about Andy
Andy is graduate from Masters in Interdisciplinary Design at Napier University after being a 2008 graduate with a 2.1 from the BDes (hons) Consumer Product Design course at Napier University's highly regarded School of Creative Industries, Edinburgh, Scotland.
Currently working as a freelance product and furniture designer in Edinburgh.
recent work
My recent collection is a reaction to the current economic climate, showing how designers need to think in the current recession. As the credit crunch ushers in a new age of austerity, this had added impetus to an already growing trend of radical DIY, so during a time of austerity we, as designers, have to look at what the consumers need and want from products. There might be a feeling of hopelessness and by doing positive things and taking control, and doing things for yourself we might feel better. The 'Made By. . ." collection looks at the user gaining satisfaction and wellbeing through having made the items themselves.
WINNER of the 2009 Furniture Design first prize award at this years D&AD awards 2009 for the Sea Defence table and shelves design for Matthew Hilton.
In 2008 I received an in book commendation from the D&AD awards for my project titled DeoCard for Rexona. In 2006 I won a membership to the Chartered Society of Designers for a project titled Bl:urb; an urban blog for telling time in a rural landscape. Born and educated in Glasgow, I left The Glasgow Academy in 2004 with an A level in Art, 5 Highers, 9 Standard Grades, a Silver Award in the Duke of Edinburgh's award scheme and as winner the McNaught Rose bowl for Art and Design in 2004.
skills
I have learned many skills over the last 5 years to make design interventions in many ways beyond 3D object, and also to engage with communication and spaces. With consumer product design I have learned to view the term "product" in its broadest sense. So while I have learned over the years a range of skills in visualization, prototyping, CAD, materials and fabrication, my design research and problem-solving skills could also be applied to other creative areas such as branding, interaction design and service design. I am prepared for the increasingly trans-disciplinary nature of professional design practices, and am able to address future technologies through manufacturing and materials as well as design and changing consumer culture.