ross lovegrove offers intimate tour of his sketches and process in recent interview

a dialogue with ross lovegrove

In a recent interview, industrial and product designer Ross Lovegrove shares a new perspective into his design process and philosophies. He has made his name working at the threshold of the analogue and digital worlds, embracing the latest technologies of the day to generate fluid, organic forms.

His most well-known work can be recognized in products by Apple, Sony, Peugot, and LvMH, as his projects range from concept cars, headphones, shows, chairs, and lighting fixtures. What’s more, such iconic objects by the Welsh designer have been permanently showcased within both the MoMA and Vitra Design Museums, and have been exhibited at London’s Design Museum and New York’s Guggenheim Museum.

The interview offers a glimpse into the designer’s new home and studio — a 16th century farmhouse in Cheltenham, England, whose rural and historic architecture create a contrasting backdrop for the contemporary design objects and concept models within. 

portrait of Ross Lovegrove, courtesy ByDesign+ | @bydesigntv

inside the mind of the designer

As part of this latest interview, Ross Lovegrove discusses his many influences across the creative and scientific industries. Flipping through one of his sketchbooks, the designer highlights inspirations by Charles Darwin, whose unique handwriting served as an inspiration to ‘squeeze creativity out of everything.’ Lovegrove notes that on the first page of each fresh sketchbook, he includes the signature of a creative mind — names include Albert Einstein and David Bowie — from which he draws motivation. With this small tradition he hopes to ‘put a little of that DNA into [his] work.’

Along with his coveted sketchbooks, the designer spotlights a selection of small objects which he had recently created. This includes a set of 3D-printed high heels, whose seemingly complex design can be sent to print from a single file using a single material. Next is showcased a pair of wireless headphones designed for KEF, whose subtle, fluid volumes and integrated interface are shaped to stand out from the ubiquitous nature of the common object.

ByDesign+ spotlights innovation

The interview and special spotlight with Ross Lovegrove was held by ByDesign+, hosted by the company’s Co-Founder and Executive Producer Mike Chapman. This latest segment marks a continuation of the America ByDesign: Innovations series’ third season. The series explores the works of designers transcending disciplines — from industrial to architecture — most of all, highlighting innovative humans whose creative visions have shaped the world in which we live. Recent interviews by ByDesign+ include Hervé Descottes and Justin Lyles of Dell.

Ross Lovegrove showing off a recent footwear design
detail image of the 3D printed shoe
image from the designer’s sketchbook trying on a pair of his KEF Mu7 noise-cancelling headphones