Agriculturalists, economists, chefs, politicians & policy makers, and educationalists & educators have ‘solutions’ relating to improving the food system. Unfortunately, many have fallen flat, and we cast about for alternatives. One approach has been in the burgeoning field of ‘food design’. How do design-led approaches differ from conventional efforts?

In this Kitchen Table we will explore the multidisciplinary field of Food Design to learn more about its key principles and philosophy as we seek to transform and interact with food to make it a more engaging, responsible, and enriching part of our lives.

Our selected conversationalists Sophie Lovell, Sonia Massari, Laila Snevele, Fabio Parasecoli, and Priya Mani will discuss their approaches and their work in this pioneering area.

Hosted by Orlando Lovell supported by David Matchett

Sophie Lovell is a writer, editor, and educator in architecture, design, and food thinking. She co-founded studio_lovell and The Common Table, a platform for food futures and systemic change. She is known for her monograph on Dieter Rams and her editorial work with various design publications.

Sonia Massari is a  specialist in sustainable food design and education, with over 20 years of international experience across research, teaching, and consultancy. She is currently a researcher at the University of Pisa, PAGE, in Italy, focusing on participatory design approaches for sustainable agri-food systems. Co-founder of FORK, a global non-profit dedicated to food design, Sonia has taught food design and design thinking for sustainability in leading universities and organizations worldwide.

Laila Snevele is a pioneering sensory food designer and the founder of Sensoverse, a food design studio based in Eindhoven, The Netherlands. Leila specializes in speculative design, creating innovative multisensory experiences for chefs, restaurants, and the food industry. Her work explores the perception of food and leveraging sensory aspects, aiming to redefine and elevate our understanding of taste and food experiences.

Fabio Parasecoli is an Italian academic and author specializing in the intersection of food, media, and politics. He is a professor of Food Studies at NYU Steinhardt. His research explores how food relates to cultural identity, politics, and globalization. Notable works include "Bite Me: Food in Popular Culture" and "Gastronativism: Food, Identity, Politics"

Priya Mani is a designer, food writer, and gastro-ethnologist based in Copenhagen and working globally. As a designer, her approach to understanding human behaviour is at the intersection of food and the environment. Priya trained at the National Institute of Design, India and since 2008, through her practice, she has led numerous design and research projects for many Danish companies on various aspects of food consumption, the culture of the pantry and cooking and its impact on health. She is currently writing a Visual Encyclopedia of Indian Foods, and works as a flavour consultant for many global brands.

Orlando Lovell is a designer who explores collaborative working and food design. She co-founded studio_lovell with her mother, Sophie Lovell. Her work often involves using food as a medium for social exchange and connection in various formats, including exhibitions and workshops.