Exhibitor Q&A: Darren Clanford, Creative Director for Johnson Tiles

Johnson Tiles offer high-quality products suitable for a variety of different commercial market sectors. They will be exhibiting at stand 19/20 at this years Manchester Open. 

We have taken a few minutes to chat with Johnson Tiles‘s Creative Director and ask him a few questions about what they are going to be showing at the event and his predictions for the future…

What are you most looking forward to showcasing at the Manchester Open?

For the BCFA Open, we’re looking forward to introducing our latest ranges, ideal for the commercial interiors sector. No matter the budget or scale of the project, our team is dedicated to finding the best solution to suit – let’s work together.

What are your predictions for the future of design within commercial environments?

Across the commercial sector, there is a prevailing trend for bringing the outdoors in – injecting some foliage into indoor spaces.It’s no coincidence that Pantone’s Colour of the Year for 2017 is Greenery – we’ve seen a societal shift gathering pace over the past couple of years, spotted regularly at design shows in Milan, London and the US, which seeks to help us forge a greater relationship with our surroundings.

In response, our designs reflect an increased demand for tiles inspired by natural, raw materials such as wood and stone, alongside a nod towards our man-made environment, with materials including concrete and steel.

In the future, we believe the concept of indoors and outdoors will become increasingly entwined.

What do you love most about your industry?

The ceramics industry has been a cornerstone of British manufacturing for hundreds of years, and at Johnson Tiles we’re proud to have a heritage developed since 1901. Over that time, our team has developed its skills to ensure that every product we produce excels in both quality and imagination.

Innovation is at the heart of what we do, and alongside our peers, we continue to push the industry forward – remaining forever ahead of the curve. We’re looking forward to this year’s British Ceramics Biennial, where we’re proud headline sponsors.

What is exciting you about design in the north at the moment?

Having been an integral part of the manufacturing industry for over 100 years – operating in the ceramics heartland of Stoke-on-Trent, Johnson Tiles has long been a champion of British-made design. Increasingly, we’re seeing a spotlight shone on the wealth of creative makers located in the north, responsible for some incredibly innovative concepts.

We continue to be supportive of such designers through our partnerships with local universities, and support of the design and manufacturing industry as a whole.

To see Johnson Tiles register for your Manchester Open ticket here