A local interior designer who has worked in the industry for almost three decades has launched a first-of-its-kind exclusive networking group for the finest UK architects, designers, craftspeople, and other skilled artisans to join.
House of Cybele had its sold-out launch in April at Rockwater Hove and is now continuing with further events throughout 2025, with the next being on the 26 June at Saltdean Lido.
This new design powerhouse is a unique collective that celebrates and fosters the specialist skills used to construct and enhance residential and commercial properties. It was established following personal experience that founder Jennifer Anderson Haysom regularly saw while running her two local design businesses – Anderson Haysom Design and Bluebird Interiors.
Named Metro Bank 2024 South East Entrepreneur of the Year and a member of The Guild of Master Craftsmen, Jennifer works on residential and commercial projects across south east England. Frequently employed alongside a trusty myriad of talented builders, architects, and craftspeople, it became apparent that there was not a dedicated space where these specialists could join together to freely exchange concepts, ignite inspiration, and collaborate on innovative ventures.
Further research[1] identified by the charity Heritage Crafts also highlighted that 62 specialist artisan crafts are currently at risk of permanently dying out without proper support from the building and interior design industry. Skills such as stained-glass window-making and silk weaving are now endangered, making establishing this new creative coalition more vital and urgent.
This new collective is named after an outsider called Cybele, who was a Phygrian soul adrift in a Greek world who eventually settled in Rome. Cybele’s struggles resonated with Jennifer’s past industry experiences, where gender and appearance were sometimes a bone of contention. Cybele’s story was ultimately one of triumph, and House of Cybele’s modern take on her story highlights that when an exclusive collective of architects, designers, craftspeople, and artisans come together, remarkable opportunities can be discovered.
Events feature two sector-related expert talks for guests to gain insight and ignite inspiration, and an exhibition area showcasing the work of two charities that House of Cybele will support on an ongoing basis via promotion and fundraising. United In Design delivers equal opportunity pathways into the interior design industry for people from black, Asian, ethnic minority, and socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. And Heritage Crafts celebrates, supports, and safeguards traditional craft skills. Lunch and plenty of networking opportunities to build connections is also provided throughout the afternoon.
Jennifer Anderson Haysom comments: “It’s a huge privilege to be able to support the skilled industries that I feel so passionate about and have worked alongside all my working life. I believe House of Cybele’s unique and exclusive networking platform creates valuable connections and opportunities for many types of businesses, especially those skilled specialists who are perhaps accidentally forgotten about and at risk, and who need a place to grow strong partnerships.”
Events throughout 2025 take place across Brighton & Hove, with events scheduled for 26 June, 18 September, and 3 December. Tickets cost £55 and if interested in joining either complete the contact form on houseofcybele.co.uk or email enquiries@houseofcybele.co.uk Each enquiry will be vetted before entry and payment is accepted. Further information is also available on House of Cybele’s LinkedIn page, Facebook page and Instagram page @houseofcybele_
