Profile: Medi Western – Only Natural Design Competitions

Medi Western

Birmingham City University

Hello, my name is Medi Western. I am a product design graduate from Wales, having recently completed my degree at Birmingham City University with a 2:1 classification. My work is heavily influenced by the natural world, and I am passionate about incorporating organic elements into contemporary design. I strive to create pieces that are not only functional and beautiful, but also responsible in how they are made and used. Nature inspires much of my creative thinking. I am drawn to its unique patterns, abstract forms, and layered textures, all of which influence how I explore shape, material, and construction. My aim is to bring attention to the unnoticed details of everyday life by highlighting them through refined craftsmanship and considered design. Sustainability is a core principle in my process. I believe that good design is not just about the final product, but about every step taken to get there. I consistently look for ways to reduce waste, whether that is by using scrap or recycled materials, or by working with small-scale, low-impact manufacturing techniques. I also aim to keep production processes as short and efficient as possible without compromising on quality or creativity. Material experimentation is something I truly enjoy, particularly when it involves finding harmony between contrasting textures or combining unexpected elements. I always try to ensure that every project I work on has a clear purpose, emotional value, and environmental awareness. My goal is to design with intention and integrity, creating work that is honest, thoughtful, and deeply connected to nature.

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Branwood Collection

Category: Interior

Competitions: Home Competition 2025

The Branwood Collection is a tactile and sustainable range of furniture handles inspired by natural forms and textures. Designed to sit with quiet elegance on furniture surfaces, the collection combines locally sourced hardwoods including oak, cherry and beech with regionally sourced metals such as brass and steel. Each handle celebrates the beauty of the natural world through subtle carved metal inlays that reference patterns found in everyday nature, including tree bark, leaf veins and flowing water. The materials used are chosen for their quality, durability and environmental responsibility. All hardwood is responsibly harvested from local sources and is finished with a natural, non-toxic beeswax. This avoids the use of synthetic coatings and harmful chemicals, resulting in a finish that is both safe and environmentally conscious. The metal inlays are gently polished and then naturally patinated over time, allowing them to develop character and visual depth as they age. This slow transformation reflects the philosophy of wabi-sabi, which embraces imperfection and the beauty of natural ageing. Sustainability is prioritised at every stage of the design and production process. The handles are made with minimal material waste, often incorporating timber offcuts, and are designed to be easily disassembled for repair, reuse or recycling. Packaging is entirely biodegradable, using innovative and eco-friendly materials such as mushroom mycelium and recycled paper. The Branwood Collection seeks to reintroduce a sense of intimacy between people and the objects they interact with daily. Through considered materials and craftsmanship, the collection invites users to reconnect with the natural world in subtle but meaningful ways. By embedding organic elements into functional design, it encourages a deeper awareness of sustainability. This awareness is not presented as a distant ideal, but as something physical, present and integrated into everyday life.