Designer, blogger and photographer Paddy Pike talks Design and inspiration
Paddy Pike is an experienced designer, blogger and photographer living in London. He takes inspiration from some of the greatest raw talent in all sectors of design. With an eye for contemporary design, ranging from bespoke furniture to quirky interiors, he is constantly searching for the next undiscovered creation. I reached out to him, to find out more about his passion for design and also his own pieces.
Object of Reference: What’s in the core of your designs? Paddy Pike: " I enjoy looking at each project in a different way; and trying to find the best solution for it. Whether it be for a client or for my own collection, I like the process of developing designs, materials and ideas. Apart from being well thought out and meticulously made, I’d like to think that there isn’t anything identifiable at the core of all my designs." Object of Refenrece: Tell me a little bit about yourself. What is you background and have you always wanted to be involved with design? Paddy Pike: "I studied Mechanical Engineering at Edinburgh University for two years before dropping out to pursue a furniture design career. I’ve worked for Peter Mikic Interiors, Tom Faulkner, BarberOsgerby, Sebastian Conran Associates & John Cullen Lighting. I’ve been making and producing my own projects pretty much my entire life, but am now massively focusing on furniture design, with one eye on interiors too. When my interest in furniture began, I started up a Instagram account dedicated to furniture I like. This not only keeps me up to date with the latest designs, but has also helped develop my taste within the field. I also love music and photography and do a lot of this on the side, but won’t do this professionally for a while, partly due to time and partly so that I don’t risk losing some enjoyment in them by adding the business/financial factor to it." Object of Reference: Where do you get your inspiration? Paddy Pike: "I have a massive list of websites, profiles, magazines, old books etc. that I look through daily. It does take up a lot of time, but luckily I enjoy it."
Object of Reference: Do you believe in following rules when it comes to design, and if so, what are these rules in your designs? Paddy Pike: "There are certainly rules that I’ll follow, but I like to think that they’re dictated by me. For each project you have to understand the limitations to know how and where you can explore the design development. I care a lot about the way materials, finishes, and forms interact, and I’ll have vague rules in my mind, but they can always be bent at the right time and for the right reasons. Object of Reference: What would your advice be for someone who would like to start in this industry? Paddy Pike: I think young designers should get as involved in the field as their motivation allows them to. This doesn’t mean throwing yourself at anything design related just to tick the boxes and talk about it, it means exploring areas that excite you. If you can combine that with a profitable exercise, then you’ve winning. I’ve always enjoyed working for big designers as I’ve learned so much from them, but I also really enjoy doing my own work at the same time so I can quickly understand responsibility and commitment.
Object of Reference: What would be your dream project to work on? Paddy Pike: "Currently, I’d love to do a furniture collection for a London furniture gallery, but I’m sure my future dream projects will include residential interiors and perhaps more rogue things as time goes by. What are you working on at the moment, and what are your creative plans for the future? I’m currently developing a collection of jute rugs, a hatstand, a wall hanging and a cabinet. They’re all slightly unconnected, but I enjoy the freedom to go in whatever design direction I’m feeling at the time."
Don't forget to visit Paddy's website at www.paddypike.com and also follow him on Instagram @paddy.designs