RADICAL DESIGN - Key Persons
In the final phase of my studies Industrial Product Design, I went looking for a suitable subject for my graduation project. I wanted to develop myself further in the field of textiles and I came into contact with the company Radical Design. The company and its products really appealed to me, because of working with technical textiles, but especially because of the outdoor orientation. I really enjoy outdoor sports, such as kayaking and hiking and I also like to camp as basic as possible with my hammock.
After an introduction and job interview, it turned out to be a good match for me and Radical Design and I was allowed to start my internship and research. I designed a containerisation solution for the Bullitt Bike, as an addition to the existing Radical Design Bullitt Bag. Because I had a complete sewing studio at my disposal, I was able to go through all the development steps during my project. From defining the market to a production-ready prototype. This is also one of the reasons why I love working with textiles so much. The step between devising and realizing is a lot smaller than with other production methods.
After completing this graduation project and finishing my studies, I remain part of the Radical Design Team. I now work as a designer and production employee and I still learn a lot every day. Like Romain, I ran into the fact that the gap between study and practice is very large. During my studies, working with textiles was not part of the program, and therefore I had to delve into it myself. At Radical Design, I had the opportunity to learn the trade from a group of experienced seamstresses and product developers. Romain and Hubert are instructive supervisors and sparring partners and I also learn many different techniques from Henny and Esther that the sewing machines have to offer. This makes every assignment that comes along, a new challenge from which I can learn and where I can put more and more knowledge into. For every design question I get, there is a design solution. After all, the possibilities and options are countless! I look forward to all the projects and products that will come my way!
Mohamed is the newest addition to our team. He joined the production team in the spring of 2022.
"I was born and raised in Syria, but in 2014 I start living in the Netherlands. I have carried out various activities in recent years, but unfortunately my own profession as a tailor was not among them. When I saw the vacancy for Radical Design in the local newspaper, I was immediately enthusiastic! Before my departure from Syria I had always worked in a sewing workshop and now it turned out that there was also a sewing workshop so close to my hometown. That day I passed by to meet and after showing my skills I started my new job!
It is very nice to pick up my old work again and to hear the sewing machine rattle. It is also nice to work in a team and to learn new things. I see a bright future at Radical Design."
I always loved designing things and I dreamed that this could become my job. Already during my last two years of high school I started studying design, but after finishing my degree in industrial design, I realized how big the gap is between the worlds of study and work. I also realized that despite the knowledge I had received, I had hardly any practical know-how. That's why I decided to become Sellier-garnisseur with ‘Les Compagnons du Devoir', an association that trains craftsmen by partnering up with companies in the craft industry. As the years went by, I went from crafts to prototyping to finally designing again.
I took a liking to cycling as soon as I learned to use it. For many years, I went everywhere by bike, but I always suffered from sore buttocks after a full day of cycling. One day, I discovered the recumbent bike, which fascinated me right away. That's how I discovered Radical Design and their products. I began to dream: would it be possible to combine my passion and my job?
Today I design and develop products at Radical Design, but I also participate in all the tasks necessary for the company to operate smoothly. I'm happy to have arrived here. I consider having successfully linked my childhood dreams, my teenage aspirations and my grown-up's convictions because Radical Design values are also the ones I was looking for.