Designer insights with Tom Raffield

Tom Raffield is an adventurous designer and quality craftsman that creates spectacular furniture and lighting designs that are also ecologically viable. Toms designs are handcrafted in Cornwall and are based upon a principle of beauty, integrity and a drive to create unique high-spec products. He is fascinated by traditional steam bending techniques, which he learnt at Falmouth College of Arts and has even gone on to develop his own techniques too. So we are proud to bring you the Designer Insights of Tom Raffield.

Designer Insights - Tom Raffield

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1) In your own words describe your unique style and creative aesthetic?

We design and create lighting and furniture that is inspired by nature and shaped by steam. Everything we create has an organic, honest and natural aesthetic.

2) When starting a new project, what is your creative process?

New ideas stem from the most abstract of places, from working in a beautiful woodland and living in one of the most beautiful places in the world, Cornwall. Our aim is to design a functional piece whilst.

3) Out of the creative people you have worked with, who is it that you respect and admire the most?

We have recently completed a project working with renowned garden designer Matthew Wilson of Clifton Nurseries. I was asked to design and make a bench and table for a garden he designed at the 2015 Chelsea Flower show. It was incredible to work with Matthew who is not only a great designer but who also has such a firm grasp on sustainability. The curly bench we made reflected these principles, it was an exciting project.

4) When looking for inspiration is there a particular thing you do to get inspired?

Most of my designs are inspired by forms found in nature and the heritage of Cornwall. I try to get out of the workshop to explore the landscape of this beautiful county as much as possible.

5) What has brought you to this point in your career? And what is your advice for people looking to follow in your footsteps?

My advice would be to find a way of working that is enjoyable and ignites passion in our work life. Working for yourself can be daunting, but if you are excited about getting into the office/workshop in the morning it makes life a lot easier. Also be open to ideas and concepts that scare you a little, you never know what these opportunities might lead to.