Touted as one of the young innovators to watch, David Knott’s industrial designs are generating quite a buzz in the local design scene.

As a finalist for the Bombay Sapphire Design Discovery Award, due to be announced next Thursday 18 November, Knott’s understated approach to industrial design has already garnered him multiple accolades in the design world.

Since completing an industrial design degree at Canberra University, he has developed projects ranging from the Telstra phone to an air traffic control console.

“I find it refreshing to be able to work on such a diverse range of products,” says Knott.

“I learn so much more about materials and techniques and on more than one occasion, my learnings from one will successfully cross over into the other.”

Most recently, Knott turned his attention to design direction at Sydney’s KD Furniture, where he continues to develop new products, acting as a consultant in the exploration of new materials and processes.

Whether working on lighting, furniture or everyday appliances, his pieces exude elegant simplicity with soothing symmetrical forms.

“I’d best describe my work as being clean and simple but with refined and delicate details,” he says.

“I try to create beauty in my designs through the balance of materials and the unusual combination of manufacturing techniques.”

Knott’s humorous approach to everyday objects combines functionality with fun, like his ‘Jumping Jack’ light – an upturned lightshade supported by three poised ‘limbs’ formed from a vacuum styrene base.

His ’Lotus’ light, which was featured in the 2006 Launch Pad exhibition, is a flower-inspired pendant light, with petals made from white styrene, wood veneer or aluminium etched with delicate floral detailing.

“My style is characterised by the juxtaposition of very industrial processing techniques with very delicate details and subtle ornamentation.”

David Knott
knott.com.au