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I am a highly experienced, commercially focused, and motivated Creative Designer specialising in Decorative Lighting and Homewares, with nearly 25 years in the industry. I thrive on transforming emerging trends into relevant, high-quality products that align with consumer needs and retailer brand identity, combining creativity, originality, and commercial awareness. Throughout my career, I have demonstrated strong skills in trend forecasting, range planning, CAD design, and market analysis, working closely with UK high street retailers and Far East suppliers. I am proactive, enthusiastic, and solutions-focused, confidently managing multiple projects under pressure without compromising quality. I have led design teams, directed creative strategy, and nurtured relationships with buyers, QA teams, and manufacturers, always aiming to deliver commercially viable and innovative products. Going freelance has allowed me greater flexibility to expand my expertise and contribute to major retail accounts, while continuing to grow and share my knowledge within the design and homewares industry.…I am a highly experienced, commercially focused, and motivated Creative Designer specialising in Decorative Lighting and Homewares, with nearly 25 years in the industry. I thrive on transforming emerging trends into relevant, high-quality products that align with consumer needs and retailer brand identity, combining creativity, originality, and commercial awareness. Throughout my career, I have demonstrated strong skills in trend forecasting, range planning, CAD design, and market analysis, working closely with UK high street retailers and Far East suppliers. I am proactive, enthusiastic, and solutions-focused, confidently managing multiple projects under pressure without compromising quality. I have led design teams, directed creative strategy, and nurtured relationships with buyers, QA teams, and manufacturers, always aiming to deliver commercially viable and innovative products. Going freelance has allowed me greater flexibility to expand my expertise and contribute to major retail accounts, while continuing to grow and share my knowledge within the design and homewares industry.

Alison Lowe

Product Designer, Designer, Lighting, +2

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I am a highly experienced, commercially focused, and motivated Creative Designer specialising in Decorative Lighting and Homewares, with nearly 25 years in the industry. I thrive on transforming emerging trends into relevant, high-quality products that align with consumer needs and retailer brand identity, combining creativity, originality, and commercial awareness. Throughout my career, I have demonstrated strong skills in trend forecasting, range planning, CAD design, and market analysis, working closely with UK high street retailers and Far East suppliers. I am proactive, enthusiastic, and solutions-focused, confidently managing multiple projects under pressure without compromising quality. I have led design teams, directed creative strategy, and nurtured relationships with buyers, QA teams, and manufacturers, always aiming to deliver commercially viable and innovative products. Going freelance has allowed me greater flexibility to expand my expertise and contribute to major retail accounts, while continuing to grow and share my knowledge within the design and homewares industry.…I am a highly experienced, commercially focused, and motivated Creative Designer specialising in Decorative Lighting and Homewares, with nearly 25 years in the industry. I thrive on transforming emerging trends into relevant, high-quality products that align with consumer needs and retailer brand identity, combining creativity, originality, and commercial awareness. Throughout my career, I have demonstrated strong skills in trend forecasting, range planning, CAD design, and market analysis, working closely with UK high street retailers and Far East suppliers. I am proactive, enthusiastic, and solutions-focused, confidently managing multiple projects under pressure without compromising quality. I have led design teams, directed creative strategy, and nurtured relationships with buyers, QA teams, and manufacturers, always aiming to deliver commercially viable and innovative products. Going freelance has allowed me greater flexibility to expand my expertise and contribute to major retail accounts, while continuing to grow and share my knowledge within the design and homewares industry.

Available to hire

I am a highly experienced, commercially focused, and motivated Creative Designer specialising in Decorative Lighting and Homewares, with nearly 25 years in the industry. I thrive on transforming emerging trends into relevant, high-quality products that align with consumer needs and retailer brand identity, combining creativity, originality, and commercial awareness. Throughout my career, I have demonstrated strong skills in trend forecasting, range planning, CAD design, and market analysis, working closely with UK high street retailers and Far East suppliers.

I am proactive, enthusiastic, and solutions-focused, confidently managing multiple projects under pressure without compromising quality. I have led design teams, directed creative strategy, and nurtured relationships with buyers, QA teams, and manufacturers, always aiming to deliver commercially viable and innovative products. Going freelance has allowed me greater flexibility to expand my expertise and contribute to major retail accounts, while continuing to grow and share my knowledge within the design and homewares industry.

Skills

Experience Level

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Intermediate

Intermediate

Work Experience

Head of Design & Buyer at Influential Products LTD

October 31, 2020 - August 26, 2025

Responsible for the creative direction overseeing four categories of lighting: Christmas, Solar, Everyday & Novelty, Domestic. Initially hired as a buyer and product lead for domestic lighting, quickly adapted to broader product areas. Worked with directors to formulate company strategy and implement work processes that improved workflow across teams. Mentored and developed staff, managed buying and sourcing from Far East factories including negotiating price and terms. Designed, managed and built ranges for major UK retailers such as TJ Morris, Poundstretcher, Asda, Argos, Sainsburys, Homebase, Factory Shop, Dunelm, Heatons, and Studio.

Freelance Designer & Director at Sugarloaf Design LTD

October 1, 2020 - Present

As a freelance consultant, continued designing and developing a broad range of commercial homewares products including furniture, lighting, wall art, cushions, vases, dinnerware, bedding, storage, and more. Managed accounts for major retailers such as George ASDA, Homebase, Wilko, Joe Browns, Garden Trading, SCS, DFS, Factory Shop, Poundland, Poundstretcher, Dunelm, The Range, Boyes, and B&Q. Delivered full product lifecycle, trend forecasting, range building, pattern design, and cross-category coordination. Also completed office design and refit projects. Worked closely with suppliers and factories, maintaining quality and cost effectiveness while meeting tight deadlines.

Product Design & Development Manager at The Lighting & Interiors Group

October 31, 2016 - August 26, 2025

Designed and developed diverse commercial homewares products for retail including lighting, furniture, wall art, soft textiles, bathroom furniture, frames, mirrors, and giftware. Managed key customer accounts such as Wilko, Dunelm, Tesco, Matalan, Urban Outfitters, Shop Direct, JD Williams, B&M, Poundstretcher, Original Factory Store, and The Range. Responsible for interpreting customer briefs, monitoring sales performance, cost price reviews to maximize profit margins, designing and applying patterns, coordinating ranges, and managing the full product development lifecycle from concept, sourcing, sampling, to sales analysis. Regularly traveled to Far East suppliers to maintain strong relations and oversee quality and production. Managed company design strategy, new market opportunities, and range expansion. Also project managed company exhibition stands and office fit-outs.

Commercial & Contract Sales Advisor at Intoview Ltd - Manchester

February 1, 2001 - August 26, 2025

Provided commercial and contract sales support.

Sales at Christopher Wray Lighting - Manchester

August 1, 2000 - August 26, 2025

Handled sales responsibilities in lighting sector.