As you know by now, Design Psychology is my most significant inspiration and area of influence in design. The idea that design is so much more than what a space looks like, but incorporating the importance of how the space makes us feel, think and behave. We are physical beings interacting with a physical space and studying that relationship, will never get old for me!
Below are three of my favourite designers at the moment. All carving their own unique theories and designs into history. I am beyond inspired by these leaders in the field and use the foundations of their work to further my education and knowledge in the design and environmental psychology realms.
My Top 3 Favourite Designers
Ilse Crawford is a radical leader in this movement. Over the last decade, she has designed with the belief that our spaces are frames for our lives. She pays close attention to the human senses and caters to all of them. By emphasizing the importance of well-being and the human experience within the space, she is able to create spaces that not only look good, but also feel good. Fun fact: she is also one of the first designers for IKEA.
Website: http://www.studioilse.com
Book: A Frame for Life
Christopher Wolfgang Alexander will also fit into this category of designing spaces with the human experience at the forefront. He believes that most of the buildings and spaces throughout time that people have felt the most ‘at home’or ‘themselves’ in, are spaces that were built by the people who occupy them (cottages, churches, village homes). Mr. Alexander has received much pushback from the industry regarding this theory. In addition to being an author and the father of the pattern language movement, he is also currently a Professor Emeritus of Architecture at the University of California, Berkeley.
Website: https://ced.berkeley.edu/ced/faculty-staff/christopher-alexander
Book: A Pattern Language
Although not a professionally trained designer, I have most recently been inspired by Nathan Williams and his team at Kinfolk. Their idea of creating spaces that promote connection and slow living definitely appeals to me. Playing off the similar concept of design psychology, Kinfolk highlights designs that encourage us to pay attention to the connection we have with the spaces we occupy and how they impact our well-being. With the foundations being minimalist, simplistic design, I too am a fan of the theory that sometimes ‘less is more’. Creating environments that serve us and enhance the quality of our lives, as opposed to designing spaces full of things with the focus solely on looking good.
Website: https://kinfolk.com
Book: The Kinfolk Home
What designers, eras or design movements are you inspired by? Do you have spaces that you visit frequently because they feel good when you are in them? Do you avoid going to certain places because they don’t feel so good?
This is design psychology and it plays a huge part in our overall experience in the world. To learn more, visit my approach page or contact me and let’s have a chat!
Live well,
Cher
