John Atkins

Why did you choose to study industrial design?

During a work placement at Black & Decker in Spennymoor, I discovered the industrial design department. I didn’t know it was even a profession until then and I really loved the idea of creating my own products.

How did you find the course?

The best thing was being able to work around my busy schedule. We were in the studio every day, designing and learning techniques from sketching to model making. We brought our ideas to life in the workshops, using lathes and milling machines to sand and sculpt our designs.

The course involved a lot of self-directed study. We learned how to create, present, and take constructive criticism from classmates and peers. Thick skin is needed in this industry.

Would you recommend Teesside University?

Absolutely, it is one of the best universities in the world for creative industries and will continue to be so.

Lecturers were immensely helpful in my studies, both in the BA and MSc, encouraging me to push boundaries. They foster a design studio community and engage students in a 9 to 5 workplace environment, ensuring cross collaboration and encouraging innovation with industry.

What have you done since graduating?

I graduated from BA Industrial Design in 2005 and got my first job through a lecturer in touch with a local business designing wheelchairs. Our lecturers were great at helping us succeed and linking us with industry. Afterwards, I landed my dream job at Vtech and AT&T in Hong Kong. Two years later I moved to London to design concepts for Samsung Design Europe and worked with London consultancies as a freelancer.

Why postgraduate study?

After being in industry for a few years, I wanted to pursue a master’s to further my career while working full time. I moved back to the North East in 2009 to study MSc Computer-Aided Engineering. Alongside, I worked for Peratech developing quantum tunnelling composite applications in the R&D department.

What is your current position?

I am head of product design for Kromek PLC in Sedgefield. Over the last ten years I have designed a wide range of products including radiation detectors for the US/UK military.