Award winning design students graduate from Northumbria University

Northumbria University is producing award-winning product designers, as students pick up accolades at the prestigious New Designers showcase in London.

Libby Hutton and Megan Shaw, recently graduated from Northumbria University at the Summer congregation ceremonies with degrees in Furniture and Product Design. However, not before receiving impressive awards at the annual New Designers event in London – a national awards scheme which recognises rising stars whose unique work highlights key themes such as sustainability, mental health, diversity and other vital areas of responsible design.

Every year, New Designers brings together the most innovative emerging design talent from across the UK, including over 2,500 graduates who have the opportunity to present their visionary ideas to industry professionals and the public. The two-week showcase highlights disciplines spanning fashion, textiles, furniture, product design and illustration.

Earlier this month, ten recent graduates from Northumbria's Product Design, and Furniture and Product Design programmes were shortlisted, with an impressive six going on to win awards at the event.

Libby took home the NextGen Furniture award, which was sponsored by contemporary furniture company, Allermuir, for her project, The Bakery Stools. The award highlights her passion for timeless, multi-functional design that’s human-centred, sustainable, and built for real-world use.

The Bakery Stools were inspired by Big River Bakery - a community-driven social enterprise in the heart of Newcastle, which is known for being the home of the stottie. Focusing on the stottie as a staple for bread making in the North East, Libby designed a series of stackable stools which include a steel stool and wooden stools that can be drawn together with their legs neatly neighboured – representing the connection between community and baking.

She explained: “Community is something that is really important to me, and I strive to tell stories through my designs. So, when I came across Big River Bakery, I was excited to develop a meaningful relationship with them. 

“Going to New Designers was an amazing experience and has given me so many opportunities, as well as allowing me to make connections with industry professionals. I feel ready to step into this new chapter as I consider which path to take. I aspire to keep doing what I love and being immersed in the world of design. I want to tell stories through my products and spend my days making well-crafted, sustainably sourced furniture.”

Megan was also successful and received the Opus Magnus Award and John Lewis ward for Design & Innovation for her project Tuft – a lounge chair that explores the values of slow living through its materials, function and aesthetics. Her goal was to design a chair which was as visually comfortable as it was ergonomically comfortable.

The awards recognise her innovation in furniture design, demonstrating exceptional attention to detail while celebrating the craft and skill of making. Her design responds to the need for flexible living spaces whilst being mindful of wellbeing and sustainability in the home.

Megan said: “New Designers has been a great opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and to share my work with those in the industry. I am both honoured and extremely grateful for these awards, which have provided me with an opportunity to take my first steps into the creative industry as a design graduate. The response to Tuft has served as a powerful motivation as I begin my own career in the industry, and I look forward to continuing to learn and progress as a designer.”

Philip Luscombe, programme leader for 3D Design said: “I’m delighted for Megan, Libby and all the graduates to be recognised in this way – a well-deserved reward for their thoughtful and highly-motivated approach throughout all three years of the degree. It’s also a great testament to the academic and technical staff involved in helping all our students achieve so much this year. The success at New Designers validates us as one of the very best institutions in the country to study furniture and product design.”

Other wins from the showcase include the following Product Design graduates:

• Brilliantly Useful Design Award sponsored by Joseph Joseph - James Forrest Smith
• JDD Prize for Elegance and Design sponsored by JDD Furniture - Adam Lascelles
• Healthier Future Award sponsored by Imperial Brands - Morgan Linley

Visit www.newdesigners.com to discover more about the work exhibited by Northumbria graduates.

In September, Northumbria University is launching the new MA/MSc Industrial Design programme.

The highly specialised course combines the creative elements of technology, engineering, artistic expression, and business entrepreneurship with industrial design. Find out more about courses at Northumbria’s School of Design, Arts and Creative Industries.