Tom Raffield

Tom Raffield is a British lighting and homeware designer.

Career
Tom Raffield Ltd. was founded by Raffield in 2008. Inspired by his degree in 3D Sustainability and Design undertaken at Falmouth College of Arts, Tom based his business on the eco-friendly practice of steam bending. Raffield has taught his steam bending practice to his team of workshop makers. Tom now spends most of his time designing products for the Tom Raffield range and large-scale bespoke projects, including the Royal Parks kiosks and RHS Chelsea Flower Show. He also creates new designs through hands-on making.

Raffield was co-founder of the collective design company Sixixis, recognised for unique aesthetic, forward-thinking designs.

Inspiration
Tom Raffield grew up in Exmoor, England - where the natural environment stimulated his imagination, and fed into his future designs. Raffield’s fascination with the traditional practice of steam bending began whilst studying at Falmouth College of Arts, where he discovered the traditional technique of using a chamber wouldn’t allow him to create the complex 3D bends he had envisaged. Years of research and experimentation allowed him to develop a new steaming method to turn his design visions into reality and create furniture designs such as the Chaise Longue, Arc Chair and Loop Chair and Lights including the No.1 Pendant, Cage Light and Butterfly Pendant.

Awards
Winner of the Lighting Design Association’s Lighting Design Award 2011.

Winner of the Walpole Brands of Tomorrow Award for Emerging Talent 2017.

Chelsea Flower Show 2019 five star tradestand award.

Finalist of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show Product of the Year Award 2019, with an innovative steam bent outdoor planter.

Darc Award Winner 2019 - Arame Wall Light, sustainable design and manufacture

References