David Irwin is the founder of his own industrial design studio, based in Newcastle upon Tyne, which he founded in 2011. David works for leading manufacturers and design focused companies, including Habitat, Deadgood and Gardiner Richardson; as well as operating within the world of modern product and furniture design. He graduated from Northumbria University, after studying Three Dimensional Design; then completed a design fellowship at Northumbria’s School of Design in 2010. So we are proud to bring you the Designer Insights of David Irwin.
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1) In your own words describe your unique style and creative aesthetic?
I would say my style is quite minimal; I try to strip out anything unnecessary from the design while trying to retain an element of character and warmth in the product.
2) When starting a new project, what is your creative process?
Firstly, determining the key factors of the brief, researching the problem or requirement and then trying to come up with a resolved product that fits with the client’s brand.
3) Out of the creative people you have worked with, who is it that you respect and admire the most?
I don’t think I could pick just one. I’m fortunate to work with a greatly diverse mix of people, all of who come from very different backgrounds and have their own unique characters. I suppose the common thread within them all and the trait I respect the most is the determination to do things to the best their ability, not to settle for second best.
4) When looking for inspiration is there a particular thing you do to get inspired?
I often visit libraries as a source of inspiration. I think the atmosphere helps as much as the books I’m studying.
5) What has brought you to this point in your career? And what is your advice for people looking to follow in your footsteps?
I’m still in the early stages of my career, but I would say that having a willingness to explore new opportunities is important and if possible to work with people who have shared values. Plus, a lot of hard work doesn’t go a miss.
