Meet Libby, Our Award Winner
For New Designers 2025, we sought individuals who pushed boundaries, designers who didn’t just think outside the box, but communicated and presented their ideas with clarity, confidence, and originality. We looked for commercially minded ideas grounded in real-world thinking, and a mindset ready to make an impact.
As we moved through the exhibition, the standard of work consistently stopped us in our tracks. Each stand brought something considered, fresh thinking, well-resolved ideas, and thoughtful execution. Choosing a winner wasn’t easy. It challenged us to reflect on what we value most: creativity, craft, and commercially aware design. The quality was high, the decisions tough but that’s exactly how it should be.
Libby caught our attention from the outset. Her Bakery Stools were not only well-designed but rooted in a clear narrative. One that felt relevant, considered, and commercially aware. What stood out was the completeness of her approach. From her concept and prototyping to the way she communicated her thinking, every element was purposeful. Her visual presentation was clear supported by strong storytelling, well-executed photography, and a quiet confidence that allowed the work to speak for itself.
By embedding herself in the daily routines of the bakery, she identified a genuine need and designed a product that not only met that need but did so with care, creativity, and commercial viability. The result was a stool that was functional, sustainable, and entirely appropriate for its environment. It felt resolved, relevant, and ready for the real world. That balance of thoughtful design, strong communication, and commercial thinking is exactly what we look for and why Libby was our clear choice.
By embedding herself in the daily routines of the bakery, she identified a genuine need and designed a product that not only met that need but did so with care, creativity, and commercial viability. The result was a stool that was functional, sustainable, and entirely appropriate for its environment. It felt resolved, relevant, and ready for the real world. That balance of thoughtful design, strong communication, and commercial thinking is exactly what we look for and why Libby was our clear choice.
New Designers provides us with the opportunity to support emerging talent, people like Libby, who are just beginning their journey into the design world. But it doesn’t end with the award. We're excited to continue working with Libby, offering a glimpse into the inner workings of our design studio and the wider industry.
From concept development to manufacturing, we'll be opening the door to each stage of the process. Stay tuned as we take the next steps together supporting Libby as she begins to shape her future in design.
Want to hear from Libby herself? Head to our socials to catch her thoughts on the day.
