Name: Tim Gosling
Company: Gosling Ltd
Position within company: Director and Owner
Website: www.tgosling.com

Tell us a little about your background in design
I trained at Central /St Martins in Theatre Design, after graduating I worked on the set design for Musicals such as Miss Saigon before teaming up with David Linley and creating Bespoke Furniture as a Partner for 18 years.

How would you describe your personal interior design style?
The idea of creating a sense of theatre in a stage production or as an interior are the same – starting with the lighting as a crucial element and then working out what kind of feel you want to create with the furniture, the architecture and the detailing.
My overall design style is based fundamentally in history, understanding the rules of the past in order to re interpret them in a new way for the buildings and the life styles of today .

Where does your design inspiration come from?
I collect a vast amount of books from the 18/ 19 and 20th Century, I spend a large amount of time absorbing historic understanding of detailing. I also am always on the look out for brilliant craftsmanship – specialist in all kinds of things.  I feel that gives me a great sense of inspiration – learning how something was made, the hours taken to achieve something.

In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
We have never had a period like this – a time when all styles and design are open to us at any one moment across the world. We can type into the Internet and literally find anything we want at the touch of a button – The only thing holding us back is WHAT you looking for.  I believe design is splitting into two sections – those who are now specifying objects that are readily available anywhere in the world – and those designers that actual are interested in spending time creating these objects with craftsmanship and integrity. Looking back on this time I think you will see a design movement along the lines of Ultra Exclusive Craftsmanship.

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2015 and beyond.
Longevity is crucial as it ties directly into the highest level of quality, it also means that the pieces and work will last thus giving you the best ‘green‘ policy ever – I always suggest that whatever you buy, do so at the best level of quality as you will have it for generations.

If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to product design, what would it be?
Understanding how something is created is the key to understanding how to design into the product – knowing the rules of creating the item so you can break them.

How important are The International Product Design Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?
I think for anyone in design, to have a sense of recognition is always a positive thing.  I also believe that the IPD awards pulls the design world together as a community – it’s wonderful to come together to celebrate our successes .

What projects are you currently working on?
We are lucky enough to be working on a Palazzo in Venice,  a Carbon Fibre Super Yacht, an Elizabethan listed building in Leicestershire, a rather wonderful Queen Anns House in St James Park in London and numerous other individual pieces of bespoke furniture.

What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
I am currently writing my third book published by Thames and Hudson, Spring 2015

Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself

Your most treasured possession?
I’m not sure I can name one, I adore my Train set (I know, I’ve been working on it since the age of 8).  My collection of letters from London Architects ranging from Wren to Nash, and a wonderfully old 1934 classic car to potter around in the summer with.

Your favourite holiday destination?
The Caribbean, I was born in Jamaica so I feel at home as soon as I step off the plane and that warm blanket wraps around you like
a massive hug.

Your favourite hotel / restaurant / bar?
The Coral Reef Club in Barbados run by the O’Hara Family along the Goring Hotel in London (run by the Goring Family) have got to be the two best hotels in the world.

Your favourite book / film / song?
The Fishes Of The Thames 1795

Your favourite food and drink?
Anything that’s bad for me.

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
Sketch pad, sharp pencils and a clear diary.

If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
Dead.