Interview with John G Williams

John G Williams ("JGW") interviewed on Thursday, 3 May.

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?

JGW : I was made redundant 2 years ago. Since then I have done some consulting work. And spent a lot of time in my craft shop. And music room.

How did you become a designer?

JGW : I have always been interested from an early age. My father is a craft teacher and we renovated a wood lathe together when I was a boy. My interest in turning developed into something broader.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

JGW : Visualize the whole piece in terms of function and aesthetic. Then solve the engineering design challenges. Then iterate.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

JGW : Calm. Peaceful.

What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?

JGW : I am really interested in sculpture - I sculpt in clay and then cast in bronze. I think it's interesting because it has no functional purpose and only lives because it conveys beauty or meaning.

What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?

JGW : I would love to setup a small bespoke studio; either building an exclusive line of furniture, or working on commissions

What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?

JGW : Try and work with great people; take pride in your work irrespective of its price; and remember to enjoy what you do

You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?

JGW : Don't be afraid to lift and combine ideas. Often the best whole idea can be the synthesis of some already well known concepts.

What is your day to day look like?

JGW : The only constant is coffee. Thereafter its anyone's guess

How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?

JGW : I don't worry too much about trends. What's the point of pursuing a trend that you feel is ugly or ill-conceived? Rather try and be aware of what work inspires you.

How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?

JGW : Good design grabs you immediately. The aesthetic captures you. And then the design thought and craftsmanship become very evident. It answers all your questions as they occur to you.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

JGW : Good design is a little like mixing and mastering a music album. In the music industry they say a mix is never finished it is merely abandoned. I think you know when additional tinkering is becoming of diminishing value.

Who is your favourite designer?

JGW : Hans Wegner, and his wishbone chair

Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?

JGW : I live in Johannesburg. I love the mining town urban vibe. I have worked downtown for many years - a space that reflects the aggressive growth of the city (from zero just over 100 years ago). It is resurgent and exciting.

Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?

JGW : Build stuff that you truly love. Hence honour the materials that you have used and transformed.

What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?

JGW : I built a stage for my local church, which was an intense project over a 10 day period. This spoke more directly to the engineering aspects, but there were components where I was able to inject some beautiful design.

What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?

JGW : The competition has been very exciting because:It gave me external deadlines and deliverables that made me think about my designsIt gave me the chance to understand how my designs are received by other people, and it helps me build a sense of the standard of my workIt is fun to see the huge variety of great ideas that other people come up with

John G Williams Profile