James Irvine was a prominent British designer known for his contributions to the fields of industrial and furniture design. Born in London in 1958, he studied at the Kingston Polytechnic Design School before pursuing a master's degree at the Royal College of Art in London. His education laid a solid foundation for what would become a distinguished career in design, spanning various disciplines and collaborations with internationally recognized companies and brands.
After completing his studies, Irvine moved to Milan in 1984, a city that would become his base and where he would establish his design studio, James Irvine Srl, in 1988. Milan, being at the heart of the design world, offered Irvine the perfect backdrop to hone his craft and collaborate with some of the most innovative and respected names in the industry. He worked with several Italian and international companies such as Artemide, B&B Italia, Canon, and Magis, contributing to the design of furniture, lighting, products, and more. His approach to design was marked by a keen sense of functionality, simplicity, and elegance, often imbued with a playful touch that became a signature of his work.
Irvine's contributions to design were not limited to product and furniture design; he also engaged in various projects including public transportation, as seen in his design of the Mercedes-Benz city bus. Moreover, he held a position as a professor at the Royal College of Art in London, where he shared his rich experience and insights with the next generation of designers. Throughout his career, Irvine was recognized for his work with numerous awards and his designs were included in collections of prestigious institutions worldwide.
James Irvine passed away unexpectedly in 2013, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence the design world. His thoughtful approach to design, which seamlessly blended functionality with aesthetics, has made a lasting impact on the field. His studio, James Irvine Srl, continues to operate, upholding his vision and contributing to ongoing projects that reflect his innovative spirit and commitment to design excellence.