Katie Stamford-Smith is the founder of her eponymous design studio, Stamford Smith Designs producing statement items. Katie merges the beauty and intricacies of nature with modern structural design ideas. She uses high quality materials to create a handcrafted collection of distinctive designs. By using contrasting materials she creates appealing textural designs and surface patterns. Her approach allows for unique designs, crafted from observation using quality materials. So we are proud to bring you the Designer Insights of Katie Stamford-Smith.
Image Credit: 1) Kartell 2) Lex Pott 3) Pinch Design 4) David Adjaye 5) Areti Atelier
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1) In your own words describe your unique style and creative aesthetic?
We try to make things our own unique way and as such a style develops. It is not intentional, more a natural expression, when it feels right we make it.
2) When starting a new project, what is your creative process?
Exploration is our starting point, both with what we can do materially, and what has inspired us recently. We decide on an initial idea and start creating.
3) Out of the creative people you have worked with, who is it that you respect and admire the most?
Working with Moosa Myllykangas, in Finland, was a brilliant opportunity and allowed me to experience Scandinavian design first-hand. The subtlety of design and lifestyle there encouraged me to question the way I think about design and provides inspiration to this day. Moosa valued my input to her creative process, which encouraged me to want to be a more conscientious designer, initially for her sake and latterly for my own.
4) When looking for inspiration is there a particular thing you do to get inspired?
We constantly discuss things we’ve seen, and spend as much time as possible in the workshop designing; this experimentation seems to be our best source of inspiration.
5) What has brought you to this point in your career? And what is your advice for people looking to follow in your footsteps?
Do something that you have a passion for! I attribute my success to this ideology, as well as enjoying the hard work and always looking to learn. Exhibiting at New Designers was a great start; it allowed for good exposure, as well as the time to network.
