On Design

Lead producer on the weekly 30 min magazine podcast - here’s a small selection of segments featured, that dive into the worlds of architecture, furniture, fashion, crafts and graphic design.
Click on an image to be re-directed to the audio.

Noguchi’s playscapes
We find out more about the unrealised plans and projects of Isamu Noguchi, the celebrated Japanese-American artist, sculptor and landscape architect.

Tsukiji Reimagined’
The current exhibition at White Conduit Projects gallery in London evokes the former fish market in Tokyo. We meet with artist Jake Tilson.

Harewood House
We head to Yorkshire for the second edition of the Harewood Biennial, one of the UK’s most exciting destination design events. This year’s event, ‘Radical Acts: Why Craft Matters’, focuses on how quality craftsmanship can change the world.

Cocol
We visit a homeware shop that sources artisan objects from across Spain – think crockery from Granada and tableware from Alicante – and displays contemporary wares alongside vintage finds. Its founder, Pepa Entrena, takes us on a tour.

Bard
The Edinburgh-based shop and gallery celebrates craft and design made in Scotland. We meet its co-founders, Hugo Macdonald and James Stevens

Hannah Beachler
The Production designer behind the world building of the Black Panther film, and Beyonce’s visual album, Lemonade, shares the story behind an ever-evolving period room, at New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Radical Rooms: Power of the plan
We explore RIBA’s exhibition on the power relations embedded within the layout of our domestic spaces, meeting collaborators of the project - architect Charles Holland and visual artist Di Mainstone.

Kays Curling Stones
Kays has swept away the competition when it comes to the production of curling stones at the Olympics. We find out more about the process of creating the stones in Ayrshire, Scotland.

Memphis: Plastic Field We visit MK Gallery’s exhibition 'Memphis: Plastic Field,' on the irreverent and subversive design collective. — Memphis: Plastic Field
We visit MK Gallery’s exhibition 'Memphis: Plastic Field,' on the irreverent and subversive design collective.

George Nakashima, woodworker The master furniture-maker was considered a founding father of American craft. A new documentary by Nakashima’s nephew, John, and daughter, Mira, celebrates his legacy. — George Nakashima, woodworker
The master furniture-maker was considered a founding father of American craft. A new documentary by Nakashima’s nephew, John, and daughter, Mira, celebrates his legacy.

Who was Corita Kent? Director of Los Angeles’s Corita Art Center, Nellie Scott, tells us more about the ethos of artist, educator and designer Corita Kent, who worked in LA and Boston and was an influential figure in the pop art movement. — Who was Corita Kent?
Director of Los Angeles’s Corita Art Center, Nellie Scott, tells us more about the ethos of artist, educator and designer Corita Kent, who worked in LA and Boston and was an influential figure in the pop art movement.

Clothsurgeon
A new arrival to London’s Savile Row is drawing a different crowd to the area with an offer of bespoke luxury streetwear.

Jan Pascale - Set decorator on Mank We speak to the Oscar-winning set decorator of ‘Mank’ Jan Pascale about the thrills of working on the critically acclaimed film and the challenges of designing in monochrome. — Jan Pascale - Set decorator on Mank
We speak to the Oscar-winning set decorator of ‘Mank’ Jan Pascale about the thrills of working on the critically acclaimed film and the challenges of designing in monochrome.

No Isolation No Isolation has developed communication tools to reduce involuntary loneliness and social isolation since 2015. We find out how their work helps young people with long-term illness to stay connected to the classroom. — No Isolation
No Isolation has developed communication tools to reduce involuntary loneliness and social isolation since 2015. We find out how their work helps young people with long-term illness to stay connected to the classroom.

Resolve Collective at the ‘Monocle Biennale’Seth and Akil Scafe-Smith of the interdisciplinary London-based group, Resolve Collective, help us to wonder what could take place at a Monocle Architecture Biennale, with their imagined exhibition, ‘Start… — Resolve Collective at the ‘Monocle Biennale’
Seth and Akil Scafe-Smith of the interdisciplinary London-based group, Resolve Collective, help us to wonder what could take place at a Monocle Architecture Biennale, with their imagined exhibition, ‘Starting from the End(z)’.

The collective’s work combines architecture, engineering, art and design to address social challenges.

Best New Talent: Nkuli Mlangeni-Berg We caught up with the Sweden based, South African designer to discuss her collaborative platform The Ninevites and her efforts to make the design industry less Eurocentric. — Best New Talent: Nkuli Mlangeni-Berg
We caught up with the Sweden based, South African designer to discuss her collaborative platform The Ninevites and her efforts to make the design industry less Eurocentric.

A History of Arab Graphic Design Co-authors Bahia Shehab and Haytham Nawar share the archival and geopolitical challenges involved in creating this rich volume – and why designers of the diaspora community were integral to piecing the title together. — A History of Arab Graphic Design
Co-authors Bahia Shehab and Haytham Nawar share the archival and geopolitical challenges involved in creating this rich volume – and why designers of the diaspora community were integral to piecing the title together.

Avant Garde architecture of 1960-1970s In the 1960s and 1970s, groups of emerging designers across the globe began experimenting with architectural forms. Matthew Butcher and Luke Pearson tell us more about some of the playful projects by practition… — Avant Garde architecture of 1960-1970s
In the 1960s and 1970s, groups of emerging designers across the globe began experimenting with architectural forms. Matthew Butcher and Luke Pearson tell us more about some of the playful projects by practitioners of the time.

The Spoke Chair Design writer and architect Naomi Pollock shares the story of the spoke chair. The piece features in Pollock’s new book, ‘Japanese Design Since 1945: A Complete Sourcebook’. — The Spoke Chair
Design writer and architect Naomi Pollock shares the story of the spoke chair. The piece features in Pollock’s new book, ‘Japanese Design Since 1945: A Complete Sourcebook’.

Consider the Corridor Corridors get a bad rep, simply a means to getting somewhere else, or even as a passage of fear - the Shining anyone? Writer and academic Roger Luckhurst shares the utopian ideals behind the often forgotten space — Consider the Corridor
Corridors get a bad rep, simply a means to getting somewhere else, or even as a passage of fear - the Shining anyone? Writer and academic Roger Luckhurst shares the utopian ideals behind the often forgotten space

Architecture for Dogs Curated by Kenya Hara, the ‘Architecture for Dogs’ exhibition features designs by world-class architects. We talk to the event’s director, Simon Wright, and ask Asif Khan about his contribution,’ I See You’ — Architecture for Dogs
Curated by Kenya Hara, the ‘Architecture for Dogs’ exhibition features designs by world-class architects. We talk to the event’s director, Simon Wright, and ask Asif Khan about his contribution,’ I See You’

Annie Atkins Designer of the props and posters that bring the cinematic universe to life, Annie Atkins tells us how her work is key to building a rich world for your favourite actors. — Annie Atkins
Designer of the props and posters that bring the cinematic universe to life, Annie Atkins tells us how her work is key to building a rich world for your favourite actors.

Designing Lightness Ed van Hinte, co-author of ‘Designing Lightness’, on why creating with weight reduction in mind isn’t as simple as it sounds. — Designing Lightness
Ed van Hinte, co-author of ‘Designing Lightness’, on why creating with weight reduction in mind isn’t as simple as it sounds.

THE GOLDEN AGE OF CUBAN GRAPHIC DESIGN Posters have always sought to persuade and this week we review the work of the Organisation of Solidarity of the People of Asia, Africa and Latin America which is the subject of a bold exhibition at London’s Ho… — THE GOLDEN AGE OF CUBAN GRAPHIC DESIGN
Posters have always sought to persuade and this week we review the work of the Organisation of Solidarity of the People of Asia, Africa and Latin America which is the subject of a bold exhibition at London’s House of Illustration.

George Him Olivia Ahmad, exhibition curator at the House of Illustration shares the story of Polish graphic designer George Him. — George Him
Olivia Ahmad, exhibition curator at the House of Illustration shares the story of Polish graphic designer George Him.

Optimism in design Bruce Mau is a design thinker and co-founder of Chicago-based studio Massive Change Network. He discusses his new book and the importance of optimism and care in design. — Optimism in design
Bruce Mau is a design thinker and co-founder of Chicago-based studio Massive Change Network. He discusses his new book and the importance of optimism and care in design.

YASMEEN LARI The preeminent architect, based in Pakistan is known for her ethos of ‘barefoot architecture that treads lightly on the planet. In recent years she has devoted her life to humanitarian work, producing DDR compliant structures, and reima… — YASMEEN LARI
The preeminent architect, based in Pakistan is known for her ethos of ‘barefoot architecture that treads lightly on the planet. In recent years she has devoted her life to humanitarian work, producing DDR compliant structures, and reimagining a safer chulah (stove) for some of the most marginalised communities, made using local lime and mud.

Eric Broug The founder of the School of Islamic Geometric Design explains how complex geometric patterns can take shape. — Eric Broug
The founder of the School of Islamic Geometric Design explains how complex geometric patterns can take shape.

GAME CHANGERS Mattel have released a new braille edition of classic card game Uno. Games expert Dr Michael James Heron explains design choices encouraging wider accessibility for the visually impaired in board games and card games. — GAME CHANGERS
Mattel have released a new braille edition of classic card game Uno. Games expert Dr Michael James Heron explains design choices encouraging wider accessibility for the visually impaired in board games and card games.

The See-Through House We speak to the author Shelley Klein about her new memoir that charts her relationship with her childhood home, the mid-century modernist gem High Sunderland. — The See-Through House
We speak to the author Shelley Klein about her new memoir that charts her relationship with her childhood home, the mid-century modernist gem High Sunderland.

CARS: ACCELERATING THE MODERN WORLD Cars: Accelerating the Modern World' is an exhibition at London's V&A museum examining the shifting role of the automobile in everything from social style to mechanics. We speak to its curator, Brendan Cormier. — CARS: ACCELERATING THE MODERN WORLD
Cars: Accelerating the Modern World' is an exhibition at London's V&A museum examining the shifting role of the automobile in everything from social style to mechanics. We speak to its curator, Brendan Cormier.

RULES AND RISK Marjorie Allen was a postwar pioneer of the Adventure Playground movement in the UK. Her story features in “Play Well”, an exhibition at London’s Wellcome Collection. We meet the exhibition’s curator, Shamita Sharmacharja to learn mor… — RULES AND RISK
Marjorie Allen was a postwar pioneer of the Adventure Playground movement in the UK. Her story features in “Play Well”, an exhibition at London’s Wellcome Collection. We meet the exhibition’s curator, Shamita Sharmacharja to learn more…

CHOC – How to design with architectural heritage in mind How do you design new buildings that complement the architectural heritage of a place like Palm Springs? We speak with Palm Springs’ Community Housing Opportunities Corporation (CHOC) to find… — CHOC – How to design with architectural heritage in mind
How do you design new buildings that complement the architectural heritage of a place like Palm Springs? We speak with Palm Springs’ Community Housing Opportunities Corporation (CHOC) to find out how they created apartments in line with their mid-century modern neighbours.

Lee Broom We speak to the London-based furniture and lighting designer to find out how his career has woven through the worlds of fashion and interiors. — Lee Broom
We speak to the London-based furniture and lighting designer to find out how his career has woven through the worlds of fashion and interiors.

Fashioning Masculinities: The Art of Menswear
We take a look at the newest exhibition at London’s V&A Museum that examines mens sartorial style through the ages.

Mac Collins
Meet the Nottingham-born designer and artist, who is making narrative-driven furniture and has his first solo showcase at London’s Design Museum.

St Bride Foundation
We explore the archives to learn how this 19th-century organisation remains integral to the design community today.

Irregular type
Norwegian designer Daniel Brokstad tells us more about Inconstant Regular, a new font that is accessible and easy on the eye.

Kopicup
In Singapore, design firm Forest and Whale has developed the Kopi Cup. This reusable coffee container takes its cue from improvised solutions that casual vendors fashioned from cans in the 1950s.

Clifford’s Tower
We visit the reopened historical landmark in York to marvel at the radical transformation and speak to architect Hugh Broughton.

A visit to N Family Club, a company that puts “imaginative spaces” at the heart of its early-years learning philosophy.

Birdie
Company co-founder and designer, Hans Augustenborg, discusses his analogue approach to devising a visual solution to the issue of indoor air quality.

Stone carving with Zoë Wilson
We meet award-winning British stone carver Zoë Wilson to discuss pattern, material and her rather unique craft.

Professor Kristina Wilson discusses her book, ‘Mid-Century Modernism and the American Body’ that considers how race and gender intersect with the design movement.

The garden of privatised delights’ We speak to Madeline Kessler, co-curator of ‘The garden of privatised delights’ - a look at the thorny issue of privatised public space across the UK. Commissioned by the British Council, the exhibition examines th… — The garden of privatised delights’
We speak to Madeline Kessler, co-curator of ‘The garden of privatised delights’ - a look at the thorny issue of privatised public space across the UK. Commissioned by the British Council, the exhibition examines the role that design and architecture can play in making these spaces more inclusive and accessible

Labour and Wait
Want to know what makes a good shop for well-designed wares? We join Rachel Wythe-Moran and Simon Watkins for a tour of their homeware and clothing brand Labour and Wait’s new store.

Khruangbin
The musical trio share their approach to creating unique tour posters that pay tribute to Texan landscape and culture.

Marvel by Design
We meet Liz Stinson, editor of a new title that charts the journey of the comic-book publisher’s visual language through the decades.

Forest for Change Es Devlin, artistic director for this year’s London Design Biennale, takes us through the foliage set in the centre of this year’s event. The ‘Forest of Change’ pavilion highlights the UN’s Global Goals for Sustainable Development. — Forest for Change
Es Devlin, artistic director for this year’s London Design Biennale, takes us through the foliage set in the centre of this year’s event. The ‘Forest of Change’ pavilion highlights the UN’s Global Goals for Sustainable Development.

Lace production and Antwerp
The curator of the historical collection at Antwerp’s Momu fashion museum discusses the city’s connection to lace production.

Boudoir Babylon Designer Adam Nathaniel Furman and Timothy Moore, director of Sibling Architecture, discuss their installation that takes inspiration from the boudoir, the salon and the club world. — Boudoir Babylon
Designer Adam Nathaniel Furman and Timothy Moore, director of Sibling Architecture, discuss their installation that takes inspiration from the boudoir, the salon and the club world.

Omer Arbel
The co-founder of Vancouver and Berlin-based brand Bocci shares his approach that encourages surprise and continuous material experimentation in the design and manufacturing process.

A dip in the pool We plunge headlong into the history and design of outdoor swimming pools with writer, Christopher Beanland. — A dip in the pool
We plunge headlong into the history and design of outdoor swimming pools with writer, Christopher Beanland.

Hotel Carpets Pilot and photographer Bill Young tells of the mesmerising, bizarre and sometimes questionable carpets found in hotels around the globe. — Hotel Carpets
Pilot and photographer Bill Young tells of the mesmerising, bizarre and sometimes questionable carpets found in hotels around the globe.

Totomoxtle Totomoxtle, a marquetry material made from corn husks, is in development under the careful eye of Mexican designer Fernando Laposse. He sat down with us to discuss the beauty and variance found in this natural material. — Totomoxtle
Totomoxtle, a marquetry material made from corn husks, is in development under the careful eye of Mexican designer Fernando Laposse. He sat down with us to discuss the beauty and variance found in this natural material.

Two Pages Project Two Pages Project collaborators Konstantinos Trichas and Dionysis Livanis explain how they keep a global network of designers and creatives connected during lockdown — Two Pages Project
Two Pages Project collaborators Konstantinos Trichas and Dionysis Livanis explain how they keep a global network of designers and creatives connected during lockdown

EILEEN GRAY Underappreciated in her lifetime, the career of late Irish architect and designer Eileen Gray is the subject of a timely new exhibition at The Bard Graduate Center Gallery in New York. Jennifer Goff, curator of the Eileen Gray collection… — EILEEN GRAY
Underappreciated in her lifetime, the career of late Irish architect and designer Eileen Gray is the subject of a timely new exhibition at The Bard Graduate Center Gallery in New York. Jennifer Goff, curator of the Eileen Gray collection at the National Museum of Ireland, tells us more.

PARKS: A GUIDE The National Park Service spans hundreds of sites across the US, including monuments, seashores, memorials and parks. Archivist and photographer, Brian Kelley and Jesse Reed of Standards Manual survey the design history of the agency… — PARKS: A GUIDE
The National Park Service spans hundreds of sites across the US, including monuments, seashores, memorials and parks. Archivist and photographer, Brian Kelley and Jesse Reed of Standards Manual survey the design history of the agency's visual identity.

Respectful design Dori Tunstall, dean of design at OCAD University, shares her inclusive approach to design education. — Respectful design
Dori Tunstall, dean of design at OCAD University, shares her inclusive approach to design education.

Illuminated River project The Illuminated River project in London will light five bridges in the capital this spring including Waterloo, Westminster and Blackfriars. We speak to the architects and artist involved in this ambitious public art project. — Illuminated River project
The Illuminated River project in London will light five bridges in the capital this spring including Waterloo, Westminster and Blackfriars. We speak to the architects and artist involved in this ambitious public art project.

Jens Risom
We explore a monograph on legendary Danish furniture designer Jens Risom, the man credited with bringing Scandinavian design to the American masses.

Dutch architect Bjarne Mastenbroek discusses his new book that rethinks ideas about the relationship between a building and the ground on which it stands.

Fit the bill When New York City’s Poster House museum had to close its doors in early March, director Julia Knight wondered how the institution could support the city. Today her solution can be seen across all five boroughs and further afield. — Fit the bill
When New York City’s Poster House museum had to close its doors in early March, director Julia Knight wondered how the institution could support the city. Today her solution can be seen across all five boroughs and further afield.

Design Adventures: Tokyo with Johanna Agerman Ross The editor, writer and curator takes us on an audio tour of her favourite design spots. Selections include the the folk craft and architectural marvels hidden in the Japanese city. — Design Adventures: Tokyo with Johanna Agerman Ross
The editor, writer and curator takes us on an audio tour of her favourite design spots. Selections include the the folk craft and architectural marvels hidden in the Japanese city.

Capture and Weave We hear from textile artist Anna Ray, winner of the Brookfield Properties Craft Council Collection Award 2021, and represented by House on Mars Gallery. — Capture and Weave
We hear from textile artist Anna Ray, winner of the Brookfield Properties Craft Council Collection Award 2021, and represented by House on Mars Gallery.

Architectural renders Meena Krenek, an interior-design director at the Los Angeles offices of Perkins&Will, reflects on the importance of including a diverse range of people in architectural design visuals. — Architectural renders
Meena Krenek, an interior-design director at the Los Angeles offices of Perkins&Will, reflects on the importance of including a diverse range of people in architectural design visuals.

Introducing Lee Alexander Mcqueen We check out a new exhibition showcasing work from the late fashion designer Alexander McQueen — Introducing Lee Alexander Mcqueen
We check out a new exhibition showcasing work from the late fashion designer Alexander McQueen