Personal statement

Erin is currently in his 4th year as undergraduate Programme Leader for Product Design within the School of Design, and is closely involved in supporting the subject areas of Interior design and Architecture.

Erin is in his 6th year at BSU as a senior lecturer, interested in applying industry and academic experience to design research through practice, pedagogy development and application in module and course development. He is also interested in knowledge exchange through student projects, industry relations and network building and research activities.

Erin comes from an industry background, spending his early career in toy and games R&D and manufacturing, plus some time split between design consultancy, the Open Workshop Network and education. Prior to joining BSU, his education experience included roles in 3D specialism in foundational studies at Loughborough University and as joint course leader for Design for Industry at Ravensbourne University.

He is responsible for course and module development, managing fractional, SVL and AL teams, developing industry relations, developing course identity and supporting PR and marketing for the course and Design School.

Erin is currently trialling a new level 4 module embedding regenerative design in Introduction to Design Practices as a cross course (working with Interior Design, and soon to include Fashion and Fashion and Textiles level 4), in response to the CHEAD and Design Council’s Skills for Planet Blueprint.

Erin has a particular interest in sustainable principles, embedded through an understanding of materials, processes and ecosystem thinking. He is also interested in professional networks, with success in connecting with local partners, both internally at BSU, with Newton Park Estates and Forest of the Imagination, and externally with Holburne Museum, Matter Design Consultancy, Benchmark Furniture, Waste to Wonder, and others.

Using Newton Park timber and wool in creative workshops and student projects is an excellent example of ecosystem and circular thinking in practice. Running the annual Creative Bath Awards competition and live client projects with the Holburne Museum embeds practical design problem solving and production for delivery to a real client.

Erin plays and active role in creating course identity. He is on the working group for Locksbrook Lates, working with the Centre for Cultural and Creative Industries to connect and facilitate events in Locksbrook, enhancing the student experience and cultural and creative identity of the School of Design and the School of Art, Film and Media.

In terms of other current projects, there are further knowledge exchange and research opportunities in engaging with the Furniture Makers Company. Current focus is also being given to the nascent Project Office, aimed at developing a platform for students to be involved in live projects managed by staff alongside clients and stakeholders. Ongoing engagement with Doing Together as a platform for sharing work is bringing some exciting future collaborative research and pedagogy opportunities and directions to light.

Academic qualifications

  • Ba(Hons) 3Dimensional Design.

Professional memberships

  • Fellow RSA
  • Furniture Members Company.

Other external roles

  • Ravensbourne University - associate lecturer Product Design
  • Loughborough University - 3D specialism in Art and Design Foundation
  • Erin Deighton Design - design consultant.

Areas of expertise

  • Product and Furniture Design
  • 3D foundational studies
  • Service Design
  • Sustainability and regenerative design practice
  • speculative/futures design thinking
  • Critical Design Thinking.

 

Impact

  • Working with Open Workshop London and engaged in the Makerspace Community, part of the discussion and development of the FabCity.