Name: Ben Naylor
Company: Jack Badger Ltd
Position within company: Managing Director
Website: www.jackbadger.co.uk

. Tell us a little about your background in design
I left school at 16 went straight into an apprenticeship and achieved an NVQ level 1, 2 and 3. After remaining with that company for a couple of years I went self-employed when I was 21, worked hard for a few years did a season snowboarding and had a gap year travelling around the world, on my return I started Jack Badger Ltd and have been slowly building it ever since with the help of the amazing bunch of guys that make up Jack Badger.

. How would you describe your personal interior design style?
I’m a fan of well-built, earthy and traditional styles – something that is built to last has its own special style and appeal. The beauty that is derived from a product that has been made with understanding and passion for the task at hand and the materials being used is in a league of its own.

. Where does your design inspiration come from?
Our designs and inspiration is taken from looking back in time at the methods, styles and reasons employed by our ancestors to overcome problems with which they were faced, this has the added benefit of us using time tested materials and construction details within our designs.

. In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
I think that design is starting to encompass natural materials more and people are reconnecting with the idea of using nature both for its beauty and its benefits, nature has a lot to offer if we only just stopped to take note.

. Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2015 and beyond.
Environmental impacts/Sustainability (most importantly)
Better build quality/Durability – Life cycle analysis
Re-cycling/Upcycling
Efficiency
Designs to aid training and developing skill sets.

. If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to product design, what would it be?
If designed properly the product will be around for a long time so it’s worth taking the time and effort to get it right and think about more than purely the aesthetics of the product. Understanding of the material you are using is imperative to a successful design and having fellow designers to develop ideas with is invaluable, two heads are generally better than one!

. How important are The International Product Design Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?
External recognition is important for the lads in the workshop and to prospective customers; it highlights the effort and passion that we at Jack Badger put into our products on a daily basis.

. What projects are you currently working on?
We are currently working on various projects ranging from a large oak staircase to four sets of two and a half meter high garage gates on a property in York, alongside multiple other nationwide projects.

. What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
We want to find another apprentice with the right level of enthusiasm and passion to join the Jack Badger team and to keep improving what we do and our designs.

. Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself
I think mind set is a massive part of life and with open eyes and a positive mind good thing’s happen, I tend to apply this to holidays, food and music to pick a few things from life outside of work…try everything once and make time to keep fit and healthy!