"The details are not the details. They make the design."
Charles Eames
As a design engineer with over 12 years experience, I have been fortunate to work with a wide range of companies in a variety of capacities. This experience not only enables me to generate innovative new concepts but also allows me to arrive rapidly at product-feasible solutions and actually deliver them. With a passion for bringing new ideas to market, I am always looking forward to new opportunities and collaborations in the exciting, ever-changing world of design!
- Skills -
Research
Experience as a category design manager allows me to seek out new product opportunities and areas for innovation. Time working in R&D enables me to take a structured approach to developing new product technologies and apply principles such as six-sigma to reliably accelerate the process.
Idea Generation
Whether generating 'big' ideas for new product categories or looking for new ways to solve detailed design issues, as an external consultant I am able to offer a fresh perspective coupled with over 20 years experience in consumer product design. Frequently this part of the process leads to unique, patentable ideas for my clients.
CAD & Visualisation
Using the latest SolidWorks modelling software, I produce high quality, detailed 3D models. Fully licensed, I can also make use of legacy versions to integrate with client workflow as required. In conjunction with Solidworks, I use Keyshot rendering software to rapidly assess visual aspects of the design throughout the design process.
Prototyping
With a firm belief in the 'fail fast' approach, I use manual methods to quickly assess concept feasibility using breadboard prototypes. I also have a great deal of experience (as well as a range of contacts) in using digital prototyping methods to produce anything from proof of concept models right through to 'looks like, works like' product mock-ups.
Engineering
With a degree in Mechanical Engineering, I am able to apply appropriate engineering principles to the design and advise on any extra specialist support that may be required.
Manufacturing
Regular visits to the Far East (as well as living there for a period of time) means that I am used to interfacing with suppliers and manufacturers and very much aware of the potential pitfalls. This experience means that I can take projects to an appropriate level of resolution for handover to suppliers or even further if required.
Here are just some of the exciting projects I've worked on as a freelance consultant and whilst working in-house. I take client confidentiality very seriously so there are certain things I am unable to share. Please contact me if there are aspects of my skills or experience you would like to discuss further.
Joseph Joseph – Totem Intelligent Waste
Totem was designed as a highly-flexible waste separation unit. Occupying the same space as a conventional kitchen bin, it offers many more functions without compromising on capacity.
During my time with Joseph Joseph, I initiated their 'Intelligent Waste' category and managed the Totem kitchen bin project through to the first phases of production. As well as creating the project brief and developing the detailed design from PearsonLloyd's concept, I travelled frequently to the far east for factory selection and to resolve technical issues.
By creating a highly functional product whilst maintaining PearsonLloyd's simple aesthetic, we were able to create a truly innovative product that went on to win Red Dot 2015: Best of the Best for top quality and innovative design.
Dyson – DC26 Vacuum Cleaner
Designed for Japan and then rolled out to the rest of the world, DC26 is an ultra-lightweight vacuum that fits on a sheet of A4 paper, but with the performance of a full-size vacuum.
I became involved with DC26 once the basic layout had been agreed but while there was still much work to be done to get that layout to deliver the required performance from such a small space envelope. I was lead design engineer for the cyclone and filter assemblies and helped in transferring the project to Malaysia and setting up the project team there for final detailing and production engineering.
Joseph Joseph – LockBlock
LockBlock is a self-locking knife block that protects and secures sharp kitchen knives from young children. It uses an innovative, patent-pending cam-lock mechanism that requires minimum hand size to release knives.
I developed LockBlock in response to an internal brief to address safety concerns about knives in the kitchen. Anthropometric data was used to develop a button that young children would find very hard to press. The rubber-coated clamps are self-tightening so the harder you pull on the knife, the harder they lock. The mechanism, which has a large number of moving parts, was fully developed in CAD before creating an SLS prototype to prove the concept. The design of the case and the mechanism was then refined before releasing drawings to the supplier for prototyping and final production. This genuinely useful product has achieved a very respectable 5 star Amazon product rating.
Joseph Joseph – Cleaning & Organisation
Joseph Joseph's range of utility products offers practical solutions to the more mundane jobs in the kitchen with their stylish, innovative design.
Whilst working in-house one of my roles as design manager was to expand the 'Cleaning & Organisation' category. I put ten new products into production and initiated several more.
Products in the range include: C-pump™, Wash&Drain™, Clean&Store™, Edge™ Dish Brush, Edge™ Glass Brush, Edge™ Store, Easy-Tear™, SpoonBase™, Sink Aid™ and Flip™.
Along with 'Intelligent Waste' these products are now a significant part of Joseph Joseph's offering.
SharkNinja – New Product Innovation
SharkNinja is a leading innovator in the US housewares industry and creator of the popular Shark® and Ninja® brands. The company is focused on building innovative products that deliver on their promise to "positively impact people's lives".
I have helped SharkNinja with establishing a design centre in the UK and am currently working on innovating products for their Ninja brand of kitchen appliances, one of which is now being put into production. Designing for the very different US market and working with team members across 3 time zones makes this a unique client to work for.
London Start-Up – Design for Manufacture
I am currently working with a London-based start-up with funding from Innovate UK to help them with their product development.
The client has a unique and patented product but needs assistance with moving from their 'proof of concept' rig to a refined design suitable for production and a final, polished prototype to attract further investment. I have been able to help them progress to a production-feasible design (which is now being developed by a Far East supplier) and produce some compelling prototypes. As well as advising on design, I've also been able to help with how to locate and work with new suppliers.
Bühler Sortex – Optical Sorting
Bühler Sortex is the world leader in innovation and delivery of optical sorting solutions to the global food and non-food processing industries. They produce their high value products from a high-tech factory in London and supply them to customers across the world.
Whilst working with Sortex, I was responsible for developing designs for key assemblies on their latest product, including an innovative LED lighting system. Detailed development of parts with a variety of production methods was required, including aluminium extrusions, folded sheet metal and injection moulding. I also used FE analysis to optimise part design. It was very satisfying (and convenient) to design something that would be built in the factory next door — but with even the first prototype needing to be suitable for sale to customers, there were also plenty of challenges!
Moooi – Brave New World Lamp by Freshwest
Designed by Freshwest for Dutch brand 'moooi', the Brave New World lamp was nominated for an Elle Decoration Design Award and British Wood Award 2009.
I was able to help Freshwest to solve the problem of achieving smooth motion of the lamp over a wide range of movement by designing a dual-counterweight linkage mechanism.
- Skills -
Research
Experience as a category design manager allows me to seek out new product opportunities and areas for innovation. Time working in R&D enables me to take a structured approach to developing new product technologies and apply principles such as six-sigma to reliably accelerate the process.
Idea Generation
Whether generating 'big' ideas for new product categories or looking for new ways to solve detailed design issues, as an external consultant I am able to offer a fresh perspective coupled with over 20 years experience in consumer product design. Frequently this part of the process leads to unique, patentable ideas for my clients.
CAD & Visualisation
Using the latest SolidWorks modelling software, I produce high quality, detailed 3D models. Fully licensed, I can also make use of legacy versions to integrate with client workflow as required. In conjunction with Solidworks, I use Keyshot rendering software to rapidly assess visual aspects of the design throughout the design process.
Prototyping
With a firm belief in the 'fail fast' approach, I use manual methods to quickly assess concept feasibility using breadboard prototypes. I also have a great deal of experience (as well as a range of contacts) in using digital prototyping methods to produce anything from proof of concept models right through to 'looks like, works like' product mock-ups.
Engineering
With a degree in Mechanical Engineering, I am able to apply appropriate engineering principles to the design and advise on any extra specialist support that may be required.
Manufacturing
Regular visits to the Far East (as well as living there for a period of time) means that I am used to interfacing with suppliers and manufacturers and very much aware of the potential pitfalls. This experience means that I can take projects to an appropriate level of resolution for handover to suppliers or even further if required.
From watching my father crafting furniture as a boy, to watching products rolling off the production line in China, I always seem to have been involved in making things…
Background & Experience
From a young age I spent much of my spare time working with my father, a skilled antique restorer and furniture maker in his West London shop. This exposure to materials and process gave me real taste for design and has ultimately driven me to grow my own business as a consultant.
In 2001 I gained an MEng (Hons) degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Bath. Specialising in design and innovation, this provided me with a firm grounding in engineering principles, manufacturing and the design process. Working in the design field with a strong engineering background means that I am comfortable designing a product that not only looks great and solves a problem, but can be feasibly made within the real-world restrictions of budget and time.
I was then fortunate enough to be offered a graduate role at Dyson where I stayed for 7 years, making my way up to Senior Design Engineer. I worked both in the UK and Malaysia in a range of areas from pure research through to design for manufacture. This experience with such an iconic brand — known not just for their design but their innovation and processes — has given me the confidence to take my skills forward into new industries and experiences.
From Dyson, I moved to Joseph Joseph as Lead Design Engineer and Design Manager. This enabled me to further develop my project management skills as well as continuing to grow my design experience and work with many different designers and manufacturers.
As a consultant, I now have a range of clients working on projects in areas such as electrical appliances, kitchenware, design products and lighting.
I am passionate about design, innovation and process and often spend my spare time reading up on and experiencing the greats of the industry such as Dieter Rams, the Eames's and Alvar Aalto as well as keeping abreast of the latest developments in the industry. Whenever I can, I feed that passion along with my background and experience into all of the projects I work on.
- Skills -
Research
Experience as a category design manager allows me to seek out new product opportunities and areas for innovation. Time working in R&D enables me to take a structured approach to developing new product technologies and apply principles such as six-sigma to reliably accelerate the process.
Idea Generation
Whether generating 'big' ideas for new product categories or looking for new ways to solve detailed design issues, as an external consultant I am able to offer a fresh perspective coupled with over 20 years experience in consumer product design. Frequently this part of the process leads to unique, patentable ideas for my clients.
CAD & Visualisation
Using the latest SolidWorks modelling software, I produce high quality, detailed 3D models. Fully licensed, I can also make use of legacy versions to integrate with client workflow as required. In conjunction with Solidworks, I use Keyshot rendering software to rapidly assess visual aspects of the design throughout the design process.
Prototyping
With a firm belief in the 'fail fast' approach, I use manual methods to quickly assess concept feasibility using breadboard prototypes. I also have a great deal of experience (as well as a range of contacts) in using digital prototyping methods to produce anything from proof of concept models right through to 'looks like, works like' product mock-ups.
Engineering
With a degree in Mechanical Engineering, I am able to apply appropriate engineering principles to the design and advise on any extra specialist support that may be required.
Manufacturing
Regular visits to the Far East (as well as living there for a period of time) means that I am used to interfacing with suppliers and manufacturers and very much aware of the potential pitfalls. This experience means that I can take projects to an appropriate level of resolution for handover to suppliers or even further if required.
As a consultant I enjoy working on a broad range of projects, be it from my studio in Havelock Walk or collaboratively alongside my clients. I'm always interested in new opportunities so please get in touch if you have any projects you would like to discuss.
Get in Touch
You can reach me through any of the following:
STUDIO:
Chambers Design Studio Ltd
Pine Trees, Bridle Lane
Arundel, BN18 0NA
- Skills -
Research
Experience as a category design manager allows me to seek out new product opportunities and areas for innovation. Time working in R&D enables me to take a structured approach to developing new product technologies and apply principles such as six-sigma to reliably accelerate the process.
Idea Generation
Whether generating 'big' ideas for new product categories or looking for new ways to solve detailed design issues, as an external consultant I am able to offer a fresh perspective coupled with over 20 years experience in consumer product design. Frequently this part of the process leads to unique, patentable ideas for my clients.
CAD & Visualisation
Using the latest SolidWorks modelling software, I produce high quality, detailed 3D models. Fully licensed, I can also make use of legacy versions to integrate with client workflow as required. In conjunction with Solidworks, I use Keyshot rendering software to rapidly assess visual aspects of the design throughout the design process.
Prototyping
With a firm belief in the 'fail fast' approach, I use manual methods to quickly assess concept feasibility using breadboard prototypes. I also have a great deal of experience (as well as a range of contacts) in using digital prototyping methods to produce anything from proof of concept models right through to 'looks like, works like' product mock-ups.
Engineering
With a degree in Mechanical Engineering, I am able to apply appropriate engineering principles to the design and advise on any extra specialist support that may be required.
Manufacturing
Regular visits to the Far East (as well as living there for a period of time) means that I am used to interfacing with suppliers and manufacturers and very much aware of the potential pitfalls. This experience means that I can take projects to an appropriate level of resolution for handover to suppliers or even further if required.