April’s Banner designer – Projekt

Hi Dave, thanks for our April Banner, tell us a little bit about Projekt Leeds
No problem! Projekt is a small, mutli disciplinary design practice based in Leeds, currently handling work in a bit of a mixed bunch of fields, namely in the areas of hospitality, construction, technology arts and music. We’re around 6 moths old and formed through a love of the impact of good design in a commercial setting.

We love your photographs of Holbeck Towers, what inspired you?
Thanks! for the last 6 months I have been walking past Holbeck Towers on my way to work, I’ve always been intrigued by the empty structures and what it would have been like to live in them and what went on in them after they were vacated. I decided to document the first week of the demolition using my phone camera as the wrecking ball pealed back the layers gradually revealing the decor of the flats beneath. As this process unfolded I became more and more fixated on the demolition machine, likening it to one huge dinosaur peeping out from the remains of the building. We’re moving our offices this week so I will no longer be walking past the Holbeck Towers in a morning but I will continue to visit the demolition site for a photo or two as it continues.

What’s in the pipeline for you this year?
Well we have a number of projects in the pipe line this year, currently we’re developing websites, identities and advertising for a number of bars and restaurants in and around Leeds as well as construction and property companies around the country along with some exciting new potential clients that we are working to secure as we speak. More important however is our move to integrate more key services over the next 6 months in the fields of photography, large scale event management, public relations and distribution. I’m excited about our new project office combining the Projekt team with experts in these fields, we will bounce ideas and projects off each other and the place will be a true creative hub.

Do you get paid in kind from Leeds Brewery?
Haha! working closely with one of Leeds’ most exciting and dynamic companies that happens to produce a very nice set of beverages certainly has its benefits yes. You can infact find me behind the bar of the Midnight Bell on the odd occasion should they need a helping hand!

Who do you really rate in the world of art and design?
I suppose the people in the world of art but specifically design are the creative and stunningly talented people that can steer their work commercially whilst maintaing the integral values of their product. Lars Engman’s vision of Ikea for example or Charles and Ray Eames who’s design I have admired since I can remember. At this moment in time in Leeds we are massive fans of No Culture Icons and Design By Grain. I admire the dedication to design of Visuelle a great document on the world of graphic design in the present day and a beautiful archive.

What keeps you motivated?
For me nothing beats seeing our work around town, seeing my design admired and seeing that our projects are a success. the challenge of creating a viable business with no compromises on the quality of our work and with no ties on its creativity