In Conversation With ND Selects 2023 Curator, Louisa Pacifico
ND Selects is a curated space at New Designers dedicated to shining a light on new businesses in the design industry. At ND23, the showcase will be curated by Louisa Pacifico, founder of Future Icons – a platform representing a select collection of international design and craft led businesses. As a 2004 ND alumni and previous Sales Manager for the show, her wealth of knowledge puts her in the perfect position to assist and advise the ND Selects exhibitors.
Continue reading to gain an insight into Louisa’s professional journey in the design realm, what motivates her creative work, and find out her top tips for aspiring designers launching their creative careers.
How did you get into the creative industry?
‘Following my BA in 3D Design for Production from Brighton University, I exhibited my graduate collection at New Designers 2004. I was lucky enough to be awarded a place for the ND London Design Festival show in the September and I was asked if I would like to help out at the show. So I said yes! The following January I was invited to be interviewed to join the New Designers team, and as they say the rest is history!’
What was the inspiration behind ‘Future Icons’?
‘Following a career in design led events and heading up maker charity Craft Central as Chief Executive, I decided I wanted to combine my experience and contacts to create a consultancy to support selected craft and design led brands.’
Which theme do you think is most important in the design world today?
‘Sustainability and ethically sourced materials. I’m a big believer in buying well once, if it needs repairing then repair – do not replace!
Sustainability shouldn’t be a unique selling point for any new designs or artwork, it should automatically factored into every aspect from the concept stage.’
Which figure in the design world inspires you most and why?
‘Thomas Heatherwick. His studio produces some of the most awe-inspiring architecture and interiors across the world. One of my favourite projects from his repertoire is the Zeitz MOCAA (Museum of Contemporary Art Africa / Cape Town), the team repurposed a giant grain Silo which held maize that was distributed across South Africa.’
If you could give one piece of advice for a designer at the beginning of their career, what would it be?
‘Be patient. It takes time to build a strong profile, understand one’s marketplace and build those important connections.’
What are you most excited about for this year’s ND Selects?
‘I’m so excited to see who has applied! It’s been an age since I’ve curated a show purely for new businesses, after all they are tomorrow’s trends and the future of design.’
