Introducing Hounddog Design

Hounddog Design is a small, contemporary studio based in Brighton, United Kingdom, specialising in Scandinavian-inspired lighting. With a focus on simple elegance and a distinctive natural aesthetic, each piece is crafted to bring warmth and a “feel-good” atmosphere to any space.

Every product is made to order in-house, allowing for meticulous attention to detail and consistent quality. The studio champions modern, environmentally considerate materials to create lighting that is not only durable and functional but also visually impactful.

Founded by Nick Newlands, a former mechanical design engineer, Hounddog Design emerged following his time at the Rowden Atelier School of Fine Furniture in 2018 — a formative year that sparked his transition into lighting. This shift opened the door to more expressive, flexible forms and a hands-on design process that reflects both creativity and precision.

Here with chat with Nick about lighting design and more..

Can you tell us the backstory of Hounddog Design? When and why was it started?

In 2018, I decided I would leave my corporate job as a design engineer and undertake a 1-year designer-maker course in fine furniture.  It felt the right time to try a different path in life, one where I had more autonomy and could engage more in creativity.  Hounddog Design began to emerge after finishing the course, initially with furniture, experimenting with some ideas I had.

It has been an undulating path, but eventually arriving on some lighting designs, which is where my focus now lies.  The designs have modern style with some Scandinavian influence, from when I used to live and work in Norway.

What is unique about your brand?

Hounddog Design uses a selection of sheet materials, cut and assembled to create a unique design aesthetic. The technique allows for different materials and colours to be introduced.  The material, quality and process is not easily suited to mass production.  Each light is made-to-order, allowing for custom elements to be introduced and to work collaboratively on project specifics.

How do you balance craft with sustainability and contemporary, Scandinavian – inspired design?

I am always evaluating material options and manufacturing techniques to ensure the end result is aligned as much as possible to sustainable production. I find that adopting this approach can actually enhances the overall design.  I find that sustainability is normally attributed to the materials and process involved, but it can equally apply to the end product, that it doesn’t end as trash in a few years.

My time in Scandinavia has obviously influenced my work – simplicity of clean modern lines, but they are also influenced by other ideas which I am attracted to.  Scandinavian does seem to have a better general appreciation of its environment, and this is also reflected in my  approach to design.

Why is it important to keep manufacturing as much as possible in the UK?

On a personal level, I believe if a country imports an increasing proportion of its products then it kind of begins to loose its identity and its cultural creativity.   Even if the designs are created in the UK and produced abroad, there is a disconnect between the designer and the producer.  I feel there is a movement away from globalisation and hope this can be encouraged by creativity and working together.

When working on bespoke design projects what is the process?

It really depends on the project and what it entails. If it’s a fairly simple installation selecting existing designs/sizes, I can quickly supply sample materials and colours I have standardised on.  The eco-laminate I use comes in a whole raft of colours, and samples of any of them can also be supplied.  As all the designs are created in 3D modelling software, I sometimes create a simple graphic model of the installation space.

This can help get a sense of scale and to visualise the end result.  It can be particulary useful in larger spaces or with complex geometry.  I can also assist with a customised ceiling canopy design, if a standard product isn’t suitable.  Lastly because the design aesthetic and techniques are adaptable, I would be more than happy to collaborate with creative alternatives for individual projects.

You can see Hounddog’s Stroma pendants in HOUSE OF ESTILA, 66a Turnmill Street, London, EC1M 5 RR.

For more information please visit hounddogdesign.uk

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