In the built environment, 2019 has been a year of progress. From ‘biomaterials’ hitting the mainstream, to sustainability taking centre stage, great leaps have been taken to pave the way for a decade-defining 2020.
But, being in a trend-led industry can often mean it’s difficult to keep track of what’s what and who’s who when new designers and products are emerging all the time. So, to help, we’ve compiled a list of the top innovators on our radar. Those who we feel will offer something truly unique to the sector in the year ahead. Without further ado, here are our must-follow design movers & shakers for 2020…
Atticus Durnell, That’s Caffeine
The brainchild of That’s Caffeine, Atticus Durnell is an award-winning industrial design and maker with an impressive set of talents – and even more impressive hair.
After graduating from Rochester’s University for Creative Arts in 2018, he launched his start-up, That’s Caffeine – a range of surface products made from recycled coffee grounds. Handmade in London, the material looks and feels like granite stone, but is completely biodegradable.
His aim is to achieve global impact on energy and waste reduction. In support of this, Atticus is undertaking a Master’s Degree in Biodesign at London’s Central Saint Martins. A true material innovator.
Follow @atticusdurnell
Carolyn Raff, An Ocean Full of Opportunities
A research project dedicated to creating sustainable solutions for the textile and fashion industries, An Ocean Full of Opportunities is Carolyn Raff’s investigation into the beneficial properties of algae.
Agar is an algae-based gelatin substitute and is used in many of her experiments. It is completely biodegradable and can be produced in many different shades, structures and finishes.
The dye Carolyn uses is also natural and mainly uses algae-based colours including astaxanthin and phycocyanin. The finished sequin-like material is beautiful and environmentally sound. What’s not to like?
Follow @an_ocean_full_of_opportunities
Fernando Laposse, Totomoxtle
If you visited the London Design Fair in September you’ll likely recognise Fernando as one of the most popular exhibitors. The Mexican product and material designers’ work focuses on transforming humble materials into “refined design pieces”.
His Totomoxtle project has garnered a great deal of mainstream traction over the past few months, and for good reason. The new veneer material is made with husks of heirloom Mexican corn, which range from deep purples, to soft creams, showcasing a wealth of diversity in the native corn of Mexico.
But, the project goes far beyond simply aesthetics. Totomoxtle focuses on regenerating traditional agricultural practices in Mexico, and creating a new craft that generates income for impoverished farmers and promotes the preservation of biodiversity for future food security.
Follow @fernandolaposse
Gavin Stanley Keightley, Gasket Design
Mixed materials designer Gavin Stanley Keightley is rapidly making waves with his unique pieces inspired by natural erosion. Terraform comprises a collection of cabinets and stools crafted from Jesmonite. Each piece includes components made using food moulds, from couscous to sliced bread. And the resulting products are texturally rich and utterly individual.
With Jesmonite having been the surface graduate’s material of choice for a number of years now, it’s refreshing to see something different come from a design staple. Expect big things from Gavin.
Follow @gasketdesign
Katie Gillies, terrazzo designs
Katie Gillies is by no means a new kid on the block, but her success has very much prevailed. The undeniable queen of terrazzo, Katie has brought a combination of dreamy pastels and industrial concrete to the masses through her tiles, and extremely popular tile making workshops.
Material Lab has long been a supporter of Katie Gillies, and as the contemporary surface covering grows in popularity, so too does Katie’s work. We’re looking forward to what comes next. No doubt it will be heavenly.
Follow @ktgillies_surfacedesign
Stay up-to-date with our top designer and trend spots over on Instagram.