Shin Azumi
 
Shin is a well-known product, space and three-dimensional designer. He was formerly part of the Azumi design partnership and now heads a studio where his clients include well-known European and Japanese brands. The Azumi design partnership has won numerous awards and its work is included in several public collections.
 
Tomoko Azumi
 
The other half of the former design duo, Azumi, Tomoko is the founder of tna design studio specialising in furniture, product and space design. She is also a tutor at the Royal College of Art and a research fellow at the London Metropolitan University.
 
Terence Conran
 
Terence Conran is one of the world’s best known designers, restaurateurs and retailers. He is Chairman of Conran Holdings, the parent company of The Conran Shop and his design and architecture practice Conran & Partners. Conran Holdings also own a 51% stake in D&D London, formerly known as Conran Restaurants. Conran.com
 
Thomas Heatherwick
 
Established by Thomas Heatherwick in 1994, Heatherwick Studio is recognised for its work in architecture, sculpture, product design and exhibition design. Recent projects include B of the Bang, the UK’s tallest sculpture, the Rolling Bridge at Paddington Basin and the East Beach Café in Littlehampton.
 
Kay+Stemmer
 
The designs of Sarah Kay and Andrea Stemmer evoke an understated luxury and simple, feminine elegance. Both trained cabinet makers, they have undertaken commissions for a number of retailers and designed furniture for a leading luxury hotel. Kay+Stemmer
 
Steuart Padwick
 
Since training as a designer and cabinetmaker, Steuart has made furniture and other products for one off commissions as well as mass production. He is the founder of Designbar.com an information and advisory website for the design industry.
 
Partridge & Walmsley
 
Jim Partridge and Liz Walmsley have worked together for 18 years collaborating on a variety of projects outdoors and in public spaces. Their work is in several collections including the V&A in London and Manchester Art Gallery. They have twice been shortlisted for the Jerwood Furniture prize.
 
Russell Pinch
 
Russell trained as a furniture and product designer. He is the founder of PINCH, a furniture, product and interior design company set up in 2004. He previously worked for the Conran group where he launched a homeware collection and co-founded The Nest, a multi-disciplinary brand design agency.
 
Sean Sutcliffe
 
Sean trained as a designer and furniture maker before joining Terence Conran in 1983 and starting the small studio workshop from which Benchmark has grown. Over twenty years, he has built up a respected team of craftsmen as well as one of Britain’s most technologically advanced furniture workshops.
 
After Hours
 
The young and creative inhouse Benchmark designers, who as well as designing for the commercial side of the business have provided some pieces for this domestic range. This has provided an opportunity to nurture talented new designers and undergraduate furniture designers on placement with us.