique celebration of design. SLDF2014 focussed on interior design.