about

Ian is self-taught in the design realm. Trained as a journalist, he veered off course. It was while writing for Canadian Home Workshop Magazine that he came to the realization that design and production was more appealing to him than writing about it. Ian describes design as a literal translation of ideas into reality: in order to be successful, you must be fluent in both techniques and materials. The challenge is to find a vernacular where the two can meld, rendering the clients ideas into reality.

"Did you ever wonder what Macgyver could get done if he actually had some tools, materials and time to think?"

Ian has developed a large body of work that incorporates a variety of media. His work ranges from contemporary housewares to baby furniture to made-to-order design solutions for businesses in various cities in Ontario.

Salvaged and recycled metals are a constant source of inspiration for Ian. Business and industry often dispose of things they can no longer use - they know the stuff is not garbage - but you don't see lawn sales on corporate properties - it is easier for them to write it off as garbage. Restoring and repurposing these pieces is the basis of the Experimental department.

"Finding bad design is like finding hay in a stack of needles - easy to spot but hard to remove," he says.

Ian was born and raised in Montreal and now lives in Toronto.