In January 2010, I started out as an apprentice Luthier at Northworthy Musical Instruments, working with and learning from the incredibly talented owner and founder, Alan Marshall. Being a part of making these fantastic instruments, for 5 ½ years, has been one of the best opportunities I've been fortunate enough to experience. Superb quality, reliability, precision, passion and brilliant craftsmanship are characteristics that I continue to strive to implement in my designs and creations today.

Designing my wife's engagement and wedding ring set (see portfolio page) ignited my passion for design, loving working on projects ever since! I enjoyed every aspect of this first design project, design conception all the way to seeing the finished manufactured item. My new found passion for design led me to study product design at university.

In June 2019 I graduated with a First Class Honours degree in Product Design from the University of Derby. Through this course, alongside my lecturer’s industry experience, I have developed and strengthened many skills. I have obtained solid knowledge of the design and manufacturing industries, particularly their respective processes. During the university course I developed a passion for design and manufacture but also sustainability, with particular focus in the design of products; their materials, production, function and end of use. It was through exploring this passion that I was amazed and inspired by the innovative Cradle to Cradle sustainable design philosophy. So much so that I based my dissertation project based on the philosophy’s potential to be successfully embodied within industry (see the Cwtch sofa on the portfolio page).

Not long into exploring Cradle to Cradle and the emerging sustainable industry, I met with Prof. Joe Smith, Director of Smith of Derby Ltd., Director, Royal Geographical Society (with IBG). In this meeting I was invited to share my knowledge and ideas, to develop strategies for Smith of Derby Ltd. to implement in their products and overall business practices (find out more on the consultancy page).

Applying these experiences and knowledge has enabled me to create innovative design solutions and unique products (see portfolio page) for a range of customers and commercial clients, which I am excited to see grow.