Tell us about what you’re doing now

“For the past year, I have been involved in setting up a new guitar workshop to produce a new guitar range, ‘Sheeran by Lowden’. Lowden Guitars is world renowned for making bespoke acoustic guitars, setup by master luthier George Lowden in the 70s.”

“George has been friends with Ed Sheeran for a number of years after designing and making a small unique guitar for Ed called ‘ The Wee Lowden’.

The aim of this collaboration between George and Ed is to get really great, affordable guitars into the hands of aspiring, young (and old) musicians! With that in mind, we had to start from the ground up, re-designing a new workshop along with all the tooling and fixtures to enable us to make this new range of guitars.”

What inspired you to get into product and furniture design?

“As a child, I was always fascinated by the things my Grandpa would make in the garage at home, and wherever possible, I would try and help.”

“This enthusiasm grew through my years at BGS and with the support of some great teachers and lecturers at Northumbria University, I was inspired to pursue my career and a product and furniture designer.”

How did you get to where you are today?

“As a pupil at Bradford Grammar School, I always gravitated towards creative subjects, studying Design Technology and Art for my GCSE and A Level.”

“This really allowed me to explore my creativity and after my Art Foundation at Bradford Collage, I studied Three Dimensional Design at Northumbria University, where I began to understand how to manipulate material and built a strong understanding of workshop machinery and how to make ‘things’. I took the opportunity to become a Designer in Residence, after I graduated, to further develop my own design practice and I was able to exhibit my work internationally at trade shows with a collaborative project known as ‘Tools For Everyday Life’.

I began working as the part-maker at Lowden Guitars two years ago after moving to Northern Ireland from Newcastle-upon-Tyne. This involved processing incredible timbers from around the world to make all the small components that are needed to produce the incredible Lowden Guitars. During this time I also worked on some limited edition guitars in a project with Bushmills whisky, inlaying the actual copper from the whisky stills as artwork on the guitars. This latest project, ’Sheeran by Lowden’ has been our biggest challenge yet but in many ways has been the most rewarding!”

Why do you feel it’s an important subject to study?

“Having a creative mind and the technical knowledge to be able to fabricate an idea, gives a sense of freedom that can be truly rewarding.”

“The ability to design and problem solve is so valuable to any employer, even outside of the design industry, if you can show that you can think outside the box.”

How do you feel BGS prepared you in terms of your mindset for the future and your achievements?

“The skill set and experiences I gained throughout my time at BGS have proved invaluable to my career.”

“The amazing facilities and opportunities that I was given really allowed me to pursue my goals with the incredible support from the staff. I believe the most valuable things I learnt were drive and discipline, whilst balancing my subjects and extra curricular activities with rugby training at lunch! These values have kept me focused and given me direction throughout my design career.”

What are your fondest memories of BGS?

“I am so thankful for so many memories at BGS, particularly the rugby matches at the weekend and concerts in the Hockney theatre.”

“I think I still have a school blazer covered with oil paints from the art studios!”

Feeling content is key to individual achievements at BGS – is there any advice you would give to BGS students in their endeavours?

“If I were to give any advice to BGS students, it would be to enjoy yourselves!”

“Pursue something you truly have a passion for and just go for it! Don’t worry about making right or wrong decisions too much… you can deal with that when you’re grown up!”

What is your biggest achievement to date?

“During my design career, I have been lucky enough to exhibit at trade shows in New York, where my work was recognised by the Museum of Modern Art and the Guggenheim. I am very proud that they now stock some of my product range.”

“However, more recently it has been a real achievement to hear the first guitars that have been produced using the new production line!”