We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer Miles J Rice about their original and creative Dining Table design work. Miles J Rice is an award-winning industrial designer, that makes our world a better place with their original dining table works.
Miles J Rice ("MJR") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work Augusta Dining Table. Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
MJR : The inspiration for the Augusta dining table was to celebrate a strong family bond. Through its name, our company Rice & Rice Fine Furniture honours this important bond and commitment. The business could not have been created if it wasn't for the support and inspiration of the family. The name Augusta carries a very significant meaning in the family.
MJR : The Augusta dining table is a new interpretation of one of the classic dining table designs. I wanted to ensure for the traditional purpose of bringing family and loved ones together to remain clearly visible whilst this table reinvents the concept of a 4-legged table. The table legs emerge from the ground as if they are growing from the same invisible root to hold up the book-matched tabletop. The key aspect for the Augusta dining table is the family building a strong unit, rooted in the same core. I have selected European walnut wood as I believe this represents this concept well. The Rice & Rice family comes from England and Germany This type of wood was chosen from a tree popular in both regions. The walnut tree also symbolizes wisdom and growth. Rice & Rice Fine Furniture believe that the wisdom of the generations before us allows us to grow strong to withstand storms and difficulties in life.
MJR : Whenever I design, I visualize the object in its intended surroundings. For the Augusta dining table, I envisaged it being the heart of a family home, for families to come together to share their experiences and to create special memories forever tied to this table. The Augusta dining table will be available to customers globally to create memories for families all over the world.
MJR : The name Augusta ties many generations of our family together. Besides this family connection, the name carries the meaning of being venerable, calling forth respect through age, character and attainments. I strongly believe that without the respect for our ancestors and the wisdom they have to share we lose an immense source of inspiration and knowledge. In this sense the name Augusta carries not only a personal meaning for our family but also an ideal for families across generations to value one another.
MJR : The starting point of the design process was the image of a solid core or root from which new life was growing upwards. The initial drawings were very figurative around this motif. The main design step was to minimalize the concept to the point where the upwards theme remains visible whilst creating a clear and suggestive table design. The uniqueness of this table is in its simplistic yet unexpected design.
MJR : The creative challenge of this piece was on how to reinvent the design of the traditional 4-legged rectangular dining table and have it carry the sense of an invisible core that enables growth.
