International Women’s Day 2019 is just around the corner, and in honour of that we’d like to pay tribute to some of our favourite women in design.
Iconic Women in Design
Charlotte Perriand was the French furniture designer who set out to create modern, innovative and accessible pieces. Famously an assistant to the legendary Le Corbusier, Perriand quickly carved out her own space in the world of avant-garde design.
In her early years, Perriand’s work was inspired by the technology of the Machine Age – her tubular steel chairs remain some of her most famous work. Later in life, she found herself drawn to natural materials and rustic designs. Perhaps her most famous legacy is the elegant B306 chaise longue.
Like Perriand, Eileen Gray was an architect and furniture designer working in the first half of the 20th century. Gray’s work was seminal to the Modern Movement in architecture, although in her early career she was most famous for her art deco screens and panels.
It was in the 1920s that Gray came to the fore as a pioneer of modern design and construction. In this decade she began exhibiting chrome, steel tube, and glass furniture. Later, Gray worked as an architect, before returning to innovative furniture designs such as the E1027 adjustable table.
In more recent times, it was the work of Zaha Hadid that captured the public imagination. The highly acclaimed Iraqi-British architect, who sadly passed away in 2016, is most famous for designing buildings with undulating curves. The so-called “Queen of the Curve” once summed up her work by saying: “The idea is not to have any 90-degree angles”.
Hadid designed an impressive number of major buildings, including London’s 2012 Olympics aquatic centre, the Guangzhou Opera House, and Michigan’s Broad Art Museum. Though she was never keen to be referred to as a “female architect” her numerous achievements have made her an inspiration to other women in her field. Hadid was the first woman to receive the Pritzker Architecture Prize and the Royal Gold Medal from the Royal Institute of British Architects.
Last but by no means least, we’d like to shine a spotlight on the work of Patricia Urquiola, the Milan-based Spanish designer and architect who is at the forefront of contemporary design. Her list of awards is impressive and includes Spain’s fine arts Gold Medal; her best known work includes the Step Sofa (with Patrizia Moroso) and pieces for clients as diverse as Dior, Panasonic and Alessi.
Sagal Women
With a good handful of the Sagal Team being made up of Women, we thought it best to have a HIGH TEN for the team here too!
Naomi – With a degree in Three-dimensional design, she has worked in design lead retailers and manufacturers. Now at Sagal, Naomi is always making sure operations run smoothly.
Chitala – Is training to be a chartered accountant with a passion for interior design and furniture, with the very important job of keeping the cash flowing and already has high ambitions in the company.
Priscilla – Our qualified commercial accountant and business strategy professional who has a passionate love for Music, Film and all things creative.
Natalie – Has been working in Commercial Interior Design and Furniture for 17 years. In addition to a vast knowledge of the industry, she has gained further qualifications in Graphic Design and Marketing.
Our Partner Women Designers
In addition to our Fab Female team here in the UK, Sagal group is partnered with both Jonas Ihreborn and Quinti furniture manufacturers. So our celebration for Women in Design continues…
HELENE TIEDEMANN
DESIGNER / DESIGN DIRECTOR
Helene Tiedemann is known for her particular interpretation of scandinavian simplicity, calm welcoming lines, and comfort, often with a sense of animation and a hint of both past and future. After her BA Hons in industrial engineering at Central St. Martins, London, she worked for companies like Iittala, Habitat, Asplunds, David Design and Nordic Care.
In recent years she has been the initiator and main designer of the new range of sustainable designs for Jonas Ihreborn. She is also responsible for general art direction, styling and range strategies.
Together with Matz Borgström she runs the design office Borgstrom-Tiedemann. The work of the office ranges from design strategies, retail and interior architecture, furniture, graphic design to tableware and glass.
PRODUCTS
Blob | Story | Cute | Talk | Flora
E-GGS
QUINTI
Formed by Gaia Giotti, Giona Scarselli, Cristina Razzanelli and Marco Popolo, E-GGS is concerned with the design of a transversal approach, ranging from product design, interior and architecture. The attention and the curiosity are captured by the discovery of the unusual in everyday life, in the search for new forms of expression and materials. It is the exploration of the needs of everyday that arise for ideas.
PRODUCT
Women in Office Design Taking on Clerkenwell
It’s also really exciting that as part of our Design Community in Clerkenwell a new group was recently launched in 2018 WOD – A focused networking group of Women in Office Design & Office Furniture industry. For Women – Designers, Architects, Specifiers, Space Planners, Saleswomen, Furniture Manufacturers & Dealers.
A place where likeminded women can share, inspire and network with other women in Office Interior Design.
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