To enter the 2013 International Product Design Awards 2013 email: productawards@design-et-al.co.uk
After being shortlisted in the 2012 International Product Design Awards Tim Henderson took 5 minutes to talk to us about The Light Corporations future design plans.
What direction do you feel design is moving towards in general terms?
For me, design is becoming increasingly conscious of the methods for creating products and lighting schemes using sustainable, ethically sourced materials. The ability to design something in tune with the client’s requirements while also considering the wider environment is crucial.
What are the key influencing elements at present?
Our work has now become ever more reliant on energy efficiency light sources such as LED’s to create something to fit with the client’s individual requirements. The advent of LED technology means gone are the days of designing around a simple light bulb, our products are now designed from the LED light source outwards which brings its own unique challenges.
What sort of projects are you working on at the moment?
As well as individual projects in the residential, hotel and marine sectors, we are currently working on a major roll out of over 50 new restaurants for the popular chain Nando’s. The special challenge for these projects is to design and build bespoke, energy efficient lighting products unique to each restaurant that add a sense of individuality to whichever outlet the customer visits.
A designer’s work is so diverse – how do you manage to hold down a career and a life?
With great difficulty! In all seriousness though, I would say that through a love of design in both work and home environments, and from working with other great designers such as Billy Pither at Interbar (who we developed these pendants with) I am able to enjoy my work in any environment.
Name the key essentials for 2012 and beyond.
Through 2012 I am paying close attention to the development of LED chips used in lighting products, developments in energy efficient lighting, using sustainable materials, the increased use of intelligent design and the love of a good woman!
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?
The main point to consider before embarking on any project is to understand the client brief fully before designing anything, as well as making sure you are completely aware of the space you are working with. Paying special attention to these two criteria provides invaluable information to carry through the project.
How important do you feel Design Awards are as recognition of designers talents and achievements?
Awards and recognition of designers and the design community are a fantastic way of increasing the profile not only of completed projects but also the people responsible for bringing them to life. From sharing ideas and concepts like this, it pushes the community to improve constantly.
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
To continue to work on wonderful projects with a host of wonderful designers and to continue to push the boundaries of Lighting product and scheme design.
The car you drive?
Land Rover Defender
Your favourite place to travel to in the world?
The South Coast of England
Your favourite hotel/ restaurant/ bar?
The Grove Hotel, Watford
The place that gives you the most energy?
Walking along the beach
And the place that enables you to totally relax?
Sitting on my deck watching the sea
Your favourite food and drink?
A fried breakfast on a Saturday morning and a cup of jasmine tea
Anything else interesting?
I have two Bouvier dogs that I adore…