A bit about me
Creative furniture designer with a first class BA (Hons) Furniture & Product Design degree from Nottingham Trent University. Working holistically is an important part of my design process, with a focus on human centric concepts. I’m interested in exploring the benefits of a circular economy in design and I enjoy projects that will challenge me in a new way. My main strengths are using sketching as a method of developing ideas, and CAD software to communicate my designs while observing the restraints set. I appreciate every aspect of a design, from the small construction details to the branding.
Projects Un Dressing Table
Final year major project, a dressing table designed to cater for self-care routines that are becoming increasingly popular in modern day society.
01
Inspired by a request to make something to store a Marley turntable system, this project was developed from user research about the process of playing vinyl records.
07
Neo Magazine Holder
A plywood piece designed to fit a family situation after observing a build up of newspapers and magazines in living spaces. Entered into TalentLab for made.com.
13
Baux Light
Final year minor project, a floor lamp designed using waste bauxite residue alongside aluminium to question awareness of our waste.
19
Stance Turntable Table
25
General Arrangement Drawings
BareFaced Clocks
A personal business development project, developing a range of simple clocks to be batch produced by myself.
29
Un Dressing Table Designed to provide an intimate space to undress from the stress of modern life. To settle, breathe and focus. The Un Dressing Table is a serene space designed for selfcare routines. In our hectic lives we are often bombarded with distractions and rarely allow ourselves time to slow down and switch off. Conceptually designed for Joined + Jointed
01
Target audience: Women with an interest in skincare routines and natural products Inspiration: Glossier, Atelier CPH, Charlotte Perriand, futuristarchitecture.com, forhers.com
Japanese Modern
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Calming Form
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Wellness
Un Dressing Table_University Major Project
03
I used a combination of CAD modelling, physical mock ups and sketching to develop the form. Research into the products used during wellbeing routines and similar furniture provided a basis for the dimensions and ergonomic testing. Consumer insights also determined many aspects of the design. By analysing the use of imagery in related areas it was clear that soft, round shapes, light toned timber and muted colours were generally associated with relaxation. Empathising with the end user, I used a vicarious approach throughout the development while staying informed by my initial research.
Easy disassembly was an important consideration throughout the design process. This allows for easy repairs and ecofriendly distribution.
05
The Un Dressing Table surrounds you in inviting materials that are natural to the touch. Simple, refined storage is an important feature of the table as organisation and tidiness play a role in our relaxation. Instead of traditional drawers, the table has sturdy cotton baskets with solid oak bases.
Stance Table 07
A refined design that I developed in the workshop during my placement year with furniture company Pluck. Designed to be made entirely with hand tools, this project helped to develop my technical understanding.
Turntable Table_Personal Project
Scandinavian
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Target audience: Owners of Marley Turntable vinyl equipment Inspiration: Dowel Jones, Made.com, Wesley Walters, Patrick Norguet, Sami Kallio, Sandra Nielen
Material Composition
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Storage
09
I developed the form from an initial shape idea through sketching and quick modelling. This also helped me to work out the best detailing for the interaction of the flat levels and the legs. Staying focused on the ‘DIY’ flat packed aspect of this concept, I ensured it was suitable for easy assembly in the home.
11
From the sketch models I created a CAD model to refine the measurements and angles so it would fit the turntable, speaker and records on it. It also meant I could make a jig to drill the holes at the correct angle. I wanted the table to be easy to assemble and disassemble with minimal fixings and no glue, as this was a highlighted benefit in my research.
I chose this light grey colour so it would fit well in the proposed room’s interior style. The brass rod holds the speaker shelf at the correct height and gives it more stability.
Records can be stored between the bottom legs or behind the speaker, depending on how hidden the user wants them to be. This idea came from my research in which I discovered people wanted quick access to some of their most played records.
Neo Newspaper Holder
13
Designed to provide a place to store magazines and books that are usually left lying around. Its front ledge acts as a plinth to display favourite covers on. Based on neotenic design principles that make an object look cute and welcoming. Submission for Made.com TalentLab
Neotenic
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Japanese
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Minimal
Magazine Donkey_Personal Project
Target audience: Owners of Marley Turntable vinyl equipment Inspiration: Liqui Design, ISOKON Donkey, Office for Design, Ronen Kadushin, Faye Toogood
15
I used some simple CAD models to convey different styles for the user to feedback to me on to come to a final design. From this I programmed the different parts, cut them out with a CNC machine and prepared the laminated plywood.
User research revealed that portability was an important function on this piece of furniture. Two concentric holes on the front and back allow the magazine donkey to be easily moved around. I made sure that the addition of this design detail didn’t detract from the overall form of the Magazine Donkey.
17
Designed for neatly tucking away magazines and books and marking the reached page in between reading. Favourite covers can be displayed on the front ledge. I explored the fundamentals of neotenic design, incorporating colour and playful forms.
Baux Light A floor lamp designed to demonstrate how an understanding of the circular economy could change our views of waste. Bauxite residue, a harmful and abundant waste materials from aluminium production, is used.
19
Conceptually designed for BoConcept
Sculptural
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Material Contrast
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Memphis
Baux Floor Light_University Minor Project
Target audience: Avid readers living in the city with an awareness of sustainability issues Inspiration: Cargo Collective, CARA \ DAVIDE, Ladies & Gentleman Studio, Alvarodiaz Hernandez, BoConcept, Alexander Calder
21
The base incorporates bauxite residue, an abundant waste material from the production of aluminium, with concrete to give this unique colour. By contrasting this with the aluminium dish, the light is designed to raise awareness of the waste we produce. The base can be used as a side table and has a space for storing books and magazines. This is my prototype light which demonstrates its functionality.
23
The reflective dish moves around the frame allowing the light to be reflected upon the base in different ways. Not only does this represent the narrative of the piece, it can be used to direct light as a reading or ambient light. The curved frame also swivels within the base, allowing an even wider range of lighting positions. I created some conceptual branding towards the end this project. BoConcept was the intended retailer for Baux Light because they have a corporate responsibility to consider the environmental impact and sustainability of their products.
General Arrangement Drawing Un Dressing Table
1200 460
550
42
60
R3
SECTION A-A
1200 270
TRUE R300 550
349
491
40 15 30
40
415
725
300
460
280
735
15
15
5 450
A
20
450
1200 35 300
460
R5
15 15
5
60 285
474
25
550
15
450
25
R3
25
1226
155
170
1226 735
20
200
9
210
25
5
R2
525
25
R2
6
°
65
25
5°
349
575
35
585
7
725
°
96
A
General Arrangement Drawing Stance Table
400 465
21
305
591
150
21
40
421
113
30 454
General Arrangement Drawing Neo Holder
40
13
345
376
45
430
27
30
150
General Arrangement Drawing Baux Light
2
ITEM NO.
PART
MATERIAL
FINISH
QTY.
1
Base
Bauxite Cement
Polished External, Edged+ Sealed
1
2
Frame
Mild Steel Pipe
Powder Coated
1
6
Reflector
Aluminium Sheet
Polished Internal, Powder Coated External
1
4
Attachment
ALuminium Pipe
Powder Coated
1
5
Base Insert
Mild Steel Pipe
Sealed
1
6
Limiter Point
Solid Aluminium 3mm Tube
Sealed
2
4
29
9
150
450
5
200 1
SOLIDWORKS Educational Product. For Instructional Use Only.
355
1606
800
6
Business Development Project I adapted my INSTRMNT clock design into a simple plywood clock which I batch produced. The range is called BareFaced as it focuses on the natural texture and colour of the wood, with a subtle strip of colour around the edge. This project allowed me to use the workshop regularly during my time at university, and has also developed my understanding of running a small design business.
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1. Add hour hand 2. Add minute hand 3. Push in end pin 4. Put battery in 5. Adjust time with red wheel 6. Lay clock on its back on a flat surface to flatten out cork
BareFaced Clocks
BareFaced Clocks www.etsy.com/uk/shop/LDSmithDesign
@lds.design laradsmith.co.uk
Visit my Instagram and website pages to see more of my branding, furniture and product design work.