THE PRODUCT DESIGNER

WINNER Julian Chichester

In 1995, Julian Chichester (top left) launched his first collection of five pieces of furniture, all in black with gilt detailing, and his output has got bigger every year. He now adds around 30 new pieces to his offering annually, all characterised by a passion for artistry and made by craftspeople in the UK and Vietnam. ‘There is such a breadth to how you can use his work and his pieces have such interesting materials,’ said Charu Gandhi.

‘I think he just comes up with extremely usable furniture, every single year,’ said Kit Kemp. ‘I love how he keeps several artisanal and skilled craft techniques alive,’ added Barbara Chandler.

Marcin Rusak

There is a haunting elegance to Marcin Rusak’s work, be it floor lamps, tables, cabinets or objets. Casting flowers into resin to make a material he calls Flora Perma (seen in the lamp, top right), the cross-section of the petals reveals their intricate structure. ‘His work has a sculptural beauty to it; it’s quite avant-garde,’ said Charu Gandhi.

Martin Waller

Since setting up Andrew Martin in 1978, Martin Waller has brought a sense of ebullience to British design. From collaborations with people like Kelly Hoppen and Kelly Wearstler to his own creations (such as paint, centre), you never know what you will find at his store. ‘He’s got a table that looks like a digestive biscuit, a chair that looks like a Liquorice Allsorts, he’s got all his mad lighting and at the same time it’s really fun,’ says Kit Kemp.

Andrew Hills

When Andrew Hills began Porta Romana 32 years ago, his ambition was to create beautiful and inspiring pieces (left) that would be loved, a goal he has surely achieved. His latest innovation is the launch of an upcycling club, where customers have old products of his refurbished or even part-exchanged for newer models, ensuring his designs live on. ‘Both his own creative direction and the collaborations he secures are really exciting and forward-looking,’ said Sarah Spiteri. →