Company: Tom Faulkner
Position within company: Founder
Website: www.tomfaulkner.co.uk
Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc.)
I started designing and making things back in the early nineties. I have no formal training but always liked working with my hands, and have always been interested in ‘process’.
How would you describe your personal design style?
Restrained, distinctive, elegant. I try to rely on line and proportion, without the addition of unnecessary ornament.
Where does your design inspiration come from?
Inspiration is all around; I am interested patterns and motifs. A lot of what I do starts with a two dimensional silhouette and develops from there. There is inspiration in nature and architecture; I look around a lot, and I travel a lot, but it is never a very conscious process – I have just returned from Japan which I found hugely inspiring, but will wait to see how that emerges in my work, if it does!
In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
In my world there has been a lot of geometric work, and a lot of bronze and brass. Craft is becoming more and more valued.
Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2017 and beyond.
Comfort, usability, distinctiveness, elegance, texture.
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to product design, what would it be?
Keep. It. Simple.
How important are The International Design and Architecture Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?
Very – I think it is important that design talent is recognised, and brought to people’s attention. Bad design can diminish our lives and our dignity. Good design is life enhancing. Much of the time it is not recognised, because good design does not always shout.
What projects are you currently working on?
Some garden furniture, some more cabinetry, some new surfaces, and some accessories
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
We are doing a lot of work in America, and that is a territory that we are trying to develop and grow in. We have a lot of new ideas that need to be developed. Time is always the problem!
Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself
Your most treasured possession?
My guitar
Your favourite holiday destination?
North Devon
Your favourite hotel / restaurant / bar?
Hotel – Maritime Hotel New York
Resturant – River Café, London
Bar – The Cow in Notting Hill
Your favourite book / film / song?
Book – Catcher in the Rye
Film – Kes
Song – Any Rolling Stones
Your favourite food and drink?
Food – Tarte Tatin
Drink – Japanese matcha tea
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon? (in no more than 25 words)
Lunch with friends and family, a city walk, an art gallery, and tea and cake (obviously)
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
A rock star
Anything else interesting?
Genuinely cannot think of anything… I have tap danced on the west end stage? (That’s sort of true)