Chris David
I have always been drawn to art and the Cubs. I’ve heard there is no future in either, but I am hopelessly optimistic. An epiphany is defined as ‘a divine manifestation, a sudden intuitive perception’. I had an epiphany while flipping through an article about industrial design in 1989. This was my ‘aha’ moment when deciding to pursue design. I immediately set my path toward an education in design.
While inspiration comes in many ways, I have to draw on the experience that life brings as my biggest influence. This includes family, life, travel, and different cultures. From a design perspective, I appreciate the Eames, Scandinavian design, and Jasper Morrison. I admire the elegance and simple beauty of their work.
I would say that my approach to design is circumstantial, not following one particular style, but approaching each new project on its own terms.
Even though my main tools these days are a pen, notebook, and a computer, I spent much of my past in the shop working with all materials, including wood, metal, plastics, and ceramics. Doing so has given me a great understanding of the working properties of these materials and the manufacturing processes that are best selected. My past design projects are varied and include task seating, smoke detectors, and garden pottery.
And finally, for me designing is also an ethical process that involves being environmentally responsible and serving human need. I take as my mission: “Serve Through Design”, and it’s a mission that I strive to live by.