DESIGN VIEW: Larry Dunlop

27 January 2010

Larry Dunlop, product designer, Adamsez talks us through freestanding baths...

I'd better own up to being rather unconventional when it comes to product design. The way I go about devising and generating new ideas may not win approval from traditionalists in the industry, but it works for me and the consumers who enjoy the baths I've designed.

My approach relies heavily on intuition and trying to look at a familiar object in a fresh light. I like to jot down ideas, thoughts on whatever's closest to hand. These sketches are passed on to the modelling department, who are able to translate the rough designs into something workable.

It's true that the more mould-breaking designs come into the market at the top end and are perceived by most consumers as being out of their reach - either too expensive or just too big for the average bathroom.As well as these aspirational freestanding baths, it's the designer's job to create baths that encapsulate that aspirational vibe while fitting into the average bathroom scheme at an affordable price.

My job is just as much about coming up with accessible crowd-pleasers as it is devising oversized, wow-factor baths that will take centre stage in bathroom showrooms across the country.Ultimately, the designs start with the comfort of the bather in mind. I make sure that whatever the price tag of the bath, the bathing space is as generous as possible, taking into consideration tall people and those with broad shoulders.

Maintaining an even water temperature is also important for enjoying a really long soak. So I specify Lucite, a top-quality acrylic that's stable with great thermal properties, across the entire range.The most popular designs with customers at the moment are sculptural, organically curving shapes that seem to mould around the body.

People often ask me if consumers are shying away from large statement baths because of their impact on water consumption. Happily, this doesn't seem to be a pressing issue as long soaks in the bath are now a luxury to be enjoyed from time to time rather than every day.

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DESIGN VIEW: Larry Dunlop	Back
27 January 2010 Larry Dunlop, product designer, Adamsez talks us through freestanding baths... I'd better own up to being rather unconventional when it comes to product design. The way I go about devising and generating new ideas may not win approval from traditionalists in the industry, but it works for me and the consumers who enjoy the baths I've designed. My approach relies heavily on intuition and trying to look at a familiar object in a fresh light. I like to jot down ideas, thoughts on whatever's closest to hand. These sketches are passed on to the modelling department, who are able to translate the rough designs into something workable. It's true that the more mould-breaking designs come into the market at the top end and are perceived by most consumers as being out of their reach - either too expensive or just too big for the average bathroom.As well as these aspirational freestanding baths, it's the designer's job to create baths that encapsulate that aspirational vibe while fitting into the average bathroom scheme at an affordable price. My job is just as much about coming up with accessible crowd-pleasers as it is devising oversized, wow-factor baths that will take centre stage in bathroom showrooms across the country.Ultimately, the designs start with the comfort of the bather in mind. I make sure that whatever the price tag of the bath, the bathing space is as generous as possible, taking into consideration tall people and those with broad shoulders. Maintaining an even water temperature is also important for enjoying a really long soak. So I specify Lucite, a top-quality acrylic that's stable with great thermal properties, across the entire range.The most popular designs with customers at the moment are sculptural, organically curving shapes that seem to mould around the body. People often ask me if consumers are shying away from large statement baths because of their impact on water consumption. Happily, this doesn't seem to be a pressing issue as long soaks in the bath are now a luxury to be enjoyed from time to time rather than every day.