Archive for March 2009

For the last two years we have hosted interns during the summer (April to September) who work on specific research and development projects. The aim is to give students or recent graduates the opportunity to spend time working on a project with the full support of Pli’s resources, that will develop their practical experience and knowledge. Interns have full responsibility for delivering the project’s aims and are encouraged to publish their findings on Pli’s ‘Inspiration’ blog site.

Pli's workshop, summer 2008

How much value for money do we get from cheap products? Customer demands for cheaper products have led manufacturers to develop ever lower-cost solutions. Design can play a big part in reducing the cost but many manufacturers resort to using low quality materials and limiting assembly costs to compete. These compromises to the manufacturing quality can seem like a good idea at the cash register but can lead to frustration when your expectations aren’t meet.

Take low cost furniture for example, is it really the lowest cost solution over time? You may spend half as much on your table but if it only lasts half as long then you need two, when one would have done. To get a real comparison you have to add up the extra costs. Your delivery/collection costs have now doubled. You also will have spent another 4 hours of your life trawling isles looking for another table to fit in what is now reduced budget. The low cost table has started to become just the opposite.
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Hidden Art is an award-winning not for profit membership organisation that supports and promotes UK designers and designer makers. Pli has been a member since the day we started in 2003.

This year the Reee chair was shortlisted for the Best Furniture, Lighting or Interior Product Award at their annual and fairly prestigious awards night. It won!
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