Benjamin Hubert, Electrolux Design Lab Jury Member

Published 2010-08-24 in Design Lab 2010 Competition

Born in the UK in 1984, Benjamin Hubert studied Industrial Design and Technology at Loughborough University and graduated in 2006. Benjamin’s London based studio was founded shortly afterwards in 2007 and specialises in industrial design across furniture and lighting sectors. Benjamin has received a number of prestigious awards including: Design of the year (British Design awards 2010) Best Product (100% design/Blueprint awards 2009) Homes and Gardens Young designer (Design Classic awards 2010) and EDIDA International Young Designer of the year 2010.

Ahead of his appearance on the Electrolux Design Lab jury panel at 100% Design, 23rd September 2010, Benjamin answers some questions about his approach to the design process and offers advice to this year’s Electrolux Design Lab finalists.

1: Describe your design style?

Simple, process and materials led, functional, tactile.

2. What is your greatest design accomplishment?

It’s always the most recent project I’m working on, and the level of innovation/ challenges that are integrated/overcome in a project.

3. What kinds of projects are you working on now?

A huge amount of new work will be released in the next few years, some very exciting furniture, lighting and accessory ranges that utilise some very interesting materials and processes with some really great brands primarily across Europe and Asia.

4. What do you regard to be the latest trends in colours, materials, patterns?

I think in my sector there has been a big movement in process – describing and elevating the designing/making process to make users and consumers aware of the origin of the products they use. I also think it’s about transparency, especially in today’s fragile market – colours materials and patterns are only skin deep and change frequently. Furthermore, I think it should be thought on a more global scale in relation to the big macro trends that influence market, culture etc.

5. How important is sustainability to your work (both in term of design and choice of materials)?

It plays a big part. I think its important to consider it at every step in the process and lifespan of a product. This includes thinking about the hidden impact of the design process, such as transportation or the infrastructure around a product that contributes to its overall carbon footprint.

6. Considering the theme for this year’s Electrolux Design Lab, how do you think increased urbanisation will affect how we live our lives in the future?

I think we will become more conscious on how much and what type of products we are consuming inline with smaller living spaces and reduced resources.

7. Who or what has most inspired you as a designer?

Often our starting point is visiting a factory or getting our hands on materials, but it can come from anywhere. I draw a lot of inspiration from London’s mix of culture and architecture.

8. What advice would you give to young designers just starting their careers?

Work really hard, don’t give up and be stubborn.

9. And finally, what advice would you give this year’s Electrolux Design Lab finalists?

In the competition itself – Don’t be too nervous (it should be fun).
After the competition – utilise the experiences to help them define their design ethos in whatever path they take.