Currently Research Associate on the Smart Pods project at the Royal College of Art, London. An award-winning designer, he has been involved in the development of materials and products for a range of international clients. His recent book, Manufacturing Processes for Design Professionals, published by Thames & Hudson, brings together some of the most innovative and forward thinking manufacturers. It is the definitive reference for 3D designers, product designers, architects and engineers who need a convenient, highly accessible and
practical reference to help facilitate fast and efficient decision making in design projects. He is co-founder of Creative Resource Lab, a consultancy that helps businesses innovate through design.
Abstract:
In my work as a designer and researcher I am particularly interested in how materials connect with lifestyle and how this affects the adoption of new materials and processes. At the moment, and for the foreseeable future, ecological issues are playing a key role. Therefore, high performance (and high impact) materials are being repositioned to have ‘eco’ benefits, such as highly efficient thermal insulators and lightweight composites. Where as many low impact ‘eco’ materials, including biopolymers and biocomposites, are unpredictable and unsuitable for high volume production.
