Thomas Heatherwick Joins 2026 Global Wellness Summit

Global Wellness Summit will mark its 20th anniversary in Phuket, Thailand, from November 10 to 13, 2026, with Thomas Heatherwick as a keynote speaker. The event will take place at Angsana Laguna Phuket under the theme “The Science, Art and Soul of Wellness.” Heatherwick, founder of Heatherwick Studio, will discuss how designed spaces can shape human experience and wellbeing. The program will bring together wellness executives, entrepreneurs, doctors, academics, investors, technology innovators, policymakers and creative thinkers.

Design And Human Experience

Heatherwick’s work spans architecture, design, sculpture, engineering and landscape. His projects include Little Island in New York, Coal Drops Yard in London and 1,000 Trees in Shanghai.

The studio has workshops and design studios in London and Shanghai, bringing together architects, designers, landscape architects and makers. Its portfolio also includes Azabudai Hills in Tokyo, Hatai in Bangkok, Changi Terminal 5 in Singapore and Google’s upcoming London headquarters.

Nancy Davis, Executive Director and Chief Creative Officer at Global Wellness Summit, said:

“We have long understood that wellness is about much more than what happens inside a spa, a gym or a doctor's office. The environments we create around ourselves can profoundly shape our physical and emotional wellbeing. Thomas Heatherwick has an incredible ability to make the built world feel more human, more surprising and more joyful. His work invites people to engage with places rather than simply pass through them, and that is a powerful idea for the future of wellness.”

Studio Work And Recognition

Heatherwick began his career in furniture, product design, sculpture and installations rather than architecture. Heatherwick Studio has received more than 100 international design awards, including Prix Versailles and RIBA National Awards.

His book, Humanise: A Maker’s Guide to Building Our World, has been published in multiple languages and editions. Six million people have listened to his BBC Radio 4 series Building Soul, while his most recent TED talk has received more than 2 million views.

November Summit Program

Heatherwick’s keynote will sit within a program examining wellness alongside creativity, science, technology, design and human experience. Previously announced keynote speakers include Dan Buettner, William E. Heineke, Andrea B. Maier, Ronald Akili, Huy Hoang, George Gaitanos, Susan Magsamen and Tal Danai.

Registration for the summit is now open.