DESERT ISLAND DESKS

CHRIS GIBBS, BDP

Chris is currently a Design Associate at BDP, where he has been for the last nine years. He began his professional career in Manchester, working for three years at ADT Workplace before moving back down south, closer to his roots. To this day, he still doesn’t know what to call a bread roll. His experience is primarily in the commercial office sector, with many of his projects having been for PwC. Most notably, however, Chris delivered the interiors of the BCO award-winning Cambridge Assessment Triangle project, a 350,000 sq ft new office build. Previously highlighted as one of our ’30 under 30’ designers to watch, he has also taken part in our Roundtable events, where we welcomed his honest and outspoken nature. Outside of work, Chris is a keen golfer, has a strong bond with his cats and dog, and also has a passion for bonsai, which is essentially messing about with miniature trees in pots, and keeping them alive. He is also an Aston Villa supporter and was asked by a certain editor not to mention the 7-2 drubbing they gave Liverpool this season!

BBQ/ Smoker

Why not make life just a little easier. Smoking is another good way to make food last longer, whilst varying the flavours of my food.

The puppy

I’m sure my wife wouldn’t want it to be referred to as an object. The cats will bugger off and be feral within days. So I’ll bring the dog for company.

Eames Lounge Chair

My favourite piece of furniture, I’ve always wanted one. And one day I shall, even if it means being stranded on a desert island! It’s a classic, and comfy – somewhere to rest weary feet after a day foraging and generally trying to stay alive.

FlipFlops

Since lockdown, I’ve lived in them. Rain or shine, a practical choice.

Bonsai wire & tools

Another passion, another hobby. Cultivating and sculpting indigenous natural art would be good for the soul – and would keep me occupied for years. I’d have no issue importing them due to Brexit either as I’d collect from my surroundings.

Golf clubs

I can’t go anywhere without them. I’m going to need hobbies. Before I make a shelter I’ll be carving my 18-hole course through the island. If I ever get rescued, I’m going to be amazing out of bunkers back on a real course.

Tracks for the juxebox

Omni Trio – Higher Ground A beautifully crafted song. A masterpiece – melodic and perfect to enjoy sunsets to.

Guns N’ Roses – Welcome To The Jungle One of the bands of my childhood – and there’s none better than track one from their first album.

Propellerheads – On Her Majesty’s Secret Service A stonker of a tune – wait for the second and third breaks. Plus it’s about nine minutes long.

Leo Sayer – You Make Me Feel Like Dancing It’s the song that played as I walked, hand in hand, away from the wedding ceremony with my wife. A memory of happy times.

Dead Prez – Hip Hop I’ve got an eclectic taste in music, so need to get some rap in there – and this one has one of the best baselines in music.

Skunk Anansie – Sunburnt and Paranoid Olga (in the January issue) had a whole album, so I’m going to as well. Love the band and any of their albums would do, but this was the first I fell in love with. w Offering leather solutions, plus antibacterial and antifungal faux leathers for seating

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