The Architect's Chair #2 competition Honorable mention winner - Liam James De La Bedoyere

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the Honorable mention winner of our "The Architect's Chair #2" competition – Liam James De La Bedoyere from United Kingdom!

Liam James De La Bedoyere

Please tell us about your company (when it was founded, where it is based, how many employees, etc) Alternatively, if you do not have a company, please give us some insights on your own professional/academia background.

Liam de la Bedoyere is an Essex-based designer born and raised in England. After graduating from Bournemouth University with a BA in Product Design, Liam began his professional career designing for an in-house London beauty innovations company and then a food & hospitality consultancy, all while freelancing in his spare time. In 2021, Liam started his design studio, Bored Eye (an anagram of Bedoyere). Today, Bored Eye focuses on designing furniture, lighting, housewares, and everyday objects. 

Liam is the founder of Bored Eye. As a child, Liam spent hours playing Inventor, constructing various items and toys. Now, as an Industrial Designer for the past decade, Liam is still living out his childhood dreams. Liam enjoys immersing himself in long client projects and spending his free time participating in design competitions and weekly design prompt challenges. These side projects keep Liam's mind sharp, and he loves discovering what others think when he shares them on social media.

Bored Eye Mission Crafting Stories - Through Design: Our Industrial Design studio has expertly balanced intrigue and function for over a decade, weaving narratives into every creation. We specialise in crafting products that are anything but boring.

Brief information about the projects that you/your company have been involved with. For instance, what scale have you focused on/preferred, any significant projects where the company/ individuals have been Involved?

I've worked with clients on large-scale projects with global sales, as well as with small businesses, and I enjoy immersing myself in both of their stories. Whether big or small, I help them create furniture, lighting, or houseware goods. Recently, I collaborated with Battersea Power Station to develop sustainable gifts for their Lift 109 shop, in partnership with a 3D print manufacturer. It was a unique challenge to design premium items for 3D printing, ensuring they stood out alongside iconic design pieces in the store.

What does architecture mean to you and what is the role of an architect in your society?

I view architecture the same way I view industrial design. It is more than just creating buildings or products; it’s about shaping how we experience the world around us. It’s a blend of art, science, and human psychology that brings spaces to life, enhancing how people live, work, and interact with their environment.

Good architecture, much like good design, not only serves a practical function but also tells a story, evokes emotion, and connects people with their surroundings.

The role of architects and designers in society is to be both visionaries and problem-solvers. They are responsible for creating functional, sustainable, and beautiful spaces or products that meet the needs of people today while considering future generations. They must balance aesthetics with environmental and societal impacts, ensuring their designs contribute positively to both the community and the planet. They must also be attentive listeners, interpreting the needs of clients and society, and transforming those needs into spaces or products that inspire and promote well-being.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

Though I'm a novice in architecture, as a designer, the allure of creating a building or structure is always present. Whenever I travel, I make it a point to visit incredible architectural landmarks. So, when I saw that one of my design heroes, Philippe Starck, was a judge for the Architecture Chair competition, I couldn't pass up the chance. I may not be great at buildings, but designing a chair for a legend like him was an opportunity I couldn’t let slip by.

What advice would you give to individuals who struggle to decide whether it would be beneficial for them to participate in architecture competitions?

Discover what drives you and shape the brief to align with that. When you're motivated, the process becomes enjoyable, and when you're having fun, you’ll create your best design work.