The Young Furniture Makers Networking Event and Talk

Here at the National Design Academy, we are proud to be hosting a stimulating evening with The Furniture Makers’ Company. The event will be focussing around life after university and how to successfully use those valuable design skills to break into the world of work.

The evening will be led by three of the most influential members of the furniture industry who will be discussing their own careers as well as offering advice about getting on the career ladder post-graduation. This event is a prime opportunity to network with like-minded individuals as well as get some great tips on starting your working life in interior design.

We will be warmly welcoming Matt Podesta, Nick Anderson and Alex Beaugeard to our academy here in Nottingham where each speaker will take to the stage and deliver an inspiring and thought provoking presentation. The event takes place on Tuesday 22^nd October from 5pm.

We are honoured to host the evening for these three industry leading experts and look forward to hearing the insights of such informed presenters. Here we take a brief look back over the careers of our three guest speakers.

Matt Podesta

Matt Podesta graduated from university in 1992 with a degree in Furniture Design. Building on this passion, his early career saw him working for numerous industry leading giants such as Habitat and Tom Dixon.

Matt then went on to start his own company in 2002 called ‘Podesta’ where alongside his highly talented team of designers he has managed to satisfy a variety of assignments for various high profile clients. Matt prides himself on creating the unusual; a bespoke kitchen, dressing room or living room where key items of furniture act as an unusual focal point to the room.

‘Podesta’ continues to be a success, growing in popularity and gaining high profile accolades such as ‘Kitchen Designer of the Year 2012’.

 Nick Anderson

Nick Anderson graduated from Southampton University with a degree in Naval Architecture. Nick then entered the world of work where he developed a keen interest in computer programming; he stayed in this industry for over 6 years until a career break cycling around Asia inspired him to start his own furniture design company.

On his return from Asia Nick took a job working in a kitchen design workshop in Bromham. Shortly after Nick received his first commission he and his wife opened their very own kitchen design company ‘Guild Anderson’.

Nick now employs a large team of talented and inspirational designers and business managers that help to ensure his company provides beautiful personalised kitchens every time.

Alex Beaugeard

Alex Beaugeard has an in-depth academic background. He graduated from The University of Southampton in 1999 with a HND in Ship Science; he then went on to graduate from Southampton Solent University with a BEng in Yacht and Powercraft Design. Finally in 2004, following a stint working in industry for Channel Island Ceramics, Alex successfully completed his MSc in Industrial Design at Loughborough University.

Since completing his education Alex has worked in a variety of companies across the UK, predominantly as a furniture designer gaining valuable hands-on experience across all areas of the market.

March 2012 saw Alex join the Linley Company who pride themselves on being highly successful bespoke furniture designers and manufacturers. Alex is now a very successful Sales Director at the Linley Company.

Visit our website to read more about this event or alternatively call 0115 9123 412 to reserve your place today.