Biography
I have a background as a practicing furniture designer for both production and limited edition. I have 16 years of experience of lecturing, teaching and mentoring in various contexts from Higher education through to community based projects.
I am a director of a North East based Art and Design Community Project (www.kidskabin.org.uk)
I have extensive experience of and enjoy exhibition design and build.
I am an admirer of: the work of Hans Wegner and Konstantin Grcic, the enterprise of Charge Bikes and Camila Batmanghelidjh, the novels of Maj Sjöwall and Per Wahlöö, Oslo’s Frogner park, the words of my sons and the lyrics of Bruce Springsteen.
Talking Point
The big questions or design issues that I am focusing on at the moment
In my spare time… I like to mull over the dilemma of encouraging the production of beautiful and useful furniture in a world already filled to the brim with interesting man made props for daily life.
Whilst the issues of practical (craft) skill acquisition and ‘making things’ go in and out of favour in design discourse, I am convinced that there is still the need for designers to have material and process knowledge and hands on experience in order to create artefacts that are economically, socially and culturally relevant.
See www.3ddnorthumbria.tumblr.com for an update of the things that influence my practice.
Research Interests
A summary of the main elements or themes within my research
My current research interests involve investigating the relationship between Craft and Enterprise, specifically looking at the mechanisms that can best support 3D design entrepreneurs. This interest has resulted in the continued development of the Designers in Residence scheme here at Northumbria University.
www.designersinresidence.org
Key Publications
A list of recent or key publications that best represent my current research interests
The results of work to support design graduates into business have been evidenced at regional, national and international exhibitions, trade shows and events. The intention is to connect the products and skills of the Designers with targeted audiences.
- Designers in Residence at the ICFF, New York City, USA May 2011
- Designers in Residence at the Baltic Center for Contemporary Art 0ctober 2010 (as part of the Design Event Festival)
- Designers in Residence at 100% Design, London September 2008,09,10
- Stockholm Furniture fair, Sweden 2004,05,06,07,08
- Milan Furniture Fair, Italy 2006
Teaching Interests and Modules
An overview of the courses and modules that I currently teach on
Undergraduate
Level 4
DE0830 Industrial Design Practice
Level 5
DE0508 Detail Design and Specification
DE0843 Design For Production 1
DE0844 Design For Production 2
DE0845 Design Analysis and Innovation
Level 6
DE0908 3D Design Competition
DE0665 Advanced Design Practice
DE666 Design Research proposal
DE0667 Major Design Project
DE0668 Critical Design Evaluation
Postgraduate
I co-ordinate the mentoring of the 3D Designers in Residence
Who I Work With
A list of key academic/industrial partners that I’ve worked with recently
British European Design Group, David J Irwin, Deadgood, Design Event, Enterprise Campus, Formica, Habitat, JamesUK, Kids Kabin, Reeves Design, Stockholm Furniture Fair.
