Alan Hughes, Principal of the Inchbald School of Design

In this episode, I’ll be talking to Alan Hughes, Principal of the pioneering Inchbald School of Design, and my former teacher. We’ll discuss the philosophical dimensions of design; Inchbald’s focus on the individual; people’s emotive reactions to designed spaces; allowing your intuition to guide you as a designer; creativity as an instinct that is linked to the survival of early humans; using curiosity to offset the risks of AI; allowing the space to be bored and let you subconscious bubble up; and why you need to be able to dance through your kitchen.Episode SponsorThis episode is generously sponsored by Simon Orrell Designs, celebrated for transforming unconventional materials – such as shagreen, parchment, mica, and straw marquetry – into timeless treasures. The studio creates extraordinary, bespoke pieces for the world’s most discerning clients, from statement sideboards to custom-designed bedsides and beautifully crafted jewellery boxes. I love working with Simon and his team on very special pieces for Be-Kin clients that are not just furniture, but works of art.https://simonorrelldesigns.com/https://www.instagram.com/simon_orrell_designs/Stay connected: Websiteswww.be-kin.com - please sign up to my monthly newsletter www.wrenloucks.comInstagram: @_be_kin and @wrenloucksCreditsHost & Creator: Wren LoucksProduction, Audio & Editing: Mike Gosling, Bonfire VideoEditorial Production & Research: Alison SmithOriginal Music: Gordon Smith