Dezeen Awards
St John at Hackney, London
The vision
Dezeen, a global leader in architecture and design media, engaged equip event services to deliver a refined awards show and drinks reception at the historic St John at Hackney church. With Bentley as sponsor and a highly design-literate audience in attendance, the brief demanded an experience that balanced high production values with thoughtful, contemporary aesthetics. Every visual and technical detail needed to reflect Dezeen’s reputation for excellence in design.
Our approach
The guest journey began with a tube-lit entrance walkway, leading through a custom Bentley-branded portal constructed entirely from sustainable paper-based materials. Outside, we illuminated the church’s façade and trees to elevate the venue’s architectural drama, while two Bentleys were highlighted with elegant ring lighting to mark their presence in a clean, understated way.
Inside, the space was transformed with ceiling projection mapping, a bespoke DJ booth, and a high-resolution LED screen as a visual centrepiece. Architectural wash lighting and uplighting were carefully designed to enhance the venue’s natural lines and create a warm, ambient mood that matched the pace of the evening.
Given the constraints of the heritage venue, we supplemented the in-house AV infrastructure with the latest audio, lighting, and visual solutions. Our team maintained a minimalist approach to installation, preserving the integrity of the space while delivering premium production. Audio was managed via lapel, lectern, and handheld mics run through the church’s system, supported by discreet upgrades where required. We also provided video switching and operated custom graphics for the awards presentation. A tailored step-and-repeat wall completed the branded environment.
Client reflections
Dezeen praised the seamless execution and high-end design detailing throughout the event. The blend of modern production with a sensitive approach to the space captured the essence of the brand. Bentley’s presence felt organic, and the guest experience was described as polished, immersive, and entirely on-brand.
Sustainable impact
Sustainability was integral to the project. We used our electric vehicle fleet to transport equipment, reducing emissions across logistics. Energy-efficient LED lighting and projection mapping limited power usage and avoided the need for printed décor. By incorporating in-house AV and supplementing only where necessary, we kept the production lean without compromising quality. The Bentley-branded entrance was fully recyclable, and even the trophies were made from recycled materials, ensuring the event's design-led approach extended to its environmental footprint.