This is an RDInsights archive catch-up recording from 2015 with Interior designer Ben Kelly RDI, best known for his innovative and often industrial approach to interior spaces. His most iconic work is the design of the legendary Hacienda nightclub in Manchester, which opened in 1982. Ben's design approach often incorporates elements of postmodernism and brutalism, with a strong emphasis on raw materials, geometric forms, and striking colour contrasts. His work frequently bridges the gap between art, architecture, and design, and he has collaborated with various artists, musicians, and cultural institutions. His clients have ranged from Paul Smith and Vivienne Westwood to the Science and V&A Museums. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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1:26:14
Shona Heath
Mike Dempsey RDI is in conversation with the Oscar and BAFTA award-winning production designer Shona Heath RDI. She is well known for her visionary approach and has spent nearly three decades crafting a distinctive world of visual storytelling. Her work is a magical fusion of art, fashion, and film, blending the fantastical and tangible to create immersive, otherworldly experiences. Shona has become a trailblazer in her field, from collaborating with leading fashion designers and photographers to shaping iconic set designs for global campaigns and now the world of feature films. Join Mike to delve into Shona's life, inspirations, challenges, and moments defining her extraordinary career. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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52:19
Malcolm Garrett
This is an updated RDInsights 2007 archive recording by the new media and graphic designer Malcolm Garrett RDI MBE, made by Mike Dempsey. It covers Malcolm’s early life and career working with many of the notable emerging punk groups in Manchester in the 1970s and 1980s, alongside his passion for digital technology and being the first all-digital graphic studio in the UK. At the end of the 2007 recording, Mike hooked up with Malcolm in 2025 to discover what he had been up to in the ensuing years. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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1:16:34
Stuart Craig
This is an RDInsights Archive recording from 2011 featuring the much-acclaimed film production designer Stuart Craig RDI. Over the past 13 years, Stuart has made significant contributions to the film industry, working on a total of five major films: Gambit, The Legend of Tarzan, and J.K. Rowling's three Fantastic Beasts movies. Stuart’s influence extends beyond the silver screen. He has been a key figure in the creation of Harry Potter experience venues and theme parks, where his intricate production designhas brought the magic of the films to life for millions of fans worldwide. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Michael Bierut
In this RDInsights recording, Mike Dempsey RDI is in conversation with the multi-award-winning American graphic designer and Pentagram partner Michael Bierut HonRDI, known for his exacting approach to the projects he takes on. Over his 44 years in the field, Michael spent a formative decade working with the legendary designer and Hon RDI, Massimo Vignelli. In 1990, he joined Pentagram’s New York office as a partner, where he continues to make his mark on the design world today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
RDInsights is a biweekly podcast series where Mike Dempsey RDI interviews, both current and archived recordings, with distinguished Royal Designers for Industry. Through these conversations, we can gain insight into the minds of some of the most influential cross-disciplinary creative thinkers. Mike gives us a peek into their lives and practice as they discuss their journeys, challenges and successes in the design world.Royal Designers for Industry Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.