My Qualifications

I started Fripp Design in 2005 with my business partner, Steve Roberts. Unlike most Product Design businesses, I didn't want a life style business. Steve and I wanted to build a business where we design products for ourselves which we license to those with the problem that needs solving.

But, we need to pay the bills and build the team we need to deliver on our mission, so paid work is still a key part of our day to day operations. To be honest with you, I really enjoy the client work as it is varied and covers a multitude of markets, design disciplines and new Product Design opportunities.

So, although formal qualifications are important (we only employ Masters Graduates at Fripp); experience and knowledge can only be gained through real world Product Design experience.

My specific skill is in the interpretation of a clients brief and designing for the 'real world Product Design' rather than the 'conceptual world Product Design'; the discipline which is led by my colleague (OK...he's also my best friend!); Neil Frewer. As Neil says, this often leads to interesting design meeting when we are trying to develop a clients Product Design through to prototyping and  production.

So, for those who are interested; my education:

From 1993- 1998 I attended the Kings of Wessex Community School in Cheddar where I obtained 10 GCSE's at 'C' and above including Maths, Double Science and English. I then attended Kings of Wessex 6th Form where I obtained 3 'A' Levels - Biology (E) Art (C) Design & Technology (B) and 1 'A/S' Level - Physics (C)

In 2001 I started my first degree in Industrial Design Innovation at Sheffield Hallam University and in 2003 I obtained a 1st Class BA(Hons). It was around this time that I decided I wanted to start my own Design Practice as I had a number of Product Design ideas in mind and wanted the opportunity to get them developed. But before embarking on this, I realised I needed to get better qualified in the practical side of design; Rapid Prototyping.

In 2004 I started my Masters Degree in Industrial Design and Rapid Prototyping which I passed with Distinction in 2006.

My other qualifications include:

SolidWorks 2009 Simulator (FEA) software training

SolidWorks Basics and Sheet Metals & Weldments training

November 2004 - Present Enrolment onto HGSU II government funding scheme. Enrolment onto this scheme enables European money to develop a start-up business. The money was spent in the market research and patenting of one particular design.