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Future designers at work

What does the next generation of designers care about? Function, sustainability, and originality. Student designer Daniel Davies demonstrates this through his response to a brief focused on café furniture.
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Daniel’s project, Hem, is a lightweight stool and bench system made from sheet steel. It’s designed to be recyclable, easy to assemble, and visually clean. The name comes from the metalworking process used to fold the seat edges, making them softer and more durable. 

 

The design was refined through full-scale prototypes, card models, and CAD development. Daniel drew inspiration from Gerrit Rietveld’s Crate Chair, adapting its timber aesthetic into folded sheet metal. The result is a product that feels familiar but fresh. 

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Hem isn’t just about looks. It’s built for practicality. The angled legs and honest joints give it strength and character. The subassemblies are joined with rivets and mechanical fixings, allowing the furniture to be shipped flat and assembled by the user. 

 

Daniel’s process shows how young designers are thinking differently. They’re not chasing trends - they’re solving problems. His focus was on ergonomics, recyclability, and ease of use. He also explored ways to reduce visible fixings and improve comfort, all while keeping the design minimal. 

 

Looking ahead, Daniel plans to refine the joining method and expand the range to include a table. His work reflects a wider shift in design education - one that values experimentation, sustainability, and hands-on development. 

 

Daniel’s work shows how design education is shifting. There’s a stronger focus on experimentation, sustainability, and practical problem-solving. Hem is a clear example of how young designers are approaching furniture with purpose and precision.