We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer about their original and creative design work. is an award-winning creative designer, that makes our world a better place with their original works.
("") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work . Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
: I have a passion for products designed using natural forms and living near the coast take much of my inspiration from the sea and it's environment. This table cruet was inspired by sea urchins and corals and the vibrant colours and forms they have
: I am used to producing pieces for fine dining and wanted something that could bridge the gap between this and casual eating arrangements without the need to keep something as a 'best set'.
: I am already working on a family of dinner ware products that could be marketed as a complete range.
: This design took 7 months to realize alongside my other work.
: The design is quite indulgent and was the result of pursuing a personal interest.
: The design remains as an initial concept at the moment, but I would hope that a manufacturer would recognize the potential and I would be happy to sell the design on.
: I am already a multi-award winning designer of silverware but really wanted to break free of the constraints of precious metals and exploit exciting and more modern production materials in everyday use.
: My interest in design is pretty eclectic but this work is entirely my own inspiration.
: My focus group for this project were 25- 50 year olds for whom dining and dinner parties form an important part of their social life.
: The whole concept was to produce a design that people would want to handle and that would have a strong decorative aesthetic making it as much a table sculpture as a practical product.
: The name 'Urchin' was obvious as it relares directly to the inspiration for the design and is something that everyone will know and relate to.
: I started with freehand sketching as I do with all my designs, before developing the concept through CAD modelling. I then tested the ergonomics with simple foam mock-ups.
: The use of polymer body shells allowing strong colours to be used and the overall visual impact of the design are it's most unique features.
: I developed this design entirely on my own, relying on my own skills and knowledge of materials and manufacture.
: The design relies on well established technologies for it's production.
: I worked with a range of target users to find out how they socialized, and what importance they placed on their tableware when entertaining. This helped me to understand the sort of products they aspired to but weren't prepared to buy.
: The main challenges were firstly visual in achieving a balance between the contemporary and sophisticated which was achieved through good feedback with the focus group. Secondly the ergonomic challenge which affected the selection of materials, size and position and number of spines. Thirdly the assembly of the components which 'plug' together ensuring a secure and stable outcome.
: The response I received from the focus group was very positive and suggested that there would be a significant global market which I believed this competition would help me access.
: I was able to explore what makes an object desirable and valued even when its material cost is relatively low.
