Type: an odd obsession

By Alex Swain on 21st November 2014

Type. I’ve been intrigued by type since my days at Art School. It’s an odd obsession that I can’t articulate very well. I think it’s the varying forms that most excite me; the tapered curves on a serif, liberating descenders, grid like ascenders and stone like counter spaces.

For me there are many typefaces with appeal but Replica is my current favourite. Designed by Norm from Zurich in 2008, it was specifically designed using a detailed grid system and with a reduced letter width. The geometry, technical aesthetic and letter weight inspired me to use this typeface in the development of my first product called The A Stool in 2011.

Posted in Company News.

← NewerSunday Times HOME

Older →Production trip

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

16th November 2016

How to Create a British Design Brand – Ideas and Experiences to Help

It is always great to share life experiences with others and last month I was asked by Katie Treggiden to contribute to her ‘how-to’ feature over at ‘Confessions of a design geek‘. I launched my British design brand called ByALEX at the London Design Festival in 2011 to develop modern and affordable furniture. The event was …
21st December 2014

Naked Furniture

Last week I drove up to Long Eaton to visit an upholstery factory. The journey was long but as I was shown into the main production studio, I was instantly inspired. My eyes scanned the room at speed, intrigued by rolls of textures, naked furniture, sewing and CNC machines. What a great place to work. …
21st November 2017

The Best Pre-Fabricated Homes and Their Benefits

The pre-fabricated homes have caused a revolution in the modern architecture market. The current housing crisis means we need to rethink the approach to architecture and housing. KODA and HebHomes are radicalising the design world, by taking inspiration from Jean Prouvé. Just like ByALEX furniture, the pre-fabricated homes can be relocated, used for multiple purposes and even …
28th July 2017

Natural Materials by Jord Home x ByALEX

There must be Viking blood running through my veins as my design aesthetics favour the Scandinavian approach. So I was delighted when Jord Home, a Nordic textiles brand contacted me asking if we could collaborate. Sharing an passion for natural materials and a sense of well being through relaxed interiors, we sent up some of …