In Profile:
by Factorydesign

Name: Adam White

Company: Factorydesign

Position within company: Founder / Director

Website: www.factorydesign.co.uk

Tell us a little about your background in design:
Started with a Degree in Product design, then first job in the eighties at Pentagram, which was the best possible first step into consultancy and I felt lucky to be there. Some years later I joined what was the relatively fledgling Seymour Powell, who wanted to shape up the business and build on the success they had already had. I left there 7 years later with friend and colleague, Adrian Berry, to set-up Factorydesign in the late nineties, quickly joined by Peter Tennent.

How would you describe your personal design style?

Occasionally unexpected. I love to think a little leftfield when possible and the style reflects this, though I recognise a contemporary framework is needed.

Where does your design inspiration come from?

Anything and everything.

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

Design is, surely, heading forwards, even if it might refer to the past in a greater or lesser extent depending on fashion. The discipline continues to grow and sub-divide, think digital, and this is a never-ending evolution.

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2024 and beyond.

Sustainability, sustainability, sustainability and always both evolving style and manufacturing techniques (sustainability).

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

Keep referring back to the brief, even when you are months into the program and always, always, communicate with your Client.

What was your favourite project to work on and why?

No specific favourite though the interior of a plane/train/automobile is always up there. I am relentlessly fascinated by how experiencing a compact interior is like getting inside a product.

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

The last one, always. Challenging is the state of how you approach something, as much as how you remember it.

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

My team at Factorydesign. Any Director needs the support of their company and I value mine implicitly. Though its stretching things to refer to them as ‘services’…

How important are The International Yacht & Aviation Awards?

At Factorydesign we love the IY&A awards as it spans two distinct, but intimately related travel experiences, and as our approach is determined by the moment the guest interacts with the product. They are rich in content.

What projects are you currently working on?

Mostly, but not all, aviation, however all are fascinating and subject to NDA…

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

To build on the past 27 years at Factorydesign.

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

Your most treasured possession?
1947 Norton Model 18

Your favourite holiday destination?
At the moment, Australia.

Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?
The Connaught, E&O in Blenheim Crescent, The Campbell, Grand Central Stn, NY

Your favourite book, film & song?
Few eggs and no Oranges, Vere Hodgson – Blade Runner (original) – Simply cannot name a favourite song, there are too many…

Your favourite food and drink?
Beans on toast & Champagne cocktail

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
Rebuilding a vintage car engine

If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
Unemployed, though I have always felt I might like to be a writer.

Anything else interesting?
We have yet to design a yacht interior, if there are any potential Clients out there..