Christian Watson Limited have been Shortlisted for Seating (Chair) Award and Table Award in The International Design and Architecture Awards 2022. Read more about Director Christian Watson below:

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Name: Christian Watson

Company: Christian Watson Limited

Position within company: Director

Website: www.christian-watson.com

Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc)

I studied furniture making under a world-renowned designer-maker in Marc Fish at Robinson House Studio in Sussex. It was here that I was taught that the relentless pursuit of perfection must be applied to the entire furniture-making process, from sourcing the highest-quality materials, to working with highly-skilled craftsmen. It is this holistic approach to design that defines my studio today.

How would you describe your personal design style?

I think my style is grounded in an appreciation of traditional forms and manufacturing techniques, yet my approach to making is experimental and playful. This tension is explored through a pared-back palette of materials and my striking, bold and minimal lines. I try to design future heirlooms – to keep furniture in the home, rather than throw it away. So I try to create work with such refined simplicity that it can being in any environment, and has the detail and quality to last for generations.

Where does your design inspiration come from?

Everywhere. I grew up in a house of antiques, so I saw intricate detail, different styles and techniques everyday. This translated into a love of quality and an appreciation of craft. I knew I loved form from a young age, and since then it has developed into a love of texture, movement, materiality and more. My inspiration will continue to develop as I immerse myself in new and exciting things. However, most of my designing is done in my head before it can be sketched, modelled, or prototyped. I usually have to play around with an idea until I’m happy with it and only then will I put it down onto paper or into CAD. Because of that, I feel as though my inspiration for a project is never only one thing but an amalgamation of many. It is anything I have seen, touched, experimented with, and  filed away in my head for future use.

In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?

I am sure I won’t be the only one to say this – sustainability. We need items that are sustainably produced and built to last, to be kept in the home for generations – not built to fall apart or from dirty materials.

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2022 and beyond.

Sustainability. Quality. Longevity. Simplicity. Materiality.

If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?

Pick quality over quantity.

How important are The International Design & Architecture Awards?

Immensely important. I think that they are bastion of high-quality and innovation, and represent the cutting edge of the design and architecture industry.

What projects are you currently working on?

We have just finished a bespoke 16-seater dining table for a private client in London made from fumed Oak and steel – and are now working on a tailored Wandle desk for a client.

What was your favourite project to work on and why?

I offer a Tailored service whereby my clients can make small changes to my Signature collection to make it personal to them, without having to go down the Bespoke route. As everything we make is handmade to order, we can implement these changes that make it unique to the client, but keep the integrity of the original design. I love working with clients to make these little tweaks, they can make such a difference – new materials, colours to match interiors, sizes to match spaces. It’s a lot of fun!

What was your most challenging project to work on and why?

I took on a bespoke project for a 4-poster bed – so much fun to work on and a great learning curve, but the brief from the client had a limited material palette and strict rules on dimensions and weight.  The install was also incredibly tricky and involved having to remove windows, use cranes and work out unexpected issues on site was demanding but all worth it in the end!

Which products/services could you not live without when designing?

Coffee. CAD. My colleague Felix.

What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?

We are hoping to bring out a few smaller household items, a few additional pieces to our Signature collection, as well as Limited Edition works. We will be exhibiting throughout the year in the UK (such as Clerkenwell Design Festival in May) and are hoping to branch into Europe and the US.

Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself and your daily inspirations:

Your most treasured possession?

An image of Thomas Heatherwick’s pencil. A daily reminder that big ideas start small, many start with a sketch, a pencil isn’t permanent, and that sometimes the best solutions are the simplest.

Your favourite holiday destination?
Paris

Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?

Essex House – Manhattan

Your favourite book / film / song?

War and Peace – Leo Tolstoy

Your favourite food and drink?

Eggs and an Old Fashioned. Not together…well, maybe.

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?

Cooking!

If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?

This changes every day – today – Hotelier!

Christian Watson Limited have been Shortlisted for Seating (Chair) Award and Table Award in The International Design and Architecture Awards 2022.

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