Name: Jason Lawson
Company: LWSN
Position within company: Founder/Creative Director
Website: www.lawsonglass.com
. Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc)
As a child I would design everything from shoes to guitars to skateboards to cars. 20 years ago I found glass and began a life long journey of discovery, design and creation. I’ve been fortunate to study with some of the best in the world and I take that experience with me everyday going into the studio.
. How would you describe your personal design style?
Clean and Sexy
. Where does your design inspiration come from?
Nature, the human form, mid-century design, Renaissance Period glass objects, Picasso, Scarpa, Ponti, Gerhy, Rauschenberg, Banksy, Miles Davis, etc.
. In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
With the influx of LED technology, a much more organic approach to design is happening and the possibilities are endless. The utilization of old world materials such as bronze and crystal are also drivers in this modern era of luxury lighting design. This is a very exciting time for our industry and I’m proud to be apart of it.
. Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2015 and beyond.
Same as always for me:
-Form
-Function
-Space
-Material
-Finish
. If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to product design, what would it be?
Study the classics and learn about as many materials and processes as possible.
. How important are The International Product Design Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?
A peer driven competition like this is extremely important. As a boutique manufacturer, these types of awards can really put us on the map. It’s also a chance to meet some of the industries best and most talented designers. Hard to beat that.
. What projects are you currently working on?
We are developing anew line of nature inspired luxury lighting to include coral, arbor and fauna motifs.
. What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
To establish a broader line of luxury lighting while building on the success of The Crystal Antler Chandelier.
. Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself
Your most treasured possession?
My Ellis Mandolin
Your favourite holiday destination?
a new town, a new culture, a new experience
Your favourite hotel / restaurant / bar?
Hotel- Hotel Saint Cecilia, Austin
Restaurant- UCHI Austin
Bar- C Boys Heart and Soul, Austin
Your favourite book / film / song?
Book- Miles
Film- all films Paul Thomas Anderson
Song- Little Wing by Stevie Ray Vaughn or So What by Davis/Coltrane
Your favourite food and drink?
A perfect Filet and a crisp IPA from a local brewhouse
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon? (in no more than 25 words)
Pack up the Rover, Pick up my girl, Country drive, picnic lunch, hike and sunset swim. Perfect Day.
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
I’d be a teacher or a coach