STUDENT INTERVIEWS
THOMAS HARWOOD
(L6 PRODUCT DESIGN)
What inspired you to study design?
I have always been a creative, but a year 8 project in DT at school was the turning moment. I made a steady hand game and was hooked from there. I am also a bit of a hoarder, I love finding intriguing objects and seeing how products have changed over the years.
Describe your design style.
Clean, harmonious, minimalist. Hints of modernism seep through my designs. I like to test space and use an environment to adapt a design. I also like to experiment with materiality as I believe this is often a decision made with little thought. Lastly, I like my designs to be intriguing and create curiosity and engage the senses.
What type of materials and processes do you prefer to use?
I always try to design manufacture as close to how it may be produced in reality. I started the course not a craftsman, but making furniture and full scale mock ups. I have started to use handicraft to finish my designs. I enjoy using materials together, the main is usually always timber. I like using materials that are unusual or that are used in a different sector.
What has been your most interesting design project at BCU?
There have been a few projects I have really gripped with, but it was what came out of one project which I will never forget. A table I designed became adopted as part of a collection which represented Birmingham. It went to Milan, Italy and Selfridges, Birmingham as part of the exhibition. I got contacts and contract work as a result of this period, it was a project I will never forget.
Have you done an internship/ work experience within in the design industry?
If so, could you describe your experience and the skills you gained.
Before university I did a few weeks in an industrial design consultation which seemed very routine and regulated. While at university I have been able to do contract work which was a much better experience for myself. Freelance is much more open as it allows you use any space as your studio/workshop and really aids your creativity.
What advice would you give to anyone wanting to study 3D design at BCU?
Collaborate and make contacts! You are your own leader! Get advice from the tutors and enjoy the projects but experience the whole of the university!! Also, make make make! You have to learn the craft skills and be confident in the workshop before third year.
​
​
INGVILD FUNDERUD BJORNSTAD
(L5 ERASMUS STUDENT)
What inspired you to study design?
I love to create things, or fix things that are broken. At the same time I was, and still am, extremely fascinated by different kinds of expressions and the aesthetic of objects. With the combination of the two, and some motivation from people around me, it became obvious that I had to study design.
​
Why did you choose BCU?
I have studied at BCU for my one year of exchange through the Erasmus programme. I chose BCU because according to my research it was one of the best universities in England and it could offer exactly what I wanted for my year abroad, which was furniture design.
​
Describe your design style.
I would say my design style is quite minimal. I tend to use subtle colours and simple, geometrical shapes to create a clean, but interesting expression. I am mesmerized by patterns, and tend to do a lot of that when doing graphic design.
What type of materials and processes do you prefer to use?
I work a lot digitally, and although I like that, my favourite way of working is using my hands to create something physical. Wood and paper in particular are a couple of wonderful materials to work with. You can shape wood into almost anything you want, there are so many different types, and it just looks gorgeous.
What has been your most interesting design project at BCU?
My most interesting design project at BCU has probably been the Tri Wall project where I had to work with cardboard. Because I was forced to work with a new material, I could explore and find out all the different qualities card actually has. I was sceptical in the beginning, but it turned out to be a very enjoyable project.
Have you done an internship/ work experience within in the design industry?
I recently finished my internship at a company called HF Contracts. It was challenging working in such a fast pace environment, but after the first couple of days it went at least somewhat smoothly. I felt I was given quite significant tasks, which in the end gave me confidence.
What advice would you give to anyone wanting to study 3D design at BCU?
Just do it.