Priestmangoode recently reached the shortlist for the IY&A Awards 2014.  Their project World View (click to view) will compete for the Commercial Aviation Design Concept Award.  (To enter the awards email awards@design-et-al.co.uk)

Nigel Goode

Name: Nigel Goode

Company: Priestmangoode

Position within company: Director

Website: www.priestmangoode.com

What direction do you feel design is moving towards in general terms?

We are working on a lot of bespoke solutions for clients in aviation and transport. As designers, we know the value design can add to businesses and our clients understand the huge benefits it can offer, both in terms of efficiency and competitive advantage. As they invest in design, they are looking for solutions that will differentiate them from their competitors, so bespoke items like lamps, customised seats, specially designed fabrics etc, are all things we’re doing more and more of.

What projects are you currently working on?

Our main sector is aviation and we’re currently designing cabin interiors for a number of leading international airlines. We’re also working with one of the world’s largest rolling stock manufacturers, designing high speed trains around the world. And of course we’re working with the Paragon Space Development Corporation, for whom we’ve designed a capsule that will take passengers on a balloon flight to the edge of space. We’re about to start designing the interiors. It’s incredibly exciting to be working on this project, helping define the future of commercial space travel.

A designer’s work is so diverse – how do you manage to hold down a career and a life?

It’s all about balance. Having said that, it’s difficult when you work in the creative industries to separate the two, as I’m sure any designer will tell you. At Priestmangoode we work in aviation, transport, product but also environment and hospitality design. This means that wherever I am and whatever I’m doing, there’s always something that catches my professional eye.

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2014 and beyond.

1. Sustainability has to be at the heart of design. It’s about being more efficient with resources and creating designs with longevity.

2. Look to local culture for inspiration. There is so much gentrification all around the world, local culture gives new projects an identity.

3. Consider collaborative consumption as an alternative to private ownership.

4. Champion local industry. We work with British suppliers wherever we can.

5. Think big. We may be a relatively small studio (about 40 designers in the UK), but we work on some of the largest transport projects in the world. Surround yourself with the right team and there are no limits to what you can do.

If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?

Seek inspiration outside your sector. At Priestmangoode, our background is in product design. This means we keep the user at the heart of every brief. We’re also able to draw on our experience from different industry sectors to deliver new innovations on projects right through to production and installation.

How important are The International Yacht and Aviation Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?

There are very few specialist luxury travel awards, so the International Yacht and Aviation Awards are a great accolade. We’re delighted to have been shortlisted with our World View capsule.

How do you relax?

After a hectic professional life it is just great to spend time with my family.

What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?

Our company is growing rapidly; we’ve doubled in size in the last three years. My aim for the next few months is to keep our company growing in the right direction, think of the long term, of where we want to be as a company and the values we want to represent.

Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself

The car you drive? – Aston Martin

Your favourite place to travel to in the world? – Having the benefit of many international clients I get to travel all round the world but I still look forward to returning to the energy of London

Your favourite hotel/ restaurant/ bar? – Galvin restaurant on Baker Street near our office

The place that gives you the most energy? – London

And the place that enables you to totally relax? – Purbeck in Dorset

Your favourite food and drink? – Sipsmith Gin and Tonic