Inspiration
Don’t Get a Job… Make a Job
‘Have big ideas and don’t be afraid of them. In fact, nurture your weirdest ideas, feed them, water them and let them grow into wild and wondrous things that no one else could dream of.’ Powerful words of encouragement from Gem Barton, author of ‘Don’t Get a Job… Make a Job’ which aims to inspire… Read More >
How did you get into design?
In our 4th post we met Helen Strevens who works solely from her drawing board and Sue Watkins who’s material based approach led her into her position with Chad Lighting. We also learnt how SpaceInvader was launched by John Williams after experience across multiple sectors and continents. In the final in our series we meet… Read More >
Will ‘Paradise’ Benefit Birmingham City University’s Students?
On a recent visit to Birmingham it was impossible not to be excited by the development taking place in the city centre and to be drawn into the evolving new architectural landscape. In this piece we look at the demolition of Adrian Boult Hall, one of Birmingham University’s facilities, and ask if making way for… Read More >
How did you get into design?
Last week we met three designers, each at very different stages of their careers, Amy Pears, Designer at Johnson Tiles, Fiona Davidson, freelance designer and senior lecturer and Jonathan Hindle, KI’s Group Managing Director, who founded the Design Guild Mark in 2008. In our 4th post we meet designer Helen Strevens who shows us how… Read More >
Design Guild Mark: What the winners say!
Founded in 2008 by The Furniture Makers’ Company the prestigious Design Guild Mark is awarded to drive excellence and raise the profile of British design and innovation. The Award recognises the highest standards in the design of furniture for volume production, by the finest designers working in Britain, or British designers working abroad. The Furniture… Read More >
How did you get into design?
In lasts weeks post, the second in our series, we learnt about the key people who influenced the careers of BroomeJenkins Senior Designer Julian Evens and Morgan Design Manager Erin Johnson. Eleanor Cardwell, PR & Marketing Manager at Newmor Wallcoverings, showed us how an education in fine art can provide a base for a creative… Read More >
Powering the North
Ahead of the BCFA’s first BCFA OPEN exhibition in Manchester in October, we look at the city’s continued growth prospects. For proof of Manchester’s credentials as the leading creative hub outside London one need look no further than MediaCity, just a few miles outside the city in Salford Quays. Twenty years ago this former docklands… Read More >
How did you get into design?
In early July we were blown away by the Design Excellence presented by the UK’s 2016 graduates at New Designers. Meeting so many graduates on the cusp of their design careers made us want to learn more about the journeys which our BCFA members took into their design positions. We asked 15 designers: how did… Read More >
Flooring Innovation
Ahead of our BCFA Open event on the 26th & 27th October 2016 at Manchester Bridgewater Hall, we discuss innovation with BCFA members exhibiting at the event, Newhey and Johnson Tiles. Design Excellence Driven by Innovation in Sustainability BCFA Open exhibitor Newhey, a leading British manufacturer of contract carpets for the hotel, leisure and entertainment sector,… Read More >
WHY FLOORING SELLS
For this month’s focus on flooring we take a closer look at the role flooring plays in a retail environment. We caught up with Lewis Taylor, Design Director of David Collins Studio who have an international reputation in luxury retail design and our BCFA members to understand how flooring sells.
citizen M: Tower of London
This July sees the grand opening of the new citizenM hotel in the heart of one of London’s most historical sites. Right opposite the world famous Tower of London, this new 370-room hotel will officially open its doors on July 11. In order to fully appreciate the ancient splendour of this UNESCO World Heritage site,… Read More >
Inside Out Contracts -Browns Restaurant
Browns restaurants located around London and across England are the epitome of classic and chic British Brasseries offering stylish dining with bespoke interiors. Following the refurbishment of two London venues housed in heritage buildings, the new editions hone in on the quintessential Brasserie style with a unique contemporary update.
What would your dream office be?
During Clerkenwell Design Week we interviewed some of the top designers in workplace design to find out what the growing trends in the office are. As you would expect ‘wellbeing’ is the buzz word with lots of products now focusing more than ever on ergonomics. We also asked our interviewees what their dream office space… Read More >