Name: Jasper Weldon
Company: Weldon
Position within company: Director
Website: www.weldon.co.uk
. Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc)
Having spent an inordinate amount of time in the Design centre at Radley College in the 1980’s, I left school to pursue a career in furniture and cabinet making. Largely self-taught, I started in business at the age of 22 and built up a reputation for high quality interior woodwork. After a few years I decided to focus on the design, manufacture and installation of high quality hardwood flooring as the future for the business. At the time there wasn’t a single company in the UK specialising in elaborate hardwood floors.
. How would you describe your personal interior design style?
‘Faded grandeur’
. Where does your design inspiration come from?
Sacred geometry, the 16th century Italian architect Andrea Palladio and all things classical.
. In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense
There are strong influences from the designers of superyacht interiors at the moment. They seem to be leading the way in terms of innovative technical and creative interior styling. The use of many more decorative materials incorporated into a single design scheme or product is challenging and exciting.
. Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2015 and beyond.
Aesthetics
Beauty
Innovation
Long lasting
Environmentally friendly
. If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to product design, what would it be?
Great attention to the production aspects of any project with longevity in mind, “Good design doesn’t date, bad design does”
. How important are The International Product Design Awards as recognition of talent and achievement ?
We are delighted and honoured to be associated with the Design et al Awards as a crafts based company. The achievement level and subsequent recognition of design and craftsmanship excellence is highly regarded within the interior design industry.
. What projects are you currently working on ?
A rolling refurbishment of the parquetry floors at Buckingham Palace, a Grand Schloss in Germany and a 25,000 sq ft penthouse in central London
. What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months ?
Product innovation
. Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself, your most treasured possession ?
My camera
Your favourite holiday destination?
Soneva Fushi, The Maldives
Your favourite hotel / restaurant / bar ?
The Wolseley on Piccadilly, London
Your favourite book / film / song ?
Moulin Rouge
Your favourite food and drink ?
My wife Jules’ nettle soup, plants gathered here in our ancient woodland at Norton Disney in Lincolnshire.
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon? (in no more than 25 words)
By the water catching supper !
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be ?
A professional photographer, I love the combination of good optics and technology working in harmony together to capture beautiful images.
Anything else interesting ?
Anything is possible in terms of design given the appropriate resources, at what point does it become art ?