Ian Thompson

Interview with Ian Thompson

Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?

I have always been fastinated with trying to make things truly better and by making things both by hand and also machine made. The process of design and manufacturing means those solutions can reach more people but the craft of creating those products in the design process inspires me as much now as when I first discovered the art of design.

Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?

I currently lead a team of designers for our Rada brand. We are part of Kohler Company and Rada is our commercial brand focused on bathroom and washroom products for healthcare, leisure and general commercial environments. We are based in Cheltenham but Kohler Company is truly global with design studios around the globe under a number of brands.

What is "design" for you?

Design is the process of crafting something from an insight, observation or need.

What kinds of works do you like designing most?

Recently I have been doing some personal commissions in Carrara Marble, it's the first time I have worked with the material and I am enjoying how it can be formed and finished and it's so different to volume manufacturing where most of my work has been.

What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?

At the moment I have two key pieces that I like, I recently bought a mid century McIntosh wooden sideboard which has a simple beautiful handle detail. I think its a really underrated piece, plus I have memories of the factory near where I lived in Scotland from when I was a child. The other is the 50 Manga chair installation by Nendo. The power of the repeated object is incredible.

What was the first thing you designed for a company?

I first worked for a company that made store interior products, steel shelving, wire work and shopping trollies. Many of the products i designed are still around today.

What is your favorite material / platform / technology?

I most enjoy developing systems, where a product has a physical hardware identity but relies on software and even sometimes service to deliver the experience. Connecting all elements together in a cohesive experience is where i like to challenge myself and the companies I work for.

What makes a design successful?

Successful design is something that delivers a compelling user experience, be that though hands-on interaction or simply by delivering an emotion through looking beautiful or perfectly refined details yet also delivering agains business goals.

Can you talk a little about your design process?

I am passionate about insight driven design and employ many innovation methods to drive business growth through design thinking and the development of holistic brand experiences.

What is your "golden rule" in design?

Being cognisant to realise when you are at the point in the design process when less would be better.

Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?

lots of questions, mapping tools, strategy thinking, business knowledge, research methods, pen and paper, sketchbook pro, adobe CC, Rhino 3D and NX.

What was your most important job experience?

I have over 15 years of experience in the business of brand, product design, engineering and manufacturing development and each project brings unique knowledge and learning. I thrive on self-improvement and enjoy every new challenge that new jobs and projects bring. I like to think my thinking process is one of my biggest strength and continues to grow.

What are your future plans? What is next for you?

I am always looking for ways to stretch myself and apply my skills and methods to new business opportunities.

Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?

I work as part of a team as head of design for Rada but I also enjoy working on personal commissions and developing my own design. I enjoy working with people and I believe that the design process is very collaborative often my team extends to becomes the manufacturer or craftsman helping to make things a reality.

How can people contact you?

People can contact me via email - designcit@aol.com or phone - +447859827593

Extended Interview with Ian Thompson

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?

I started my working career in engineering with an engineering apprenticeship, learning hands on machining and mechanical engineering. It was a great experience and I learnt so much, a lot of what I still use today. After working in engineering for a few years. I retained in Industrial Design. I was always destined to make this switch as I found I was always interested in how things work, people think and creating great solutions to those needs. I studied Industrial Design at Grays School of art in Aberdeen then at Edinburgh Napier and finally a few years later I completed my masters at Northumbria University in Newcastle upon Tyne.

How did you become a designer?

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

I made the switch from engineering because I found I was so interested in driving great design by putting people at the heart of how I think.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

I’m always working on a number of ideas. I work primarily designing commercial and domestic bathroom interior products, taps, showers, baths. Personally I have a big interest in designing bags and cases for tech and the stuff we carry around with us and I have a small range of high end leather products I’m working on.

What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?

I really like the phrase I heard once about being a T shaped designer. At my core I focus on design but my interests and knowledge stretch out much wider. This breadth allows me to draw on many industries for influences. Also remember that you practice design, you have to keep up to date and keep hungry for new methods, knowledge and skills.

What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?

I think its all about attitude – design works really well in a truly collaborative environment and you have to be open to working with lots of different specialists and be open to both pushing ideas and listening and changing course when you need to drive great design. It can also be about standing firm as the champion of design quality but this position has to be handled sensitively.

What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?

I’ve been lucky enough to work on some great projects that have had the greatest support from the highest level in the business. This kind of support has meant that its been possible to convince them to invest in the project and create truly great design that has not only resulted in great products and services but also created, culture change, built market reputation and even elevated brands to success in new market areas.

You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?

What is your day to day look like?

I would love to do a men’s fashion range based on the journey of the urban commuter. I think there are some great opportunities to apply product design methods to a fashion collection. In my daily practice I most enjoy developing systems, where a product is a combination of physical hardware enriched with software and a service to deliver the total experience. Connecting all those elements together in a cohesive experience is where i like to challenge myself and the companies I work for.

How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?

I have a dream of a starting a design focused business which is a combination of interior design, interior products, bags and lifestyle products all based in a café, restaurant, social space with art and music events in the evening.

How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?

I think working the process and doing the hard work to get to great solutions is key. I don't think there is a short cut you just have to keep going and work through road blocks and find success.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

Keep an eye on the masters, there are some great foundations but recognize the new thinking that comes from young designers.

What is your biggest design work?

Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?

Keep thinking, keep practicing, remain open to new ideas and new methods.

Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?

I guess I would have remained in engineering or done something in film or probably food. Food is another great passion of mine.

What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?

Design is the process of crafting a solution from an insight, observation or need.