Tom Stevens
Tom studied industrial design in Kortrijk and communications at the University of Antwerp before joining Namahn, where his work has broadened in its technical focus, ranging from user-friendly interface design to highly complex long-term technical projects for a major Belgian gas transporter.
What drew you to Namahn?
Interaction design is constantly changing and all about good communication. As such, I felt it offered me a better channel for creativity and more interesting challenges than industrial design. In actual fact, my degree was a perfect preparation for Namahn. The project work taught me that communicating is the toughest aspect of design. During an internship at a leading manufacturer of kitchen products I observed that communication problems often stemmed from the hierarchies and legacies of these large firms: people in different departments were doing the same job without even knowing it. I wanted to resolve problems like this, which was why I went on to study Business Communication at Antwerp University. One of my teachers there thought I’d be interested in Namahn’s user focus, technical expertise and emphasis on communications.
How does industrial design relate to your work at Namahn?
I was the first real designer to join Namahn. The design process of a “hardware” product is not dissimilar to that of information design: specifying what the client really wants, sketching concepts, testing them, adjusting the optimal solution and finally, developing the product or service. And just as for an object, great attention should be paid to the usability of a solution, which is Namahn’s constant focus. My job allows me to combine all the creativity and technical aspects (my industrial design background) and in addition, it allows me to understand and challenge the technical people I work with.
Which fictional character would you most like to meet?
King Arthur! I’ve always been captivated by knights and castles. I love the legend because of the mysteries surrounding it and because of the historical value of the story. King Arthur separated the core from the package, trying to concentrate on the core business while eschewing all hierarchical differences at the Round Table. His philosophy perfectly matches Namahn’s, but our table is rectangular!
What is your greatest passion?
My first passion was and still is music! I began playing the trumpet when I was 12 (inspired by the village brass band), then switched to the trombone. A few years ago I started playing the bass trombone, so my passion is still growing! I play with two symphonic wind orchestras and we give several concerts a year. I also play trombone or keyboards with smaller groups, including Erik Yaeger’s “The Negative Stencil”. I’m still crazy about old brass music and I love jazz, rhythm and blues... and I share my passion for music with my kids. We take them to concerts, plus they can have a good bash on the piano at home! I chose not to go with music as a career but instead went with my other passion, drawing. It was a choice between architecture and design and I chose the latter because it offered broader horizons, by which I mean I could design all sorts of things, not just buildings.
Does drawing still find a place in your work?
One of the first things I do when we start a new project is start drawing on paper. It’s a great way to communicate and brainstorm with other people. I also took up painting a few years ago and I’m now honing my skills with the paintbrush, mostly abstract works but I’d eventually like to develop a more figurative style. I’m self-taught, so it’s a question of finding time alongside my other interests and commitments!
Which artist’s work would you hang on your walls?
A painting by the Belgian figurative artist, Sam Dillemans. His work is a true expression of painting as a skilful job: he meticulously exercises his craft, studies the past and is influenced by old masters but remains a painter of his time. This approach reflects what I like about my job and the Namahn philosophy.
