As Head of Design and Applied Arts and Associate Head of the School of Design at Edinburgh College of Art, I aim to facilitate a design education and culture engaged in ongoing debate on all aspects of design.

I am responsible for the BA (Hons) and MA/MFA programmes in Design and Applied Arts, including Glass, Interior Design, Product Design and Jewellery and Silversmithing. As the School of Design's research co-ordinator, I am responsible for the development of trans-disciplinary research themes and collaborative networks, and helping provide the organisational framework for the School's REF planning and knowledge transfer activities.

I am currently supervising PhD students in Product Design and Interior Design and I am an external examiner and advisor at a number of UK universities including Birmingham Institute of Art and Design, University of Plymouth and Edinburgh Napier University.

By focusing students development through tutorials, expert advice and critical appraisal, reinforced by strong links with industry and practitioners, the teaching team aim to create a culture that thrives on new ideas, new ways of doing things and new areas of exploration. One that encourages experimentation, risk-taking and the breeding of new affinity groups, aesthetic paths and technical innovations. Enabling students to forge new directions for the future of design.

Students under my supervision have won a number of significant national and international design awards, including:
  • D+AD Global Student Design Award winners and commendations in 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999 and 1998
  • Lighting Association winners and commendations in 2009, 2002, 1998 and 1997.
  • Bombay Sapphire Glass Design 2008 and 2006
  • UNDU Professional Graduate of the Year 2005
  • RSA commendations and shortlists in 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001 and 2000
  • Design Week Overall Best of Show at New Designers 1998