From 1947, Conran studied textile design at the Central School of Art and Design in London. During the Fifties he had many commissions for fabrics, furniture and ceramics, and was invited by W.R. Midwinter Ltd. to submit surface pattern designs. He became the company's most significant consultant. His surface patterns were a response to contemporary Italian design, depicting commonplace objects and bold use of colour. In 1964 he formed Habitat, which grew so popular that several stores opened nation-wide. In 1971 he became Chairman of the Conran Design Group and was knighted in 1983 for his achievements in design and retailing.

Ten years later he founded the Conran Foundation for Design Education and Research, which led to the Boilerhouse at the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Design Museum in 1989.