DesignedMade is the recently launched British design label from product designer Jonathan Krawczuk. A talented young graduate from Central St. Martins, Krawczuk believes in seeing the product design process from start to finish, assuming the role of designer, producer, and in some cases manufacturer. In so doing, he is committed to supporting the UK manufacturing and craftsmanship industry.

Tarantula Tea Light, photo © Hilary Walker

The first product from Krawczuk’s DesignedMade label is the ‘Tarantula Tea Light’ holder. Embracing in full Krawczuk’s philosophy of ‘Made in Britain’ the Tarantula is laser-cut in Rotherham, hand pressed into final form by Krawczuk in Huddersfield, and powder coated in Brighouse. The machinery used to press the candleholder comes from a small specialist company in Huddersfield with just three employees. This is a sad rarity according to Krawczuk: “It’s such a shame that so many workshops have already gone, and continue to shut down. There’s still a plethora of highly skilled and talented engineers and workers in the UK – but unfortunately they don’t have enough work.’

Tarantula Tea Light, photo © Hilary Walker

In developing the brand identity for DesignedMade, Krawczuk worked with his sister, graphic designer Laura Coley, founder of We Are Family. About DesignedMade she says, ‘As the logo suggests DesignedMade is about the interdependent relationship between design and production.’

Krawczuk, who is also a consultant to the British Council’s Creative Economy Unit, is looking to expand and develop his network of manufacturers, engineers and craftsmen. ‘By combining and exchanging the visions, ideas and expertise of fellow designers with engineers and manufacturers, we can work out how to translate these shared thoughts into finished products.”

Tarantula Tea Light, photo © Hilary Walker