Get to Know Andy Sives, Design Director

Andy is Design Director at Form, and has been with us since 2015

We asked him a few questions to dig a little deeper...

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

From an early age I loved to draw. I would sellotape pieces of paper together and draw roads, landscapes, and buildings for my toy cars. I loved buildings and trains! I would spend hours with my felt tips and ruler. I guess I always set out to be an Architect, Master Planner, or Industrial Designer.

What was your first job?

My first part-time job in my final year of school was stacking shelves in the local supermarket. It taught me to appreciate the value of money and how hard it was to make a living. I often remind myself how lucky I am to be doing what I do (not that it’s easy money!)

What’s the most rewarding aspect of your role at Form?

At this stage in my career, it’s about seeing other people in the business develop and succeed. I love to play a part in my younger colleagues’ development. I want to see them learn, have fun and be rewarded for effort.

What (or whom) inspires your design decisions?

I have always tried to be an original thinker, understanding a client’s brief and responding with a bespoke solution to their problem. My inspiration is most probably taken from the sub-conscious – the outdoors, fashion, technology…

Which project have you most enjoyed working on, and why?

In my role, I am fortunate to oversee the work of my colleagues. I am proud of many projects and to select is difficult but, if I could select two projects, New Royal London House in Wilmslow, and Thomas and Adamson’s office in Edinburgh would be up there. What made these projects special was the clients, who were super engaging and enthusiastic, trusting Form to push the boundaries and to challenge the status quo in their industry.

What do you consider to be the most challenging aspect of being a commercial interior designer?

The most challenging aspect of being a commercial interior designer is time. As designers, we are very passionate about what we do. Everything must be just right – from the initial design presentation to the build on site. Unfortunately, commercial pressure can put a squeeze on the time we have to think.

What’s your greatest strength, as a designer?

I have always considered myself to be an ‘all-rounder’, someone who is equally as confident producing technical details as developing imaginative concepts. I love being organised and strangely, for a designer, have a passion for spreadsheets!

What’s the biggest misconception people have about your position?

As a director, who spends a fair proportion of time developing business and looking after many of our operations functions, it can be easy for people to forget that you are a designer, particularly those new to the business.

Which three words would your friends use to describe you?

Three words that can be published… ‘witty’, ‘organised’, ‘hobbit’.

What’s the worst/best fad you participated in?

In the 1980’s I had a mullet haircut inspired by the footballer Glenn Hoddle. I went on holiday to Tenerife and decided to dye my hair blonde using ‘Sun-In’. Much to my shock, the dye turned my hair bright ginger! Curly locks and ginger hair, my pals nicknamed me ‘Annie’.

What's one thing most people don’t know about you?

I have no secrets, well at least that is how they will stay…

Thanks Andy!