We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative David Tate ("DT").

David Tate Design has originated from a spark fuelled by a deep passion for furniture design and construction instilled within David from a cabinet making and engineering heritage. Modern contemporary with contrasting textures signify his design essence. Minimal but with character. Bold but with defined intricacies and function for use. An appreciation for construction techniques, materials and design trends makes his pieces unique and innovative. Individually handmade within a fully functional workshop, and with patience and persistence for achieving design and workmanship excellence, each piece stands alone in any modern setting.

David Tate Designs

We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by David Tate.

Designer Interview of David Tate:

DI: Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?

DT : Design as a career never seemed liked a realistic option or safe choice during my education, therefore I took a different career pathway. It has only been in recent times that the ability to create your own online business is as easy as an idea that I even considered doing the same. I have always had the curiosity to create and had the inherited skills to turn these creations into physical pieces. I believe you have to follow your passion in life and doing so will lead you to success.

DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?

DT : David Tate Design was just that, an idea, or a dream. A dream that took just one step and now it has been recognized on the international stage. It is a small collection of my current designs and is still young with many more designs to add. It also represents myself, my outlook on design and my passion for design.

DI: What is "design" for you?

DT : Design is simply the creation of objects or things, however designing is far from simple and to me it is a feeling, a presents, an aesthetic, a giver, a tool, a complement. It requires the right balance, contrasts, textures, materials.

DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?

DT : Furniture is my area and I would say it’s because of the materials I get to work with. Wood is my go to choice as it is such a beautiful natural material. My favourite designs are generally contemporary as I look to complement modern spaces with new and different pieces.

DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?

DT : My favourite designs are usually ones that I have just sketched but yet to prototype. It's the eventuation of the design that makes them appealing to me. At some point every design that gets the green light for prototyping is a favourite otherwise I wouldn't go through with it. Currently I have a few occasional tables that I think are really promising and will prototype very soon.

DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?

DT : It would have to be wood. Character with warmth

DI: When do you feel the most creative?

DT : Creativity comes to me when my mind is not distracted or concentrating on other things. When it's relaxed and open to ideas. Usually at night my mind can explore more.

DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?

DT : Place would be a large influencer on designs. Where and how is a design going to fit into a room or setting. How is it going to add value as well as complement the room, the building and the environment. New furniture pieces must also work with other pieces within that room.

DI: What makes a design successful?

DT : It works for its purpose. Aesthetically and functionally.

DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?

DT : Design should support our lives in the way of making life better as well as complementing our lifestyles. Progression with benefit to both society and environment.

DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?

DT : Like music, the problem with design is it will never rest. New designs are already old, and with so many designs appearing every day, good design gets somewhat crowded in the pack. We design as if we are chasing the holy grail, but we must not forget to appreciate the many great designs we already have. I hope for the future that furniture design will include more intricate detailing.

DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?

DT : Interior designs are invaluable to my designing. Knowing current lifestyle and interior design trends ensures my pieces can complement existing and other furniture pieces. Architecture and nature are other strong sources of inspiration.

DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?

DT : Design, design , design. The more you do the closer you will get to designing that masterpiece. Get your work out there and noticed by the right people.

DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?

DT : Designing is usually a choice and for me it's my passion, therefore the negatives are just challenges to overcome.

DI: What skills are most important for a designer?

DT : Creativity, visualisation, patience, persistence.

DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?

DT : Sketch tools. I am always designing, but remembering designs is the biggest problem. Making sure I have saved a design in a physical format is a must.

DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?

DT : Quality over quantity. Short but intense design sessions.

DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?

DT : Depends on other projects and the type of project.

DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?

DT : More designing and prototyping. Build my online shop. Exhibitions and competitions.