Interview with Miles J Rice

Miles J Rice ("MJR") interviewed on Monday, 4 May.

How did you become a designer?

MJR : As with some of the best furniture designers in the world, such as Joseph Walsh, Sam Maloof and James Krenow, I came in at a different angle as I never studied design. Like the aforementioned, I found my unique visual language by building until I discovered designs that were uniquely different from other furniture out there whilst having a common theme between them. It might not have been obvious when I was a child that I was going to become a designer but looking back, I do not think there was a better choice for me. I have always been a dreamer, visualizing in my head, doodling, making little objects and imagining stories around them. I see designing as the combination of all these, dreaming up designs, drawing the initial sketches and building models.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

MJR : The design process starts in my head, visualizing shapes and forms interacting with their surroundings. A very important part of this visualization is thinking of the use, of a specific surrounding for the design. Once I achieve “dream up” a design that is both sitting proudly in its intended space and is unique and surprising, I start drawing pencil on paper. The next step is building models to finetune the designs.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

MJR : Being a designer does not come with quick successes, good designs take time. Being able to not give up throughout the process of designing very special pieces, not to cut corners and settle for something less than what makes you proud and to draw from the delayed gratification that awaits at the end of it can be so rewarding. This feeling is the best motivation.

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

MJR : First, I taught myself carpentry as I believe that only if you know the material and how to work it, such as the techniques, you understand what is possible. My first pieces centred very much around the natural beauty of the material. Over time I found my unique visual language of combining this natural beauty of the material with timeless sculptural shapes.

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

MJR : For future projects I am looking forward to working with other enthusiastic craftspeople who are, like me, pushing the boundaries of their crafts regarding design and the crafts techniques. I see a new generation of craftspeople emerging with a great admiration for the traditions as well as new innovative ideas. I believe in the strength of putting creative ideas together when the design partners come from very different angles. Later on in 2020, we are opening our own showroom featuring also some of these highly talented craftspeople in historic premises dating back to the 14th century.

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

MJR : Come in with a fresh view. Build and make until you find what works and identify your own style. Do not become influenced by trends. Good design sets trends, trends set interchangeable designs. I strongly believe in the uniqueness, having your own visual language as a designer.

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

MJR : Beauty meets function. My "golden rule" in design is: Function, form, and beauty combined, realised in the highest quality craftsmanship.

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

MJR : For me, it is important to create timeless pieces of furniture, that becomes a family heirloom. Family is the most important unit of society as it shapes us to who we are. I want my pieces of furniture to live with families across generations. This also benefits the environment as these pieces are not ending up filling up landfills.

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

MJR : I entered the A’ Design Award because of its reputation and my experience did definitely live up to it. Especially for a new designer, it is incredibly valuable to have my designs reviewed by industry experts and to a fair chance of winning compared to bigger companies. In this sense, the A’ Design Award truly awards great designs.