Keynotes and dialogues
BETTERNESS founder Robert Thiemann is a seasoned speaker and moderator, known for leading engaging and insightful conversations on the future of spaces. Drawing on decades of experience as co-founder of Frame magazine and as a consultant for global brands, Robert brings clarity, context and curiosity to every stage.
Whether delivering a keynote, moderating a panel, or curating an event programme, he connects ideas across disciplines—helping audiences explore how design, culture and business intersect to shape tomorrow’s environments.
ENQUIRIES
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Selected engagements
Fragile – Adaptable Building Conference
In Rotterdam, BETTERNESS curated and moderated the Adaptable Building Conference (ABC), a one-day gathering dedicated to the future adaptability of buildings, interiors and building systems. The conference brought together architects, developers, researchers, policymakers and industry partners to explore adaptability not as a technical add-on, but as a cultural, economic and ecological condition for longevity. As moderator, Robert guided the discussions with a critical yet accessible approach, translating complex ideas into actionable insights and creating space for exchange across disciplines.
Huawei – XIS Innovation Summit
At Huawei’s global XIS events, Robert moderated dialogues between industry leaders, exploring how luxury is being redefined through hyper-personalisation, digital integration, and cultural adaptation. His role was to translate complex trends into actionable insights for senior executives, ensuring a balance between visionary ideas and business relevance.
IBA / Orgatec – Wherever Whenever Festival
As curator and moderator of the Wherever Whenever Work Culture Festival at Orgatec in Cologne, Robert led panel discussions with architects, designers, and corporate leaders. These dialogues examined how wellbeing, adaptability, and sustainability can reshape the future of workspaces—offering diverse perspectives to an international audience of workplace professionals.
IE School of Architecture & Design
As ambassador for IE’s new Master in Interior Design, Robert curates and moderates a global lecture series. Covering themes such as Living Futures, Spaces of Exchange, and Responsible Practice in Interior Design, the panels bring together international thought leaders to debate the role of interiors in a world in flux.
Corporate inspiration sessions
Robert has been invited by leading companies—including luxury groups, fashion houses, and consumer brands—to deliver tailor-made keynotes and facilitate internal workshops. These sessions spark fresh thinking, helping organisations connect global design trends to their own strategic challenges.
Photo: courtesy Niklas Adrian Vindelev
Photo: courtesy Huawei
Photo: courtesy Sunshine PR
Photo: courtesy IBA
Photo: courtesy Hermès
Photo: courtesy IE University