One To Watch: Giles Miller
I am very excited today to have the one and only Giles Miller featuring on ‘one to watch’. I have been a fan of his work for quite sometime as I am always intrigued by his designs as he creates such authentic and unique surfaces. It is no surprise Giles is getting recognised for his work as he has won numerous awards.
It’s an honour to have this innovative and refreshing designer here today with us where we can get to know him a little bit better! Here are a few Question Giles took the time to answer.
When did you realise you had a passion for design?
Growing up I was constantly deconstructing pens and investigating objects so the clues were all there. However, I didn’t realise design was to form a part of my future until flunking out of a business management course and hurriedly finding a furniture course at Loughborough University. A combination of inspirational peers and tutors catalysed my real passion for design and it began there.
Where do you inspirations come from?
As much as I’d like to outline a magic formula for creativity, I think its all rather subconscious. It also is true to say that my particular practice works very much as a constant stream of development rather than a fountain of diverse new concepts. From playing around with cardboard over the last few years I was eventually asked to produce a wall covering for Stella McCartney, and now this application for my work has become the primary focus with the launch of ‘Giles Miller Surfaces’. New products are developments and breakdowns of old ones for me.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Rather than a particular project, there was a time over the recent summer when I was also with work and had just given up my (2 day a week) day job as it were. I believed bleak times were ahead but suddenly 3 new commissions came along like London buses, and before I knew it I was working on new projects for Stella McCartney, as well as commissions for Bombay Sapphire and Selfridges. That all happened within a fortnight…. great times!
What do you hope to achieve in 5 years time?
As I mentioned I have just launched a surfaces venture, so my hopes lies within that particular sector of my work. It’s looking promising for the move in the first stages, and so in 5 years time I would hope to have spread internationally. Who knows maybe even a studio in the far east, although perhaps that’s more of a 10 year plan!?
What famous artists/designers do you admire or inspires you the most?
Since the Shanghai Expo this year I have been consistently praising the work of Thomas Heatherwick’s Studio. They represented British creativity at a level of which we can all be proud with their stunning design for the British Pavilion. For one of his first installations at Harvey Nichols back in 1997 (when he was my age) he created an inspirational faceted form that flowed through the store windows and out onto the street. It’s worth a look everyone!
In five words how would you describe yourself ?
Impatiently aspirational, selfish yet considerate.
What 5 things couldn’t you live with out?
My family, my work, breakfast, pubs and Sarah-Jane.
A big thank you to Giles Miller for giving us some insight into his world. I cannot wait to see more projects from this talented young man!
confessionsofadesigngeek
10th November 2010 at 10:47 amFab interview Arianna! I love Giles Miller's work – it's really lovely to find out a bit more about him. Look forward to more in this series. xx
Carole
10th November 2010 at 1:56 pmGreat post Ari. Great series. x
Belly
10th November 2010 at 6:44 pmWhat a great interview!
Arianna
17th November 2010 at 5:07 pmThank you Ladies, I am a huge fan of this guy's work…….amazing!