MacMaster Design, who have recently found their way to the International Product Design Awards shortlist talk to us about their new launches and collaborations.

To request an application pack please contact – productawards@design-et-al.co.uk

1. What direction do you feel design is moving towards in general terms? There appears to be a push to reduce waste and become smarter designers. These are almost standard objectives within design briefs, but there are two routes being taken to achieve the goal. The first route addresses the excesses of consumer culture, by producing beautiful, functional objects in materials that offer longevity and smart lifecycles. The second focuses on creating on-demand manufacturing through smart technologies like 3D printing. The foreseeable problem with this route is the short lifecycle of material and object, coupled with unregulated production of waste. It is a very interesting position to be in.

2. What are the key influencing elements at present? Connectivity! As diverse cultures are expressed and experienced through globalisation, the internet and frequent travel, so to do new ideas and influences populate our creativity.

3. What sort of projects are you working on at the moment? We are working with a company in Jersey to bring our products to high-end residential builds within the Channel Islands. We are also developing a collection of pendant lights to be launched on our new online shop and our stand at Clerkenwell Design Week in May

4. A designer’s work is so diverse – how do you manage to hold down a career and a life? You have to accept that you are going to find it very difficult to switch off. But then again that breakthrough thought that comes to you in the middle of the night might just be what you have been looking for. There is constant overlap for the good and the bad. Time away with friends and family is essential!!

5. Name 5 key essentials for 2013 and beyond. Get. Into. The. Countryside. More.

6. If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to product design, what would it be? Be passionate about what you do. Then strive to develop that into a desirable product, brand, and experience.

7. How important do you feel Design Awards are as recognition of designer’s talents and achievements? In the early days, they give you a foot in the door, and can make you a career. Later, they add recognition and endorsement and are good for networking.

8. What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months? To establish ourselves as the UK’s leading niche lighting brand.

9.Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself

– The car you drive? Bus or Bike to work, (wouldn’t turn down a ’69 Camero z28)

– Your favourite place to travel to in the world? Elora Gorge, Canada

– Your favourite hotel/ restaurant/ bar? Tiong Bahru Hawker Market, Singapore

– The place that gives you the most energy? A new country

– And the place that enables you to totally relax? Lucknam Park Hotel and Spa, Bath, UK

– Your favourite food and drink? Lebanese Mezze, Rum, Whisky, Gin. (in that order).

To see who else has made the shortlist visit – www.design-et-al.co.uk