Personal statement

Erin Deighton is a senior lecturer in Furniture and Product Design at Bath Spa University. Additionally he is an associate lecturer at Ravensbourne University (London) on Product Design and Loughborough University on 3D specialism in Art and Design Foundation Studies.

Erin works with students across all years, introducing the design process, design skills, sustainability issues, materials and processes, working closely with the workshops and technical staff and the research staff at Sion Hill. He supports portfolio a career development as students navigate and progress their way through the course, seeking their area of focus. A fellow of the RSA and a practicing design professional, Erin has a background in product design, manufacturing and innovation strategy within the Toy and Games Industry, having spent many years at Hasbro, Ltd. working on ‘New Ways to Play’.

As a consultant he facilitates and collaborates on trend, innovation and ideation workshops, with a keen focus on sustainability and the circular economy within the industry. Erin is a member of the Maker Space community, co-running the east London Carpentry Club which aims to support the community with an open access workshop, basic skills, personal and community projects, skill share and social cohesion. Recent projects and collaborations have seen the scope of projects expand to include furniture, interior, installation and spatial design, notably completing the redesign of the V&A Museum Shop in 2017 with Friend & Co.

Erin remains a support and a mentor to students and graduates, keen to follow their career paths as they unfurl.

Academic qualifications

  • FHEA Fellow HEA 2013

Professional memberships

  • Fellow RSA

Other external roles

  • Ravensbourne University - associate lecturer Product Design
  • Loughborough University - 3D specialism in Art and Design Foundation
  • Erin Deighton Design - design consultant

Areas of expertise

  • Furniture and Product Design
  • Design Process
  • Sustainability
  • Design Skills
  • Portfolio and Promotion

Impact

  • Working with Open Workshop London and engaged in the Makerspace Community, part of the discussion and development of the FabCity.