DI: What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?
CATB : I like designs to be fun as well as practical. Wine coolers come in a wide variety of designs and materials but most of these are either purely functional or in a classical tradition. I wanted something modern for less formal situations.
DI: What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?
CATB : I wanted to use the purpose of the product as a theme for the aesthetic. It is part of a range of work called 'Polar' referencing the arctic and natural world.
DI: What are your future plans for this award winning design?
CATB : I would hope to license the design for further development and production.
DI: How long did it take you to design this particular concept?
CATB : The initial concept was completed in a matter of days, however research and development to choose the correct materials and ergonomics meant that the project was completed over 3 months.
DI: Why did you design this particular concept? Was this design commissioned or did you decide to pursuit an inspiration?
CATB : This was completed for CNBconcepts as part of a wider range of tableware.
DI: Is your design being produced or used by another company, or do you plan to sell or lease the production rights or do you intent to produce your work yourself?
CATB : I would hope to lease the rights.
DI: What made you design this particular type of work?
CATB : I am an award winning silversmith as well as a product designer and have always specialised in dining and tableware so this type of work is natural tome.
DI: Where there any other designs and/or designers that helped the influence the design of your work?
CATB : I have always admired some of the products produced by Alessi, and have an academic interest in the work of the Memphis group.
DI: Who is the target customer for his design?
CATB : I aimed this piece at a 25 to 35 age group who enjoy wine and social dining.
DI: What sets this design apart from other similar or resembling concepts?
CATB : The use of characterisation as part of the aesthetic is different to other designs, and the use of a polycarbonate shell filled with silicon keeps weigh down whilst retaining the temperature better than glass or metal.
DI: How did you come up with the name for this design? What does it mean?
CATB : Bear Hug is an obvious choice referencing the polar bear grip and promoting the idea of security when carrying it.
DI: Which design tools did you use when you were working on this project?
CATB : I work with Rhinocerous for CAD programmes and render with Flamingo.
DI: What is the most unique aspect of your design?
CATB : Visual impact and the thermal properties the design has.
DI: Who did you collaborate with for this design? Did you work with people with technical / specialized skills?
CATB : This design is entirely mine.
