Jared Odell is a born and bred South African designer, based in Cape Town. He graduated with a degree in industrial design and went on to design furniture for some of the biggest international brands. Now he's taken the leap to go out on his own.

His Fulbrite collection was sparked by the concept of being able to pick your favourite colours and incorporate them into design pieces custom-made for each client. Adventure, style, beauty, freedom and individuality are his driving creative forces.

How and why did you become a designer?

I've always liked to create, so I ended up studying industrial design at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology.

Describe your design style

I've always been inspired by the mid-century modernists. My design has a more masculine than feminine feel.

Tell us about your signature range

It's called the Fulbrite range. The whole idea is to give the customer the option to choose their own colours. This way they can have a truly unique piece of furniture.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

Mostly from the materials I work with and the manufacturing processes I have. Once you understand manufacturing, you can be a much better designer. I also try to keep abreast with what's going on in the world of design.

Which of your products are you most proud of, and why?

It must be the Fulbrite Coffee table. I've never seen anything like it, and I love the feeling of movement that is created by the offset legs.

Which products and designs are your favourites, apart from your own?

The Alessi range. I love how the company uses different designers from around the world to create their ranges. I hope to one day collaborate with Alessi.

What do you think of the South African design scene?

It's still very small. There aren't many people competing in the same market I'm in. I feel there is a lot of potential to grow the industry and educate people. It's a tough industry. I hope events like the Design Indaba will encourage people to support local designers, and not just buy the cheapest product off a ship from China.

Are your designs green?

The wood I use is Scandinavian birch plywood. All the metal I use can be recycled easily. For my light I used a CFL bulb, which is far more energy-efficient than normal light bulbs. So yes, I think my products are green.

What is your perfect working environment?

I'd love a big loft studio on the 10th floor of a building in the Cape Town CBD, something with a view of the city, sea and mountain.

Where do you source your materials?

I use local suppliers and manufacturers, and I manage the finishing of all the products.

Does creativity run in your family?

Indeed. My dad studied fine art in the 1970s at UCT and he's now a graphic designer. My elder sister studied history of art and my younger sister is a jewellery designer. My mom and brother seem to be the odd ones out. He's studying electrical engineering at UCT and my mom is a school teacher.

RESOURCE: Times Live Online

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