Stuart Lawson

Stuart Lawson is a Senior Lecturer and Associate Head at the School of Design, Faculty of Arts, Design and Humanities, De Montfort University (DMU), Leicester, UK. He also serves as Subject Leader and is actively involved in teaching and research within product and furniture design. His academic leadership and pedagogical contributions are central to the design programs at DMU.

Education:

• BA (Hons) Three-Dimensional Design for Production, University of Brighton (1994–1997)
• MA RCA Design Products, Royal College of Art (1997–1999)

Stuart Lawson's research interests focus on current practices and innovations in materials and manufacturing processes in furniture design, furniture design history (particularly related to materials), and design pedagogy—especially research methodologies for product and furniture design. His work bridges academic inquiry with industry applications, emphasizing practical innovation and educational frameworks.

His recent publications reflect a strong engagement with design education, research methodology, and curriculum development in product design. The trends in his articles highlight a commitment to advancing pedagogical models and enhancing analytical skills in postgraduate design research, with a recurring emphasis on innovation, entrepreneurship, and material development.

Scientific Awards:

• Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (RSA), 2010–present

Stuart Lawson supervises postgraduate research students, including Deborah Jewison (PhD, second supervisor) and Frederieke Begeman (MPhil, second supervisor). He has secured internal funding through the Design and New Product Development Research Cluster for the 'Active-Stage Storage Primary Research Study' in collaboration with DMU Design Products and the Furniture Industry Research Association (FIRA). His consultancy work includes expertise in domestic and contract furniture design and serving as an expert witness in furniture-related matters.

He is a member of the Expert Advisory Group for the DSTEM Project (University Alliance & Design Council Collaboration) and actively participates in design conferences such as E&PDE, where he has presented papers funded by departmental and KTP staff development funds.