I started making furniture in my father’s workshop when I was eight, going on to win national competitions for cabinet making. The practical experience and an affinity with materials and processes, gained from an early age, are central to my design work and service. Understanding materials and manufacturing techniques is fundamental to my approach, combined with a passionate desire to create accessible production furniture with ‘soul’. Understanding manufacturing culture and possessing knowledge of these companies’ markets is the only way to effectively work with manufacturers.
Clients - Allermuir, Aero, Conran Shop, Isokon Plus, HJ Berry, Heals. Awards - Jerwood prize 1999 Shortlisted/ FX Awards short-listed for 4 products in 2000/1/ Blueprint Awards shortlisted for 2 products in 2002.
My vision for design as we enter the 21st century is one of simplicity. It is essential that as a designer I am aware of the various issues that are associated with design in terms of the environment, materials and manufacturing coupled with the needs of the 21st century consumer. My interest lies in the relationship between objects and users. What is required from the object (in terms of functionality) and how the object needs to perform to enhance the users day-to-day life. My aim is to give objects a degree of personality and character so as to create a bond between object and user.
Clients - Abet, Asplund, Bute, Christopher Farr, Gervasoni, Inflate, Isokon Plus, Liv’it, SCP, Wedgwood. Awards - Winner Best Design award 100% Design, London, 2000.
I studied at Edinburgh College of Art and set up a studio and textile workshop in London in 1986. I have been involved in a wide range of art and design projects working both with architects and manufacturers and for exhibitions and commissions.
In my work I am intent on achieving simplicity, honesty and delight. I am looking for certain robustness, a strength both in design and in manufacture which allows the engagement with the work to be relaxed and confident, stimulating both visual and tactile senses. The textiles I produce in my workshop are painted and dyed and concentrate on colour. My design work has extended to collaborations with craftsmen and women from many countries, cultures and circumstances that throw up new and exciting design challenges.
Clients - Paul Smith, Christopher Farr, Sir Michael Hopkins, Issey Miyake, Isokon Plus, Annie Lennox, Egg, Selfridges, LOSA, Habitat, Browns, Donna Karan. Awards - The Victoria and Albert Museum, The Crafts Council, The Contemporary Arts Society, The Financial Services Authority, Portcullis House, Parliament, Westminster. City And Islington College.
