Sir Terence Conran is one of the world's best-known designers, restaurateurs and retailers.
Born in 1931, he founded the Habitat chain of stores that brought good, modern design within reach of the general population. Through the merger of Habitat with Mothercare and the subsequent additions of Richard Shops, Heal's, British Home Stores and Blazer, Sir Terence created the retail group Storehouse, from which he retired in 1990.
His holistic approach to design and living is accredited with introducing the concept of lifestyle into the modern psyche. The fresh and new ambience generated through Sir Terence's publications and in his stores caused Habitat to become an international phenomenon.
Sir Terence's belief in design is spearheaded through his charitable organisation The Conran Foundation, which educates the public and British Industry on the value of industrial design. The Conran Foundation manages the Design Museum and spawned the Boilerhouse project, which under the directorship of Stephen Bayley, saw several prominent businesses exhibit.
Sir Terence has been responsible for the restoration and interior design of iconic London buildings, such as the Bluebird Garage and The Michelin House. He has also created various London restaurants including the Soup Kitchen, Pont de la tour and Butler's Wharf Chop House.
He is a Fellow of the Chartered Society of Designers and winner of the Minerva Medal, the Society's highest award. He also received the Prince Phillip Designers Prize for lifetime achievement and has been provost of the Royal College of art since 2003.