Biography
Born in Newcastle in 1957, I moved to Glasgow in 1962. Educated at Glasgow School of Art from 1974 to 1979 qualifying with a degree in Furniture Design.
Employed by McColls in London on and off from 1980 to 1984 , when Dalziel and Pow were founded with my partner John Pow (now retired).
Currently operating a consultancy of 103 people, we sit at number 14 in the Top 100 UK design league table, as published by Design Week. Our work includes Environmental and Communications Design for Brands.
Talking Point
The big questions or design issues that I am focusing on at the moment
Our key discipline, 3D and 2D Retail Design is going through a transformation with the integration of Digital and Service design that can create compelling Retail experiences…’something more than just a shop’.
Our practice is at the forefront of the Global shift with clients in all five continents employing us to help them understand the challenges ahead for conventional retailers. We are continuing to deliver exceptional design but are increasingly involved in strategic developments that can re-define brands.
The future for Retail Brands lies in fewer but better stores, stores that inspire and uplift the consumer to engage in whatever that brand has to offer, from food to fashion, technology to healthcare.
Research Interests
A summary of the main elements or themes within my research
Our consultancy is constantly researching and exploring the markets we operate in, striving to bring the latest thinking to those markets.
We are currently looking at the ecological impact of our services. Energy use, efficient manufacturing and delivery, sustainable specification, waste management, all of these factors are within the scope of a designer’s influence.
Key Publications
A list of recent or key publications that best represent my current research interests
Our work is publicised in many UK and Global Design and Trade publications including, Retail Week, Design week, Drapers, DDI, VMSD, Frame and Marketing Week.
Teaching Interests and Modules
An overview of the courses and modules that I currently teach on
I am currently working with on the Interior Design course at Northumbria to try to create a stronger connection between the students and the Professional Practice of Retail Design.
We as a practice welcome visits from the first year intake to show them the type of studio environment they might find employment within and I am a regular visitor to the School in the briefing and assessment of key projects in year two.
Our studio and our designers are available for consultation from the students at any time, we would encourage a greater connection on the day to day challenges of material sourcing, market knowledge and a number of valuable resources for the students.
Who I Work With
A list of key academic/industrial partners that I’ve worked with recently
Northumbria is my academic focus at the moment.
Professionally we are employed by a number of UK and Global brands with offices in London, Mumbai and Shanghai. Our current client list includes Adidas, Sony, Gap, John Lewis, Topshop, Timberland, Next and Samsung.
We are currently launching concepts in Canada, Chile, China, Denmark, Germany, India, Italy, Singapore, South Africa, USA and at home in the UK. 40% of our work is overseas.
