“WHO knew that within a few weeks of Design Week Ja 2025, held under the theme ‘Creative Resilience’, Jamaica would be confronted with the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa?” asked Jamaica Observer Design Week Ja conceptualiser Novia McDonald- Whyte at Sunday’s launch event for the 2026 edition.

Back again with aplomb and renewed purpose — powered by Tile City & Home Centre and KOHLER — this year’s edition is aptly themed ‘Restoration & Resilience’.

The S Hotel Kingston-hosted launch featured presentations from industry players and partners all on board with fervour for the continued mission.

“We wanted a slate of presenters who understood the magnitude of Hurricane Melissa — people who had survived it, lived through it, and were now considering what they could contribute to the wider conversation around Restoration & Resilience,” shared McDonald-Whyte.

Here, pictured at the Sunday, October 4 kick-off are McDonald-Whyte (centre) with presenters and partners (from left) Marsha Parchment, Nastassia Morrison, Joelle Smith, Michelle Arroyave, Annaliesa Lindsay, and Dwayne Berbick.

Donnielle Robe, marketing manager, Tile City & Home Centre, who announced that as her team works on expanding offerings to build back Jamaica even better, they will soon open a signature showroom.