Wonder how many things in your daily life were created by someone. From the chair you sit on to the phone in your hand, each one was designed by someone.
That said, it’s no longer just about aesthetics or functionality; it’s also about ensuring these items are eco-friendly. Enter sustainable product designers, the modern-day environmental superheroes. These designers focus on using recycled materials, creating durable products, and reducing energy consumption during manufacturing.
There are countless talented, sustainable product designers in a bustling city like London, known for its size and diversity.
But with so many options, how do you choose the right one?
The article below will guide you to finding the best sustainable product designers in this vibrant city.
1. Understanding Sustainable Product Design
Before you find designers, let’s define sustainable product design. It’s more than just making something from recycled materials—this is only a part.
Sustainable design considers the whole life cycle: from the materials used to create a product through the manufacturing process, its use, further processing after it’s served its purpose, and eventual disposal or recycling.
An excellent sustainable product designer will consider several viewpoints. He would consider whether the materials could be eco-friendly, recyclable, or composted. He would also consider how much energy it takes to make and use such a product.
Designers want to create designs for products that will last a long time without being replaced within a very short period. They do so by reflecting on how much waste is generated at production and end-of-life. And it’s not just the environment; they also care about people, having regard for the workers who make the product.
Therefore, consider these points while deciding on sustainable product designers in London. The best designers incorporate all of these aspects into their work.
2. Where to Begin Your Search
Now that you know what to look for, where should you start looking for these eco-friendly designers? Here are some great places to begin:
- Online Directories: With directories like the Directory of Sustainable Design or part of the Green Register, this can be a list of designers working toward sustainability.
- Social Media: Just a load of sites like Instagram or LinkedIn will do, and bingo—a designer right there in front of you.
- Design Schools: London is home to the famous design schools Central Saint Martins and the Royal College of Art. For information about these schools, check their graduate showcases or alumni networks.
- Events on Sustainable Design: There are plenty of sustainable design events happening in London. Visit them to network with designers in person and see their work in person.
- Eco-friendly Shops: Find shops in London that sell eco-friendly products. These should be able to connect you with or at least lead you to local designers.
3. Evaluating Designers’ Portfolios
Now that you have a list of prospective designers, it is time to evaluate their work. Most designers have websites or professional online portfolios that proudly display high-quality previous work. As you go through the portfolios, look for some of the following:
The first thing to look out for is variety. Does the designer work on different types of products? That shows they are flexible and full of creativity. Then, note how they zero in on sustainability. Good designers will be proud to share details of their projects’ eco-friendliness.
Innovation is essential, too. Are they thinking of new and innovative ways of production that will lead to sustainable products? This would show that they are thinking ahead and always getting better.
4. Checking Qualifications and Experience
While checking portfolios is essential, it is equally important to check a designer’s background. Did they study sustainable design or a related field? More and more universities now offer specific courses in eco-friendly design.
It would also be good to look at how long they have worked in sustainable design. More years usually mean added knowledge and skill, and some designers may have specialized certifications in sustainable design.
One of the key specialized certifications offered under green building design is LEED or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. Similarly, membership in professional bodies associated with sustainable design can contribute to establishing that members are committed to keeping up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices.
5. Checking References
This is where checking references comes in handy before making your final decision. Request past clients’ contacts from the designer. When you contact these clients, try to find out if the designer is easy to get along with.
Enquire if they delivered the project within the time frame and whether they did it within the budget. Also, please find out how they integrated sustainability into the design.
6. Making Your Decision
After all that research, you should be getting the most intelligent feelings about who will be the best fit for your project.
Consider the information you received from a portfolio, qualifications, interviews, and references.
But trust your instincts, too. What aspects connect you with one designer more than others? Was someone’s passion for sustainability shining through? Remember that picking a designer is only the start of a relationship. You will work collaboratively with this person to bring your sustainable product to life.
Wrapping Up
What may seem baffling to so many—a process for finding quality, sustainable product designers in London—doesn’t have to be. First, understand what’s real and genuinely meant by “sustainable design.”
Then, cast wide in your initial search: view portfolios, check qualifications, meet face-to-face with designers, and speak with past clients. Throughout this process, remember what sustainability means personally to you and the project.
Are you primarily concerned about using recycled materials? Or does the most minor energy use matter the most to you? The “best” designer must align with your specific goals about sustainability.
Remember, the entire point of sustainable design is to create a better future. When you work with a sustainable product designer, you’re not only designing a great product, but you’re also working toward saving our planet.
