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Richard Joseph INDUSTRIAL DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY BA 1994 – 1997 CO-FOUNDER OF JOSEPH JOSEPH Richard Joseph, co-founder of successful company Joseph Joseph, studied at Loughborough Design School from 1994 – 1997. His company designs and manufactures innovative kitchenware and household products, which are sold all over the world. Richard studied our Industrial Design and Technology course, securing a job at Dyson after graduation. Following a year at Dyson, Richard undertook a Master’s degree in business at Cambridge University. During his time at Loughborough, he emphasises how, “We were taught how to work on our own, how to manage projects and hit deadlines: all the essentials if you want to be successful in your career.” His favourite part of the course were the design projects, where he particularly enjoyed, “Creating product ideas, testing, prototyping and model making.”
Although his family history and entrepreneurial spirit have played a big part in his success, Richard explains that the School has also had a positive influence, “Teaching me to think creatively – a skill required by all entrepreneurs.” When talking about the Company, Richard describes how, “Problem solving and innovation is at the heart of what we do. Whilst many brands concentrate on just one aspect of a product, we focus on the whole user experience – creating products that work beautifully and are a pleasure to have around the home,” Joseph Joseph’s ethos echoes in many ways a number of strongly held beliefs of the School, perhaps demonstrating what a formative influence we are continuing to deliver.”
When discussing the relevance of the course in today’s design industry, he explains that, “It is a practical design course and prepares you well for a career in design,” His sentiments highlight its relevance and importance for those wishing to pursue a design career or set up their own business. Richard’s inspiration to set up his own company stems from his family history. His grandfather set up a business in 1936 producing everything from vehicle wing mirrors to fridge shelves. This quickly became the family business, and eventually diversified into making glass chopping boards. In the early 2000s his father approached Richard and his brother Antony, also a product designer, and asked them to re-design the chopping board range. After early success with their designs, the brothers decided to launch Joseph Joseph in 2003.
“It is a practical design course and prepares you well for a career in design.”