Ryan Frank of South African birth, is a furniture designer who lives and works in East London. Now 34, he was born in Krugersdorp and studied product design in Cape Town at the Cape Technicon.

He remains fiercely committed to the concept of an ecosensitive collection. Wherever possible, he uses sustainable materials sourced from the natural environment and brought to fruition as a product by his own innovative design skills.

Ryan Frank's collection of free-range products are inspired from the deteriorate city decay.  The result of this process is a range of functional, eco-sensitive and often unique items. From the public graffiti canvas of 'Hackney Shelf' to the squatter chic look of 'Loot' light.

He thinks the multinationals would like nothing better than to dismiss the entire subject of environmentally friendly materials.

"These big chains are not actively promoting or pursuing this subject, but I think in 2009 we might see more action and less talk," he tells me. "These world issues now mean that there is enough pressure and demand from the public and the industry.

But it needs to get to the point where you won't sell your product unless it is ecofriendly. Every product on the market needs to have some responsible credentials.

At the moment, it is still a money-driven market. That remains the guiding factor. Unfortunately, sustainable products are still classed as being in the luxury market. And it's true, I pay double the price for some materials I use so you have to retail some things at double the price of the mass-produced stuff."

 He sells from specific commissions and licensing agreements but, like a lot of other creative people, finds himself spending too much time on the basics of the whole process, even aspects such as packaging and manufacturing, rather than focusing 100 percent on actual design.



                     




more info

Website: www.ryanfrank.net

Contact: Ryan Frank

ECO DESIGN RYAN FRANK