Interview: Andy Murray

Andy Murray is a fantastically accomplished award-winning product designer. Having only been out of the education circuit for little over a year, Andy has already racked up a distinct following through his innovative style and work ethic. He is a passionate designer with that intangible flair of making something simple, yet beautiful. We caught up with Andy to find out some more about his work, his personality, and his passions.

What first inspired you to work within design?

I've always been creative since a young age, from only wanting sellotape for my 3rd Christmas to drawing round drinks coasters and colouring in the overlaps. At school I was always in the art and design department.

I notice that you studied a Masters degree after your undergraduate degree, do you think that this is important in the current creative climate? Has this made you a better designer?

I was very quick to go back to do my masters, in the climate it was a sensible thing to do I believe as design is a hard industry to get a job in even before the recession. But having done my masters I realised that the recession would actually make deign better, the need for a brilliant designer was greater. It made me more focused in what I wanted to be, formed the principles I now work from and added to what I had already done in my undergraduate. From my masters I launched my “made by” book inspiring you to make things from a tea towel and won the D&AD 1st prize for Furniture Design, a year later launched the collection in London, then showed it at 100% Design at LDF 2010.

What are you currently working on?

I am always working on something different, from new designs, promotion, old designs, making things, meeting new people, I am not sure when I actually stop as design is more than a 9-5 job. Currently working on new designs for London Design Week, as hopefully going to be exhibiting there again. I have been expanding my product range from prints to homewares which will be launched on my new website soon. Also working on some great collaboration formed from Twitter.

Having won the prestigious award from D&AD for furniture design, what would you say has been your proudest design moment so far?

Winning the award. Well I didn’t think I would even get shortlisted or nominated never mind winning it.

What would you say is your best piece of work and why?

All of it so far, why should we work on pieces if it isn’t our best? They won’t all take the same amount of time to do, be as easy or hard as the last, cost more or less, make us as sleep deprived and hair pulling. But they are the best we can do, if they are not why not.

If you could work with anyone in the world, who would it be?

The list is long, but they say you should never meet your heroes, so I don’t think working with them is a good idea. I am open to working with anyone who is enthusiastic, passionate and dedicated.