Lisa McMillan, formerly of leading design PR agency Camron, has turned her back on a career in public relations to launch a six-piece furniture collection, entitled Ruthless People.
The collection, which comprises a dining table, a stool, two mirrors, a side table and a floor light, is made from mild steel frames formed from just three geometric forms – squares, circles and triangles.
“Working solely with three classic shapes is a celebration of the uncomplicated and geometric,” says Lisa. “Plus the use of negative space gives a natural openness – it’s less claustrophobic. Space is what we require to allow our minds to remain uncluttered. Each piece is created for a sole function; no excess included.”
The dining table comprises an A-frame on its side topped with two circular glass panes, the stool is a more classic design with a circular cushion topping a steel frame.
The steel is finished with multiple layers of specialist ‘liquid effect’ paint in four bespoke colours – blue, green, orange and white. “The finish packs quite a punch,” says Lisa. “I wanted to show the beauty and importance of negative space and bold accents of colour in a room.”
Lisa studied Furniture and Design Thinking, before working in design PR for four years. “I saw great design come through the door at Camron everyday and it was just too tempting to not join in on the fun,” she says. “I thought if I don’t give it a proper go, I’ll regret it. And so far, I absolutely love it. Producing your own work has a vastly different feel from promoting someone else’s. It is so nice to give my creative side free reign and then break those ideas down into what I really want to produce.” Lisa sources all her materials in the UK and the collection is handmade locally to her North London studio.
The collection is available to purchase from Lisa’s design studio Kieko London and can be fully customised.
Further reading for the especially geeky:
- Students at Aalto University create 14 different chairs from blackened ash
- Aalto University wins award for new cotton recycling technique
- Look Like Love launches talent search for new designers
- Andrea Ponti launches side table inspired by Hong Kong street signs
