I am a parametric architectural and industrial designer with over a decade of experience spanning architecture, marine, automotive, furniture, jewelry and product design. I began with hands-on making and a family apprenticeship in architecture and fine furniture, developing into a practice that pushes parametric modelling and implicit computational workflows for large-scale architecture. My approach is experience-led and ergonomic, rooted in human factors. I analyze behaviour to shape interfaces, control surfaces and spatial environments that perform well and feel considered. Aesthetics for me are not decoration but a subliminal influence on perception, trust, and attachment, translated into production-ready geometry and tactile detailing. I combine 2D, 3D and 4D methods to design experiences that unfold over time and connect people with spaces and products.

Jonathan A. Sheridan

I am a parametric architectural and industrial designer with over a decade of experience spanning architecture, marine, automotive, furniture, jewelry and product design. I began with hands-on making and a family apprenticeship in architecture and fine furniture, developing into a practice that pushes parametric modelling and implicit computational workflows for large-scale architecture. My approach is experience-led and ergonomic, rooted in human factors. I analyze behaviour to shape interfaces, control surfaces and spatial environments that perform well and feel considered. Aesthetics for me are not decoration but a subliminal influence on perception, trust, and attachment, translated into production-ready geometry and tactile detailing. I combine 2D, 3D and 4D methods to design experiences that unfold over time and connect people with spaces and products.

Available to hire

I am a parametric architectural and industrial designer with over a decade of experience spanning architecture, marine, automotive, furniture, jewelry and product design. I began with hands-on making and a family apprenticeship in architecture and fine furniture, developing into a practice that pushes parametric modelling and implicit computational workflows for large-scale architecture.

My approach is experience-led and ergonomic, rooted in human factors. I analyze behaviour to shape interfaces, control surfaces and spatial environments that perform well and feel considered. Aesthetics for me are not decoration but a subliminal influence on perception, trust, and attachment, translated into production-ready geometry and tactile detailing. I combine 2D, 3D and 4D methods to design experiences that unfold over time and connect people with spaces and products.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Architectural & Computational Design Designer / Manager at Varla
January 1, 2024 - October 22, 2025
Led computational and parametric design for complex architectural projects including roofing systems, façade panels, balustrades, lighting, and fittings. Developed multi-scale tessellation systems for metal shingles and cladding, integrating wind/rain loading, insulation, vapour control, and ventilation. Managed full BIM workflow: drawing issue/release, structural calcs, regs compliance, CNC detailing, and production/installation reviews.
Parametric Design Consultant at Canvasman
January 1, 2016 - Present
Parametric modelling setup across the company, enabling designers and clients to generate 2D patterns from 3D models and digitally unroll complex superstructures for CNC/g-code, bridging design intent with fabrication.
CAD Designer at BMT National Physical Laboratory
January 1, 2010 - Present
Produced 3D CAD models for large-scale wind tunnel testing of major architectural projects; performed mesh to Class-A surface remodelling for physical/wind load testing; developed parametric features to aid modelling environment and repeat parts.
Computational Designer at Lotus, Volvo & Polestar
January 1, 2024 - October 22, 2025
Applied physics-based attractors and tessellation logic for sculptural 2D, 3D, and 4D surfaces. Developed computational CMF and haptic controls: 3D textures, textiles, speaker grilles, and ergonomic contour surfaces.
Furniture & Decorative Designer at Ozwald Boateng, Macallan, others
January 1, 2023 - October 22, 2025
Created luxury objects blending timber, precious metals, and filigree with parametric venation and surface decoration. Integrated organic appliqué, articulated mechanisms, and computational art into functional objects.
Furniture Designer at STAC Architects / Nando’s
January 1, 2016 - October 22, 2025
Designed sculptural, hygienic, and ergonomic outdoor and indoor seating, using 3 axis parametric ply construction.
Furniture Design Engineer at Origin
January 1, 2018 - October 22, 2025
Task and Contour furniture lines: all levels of in-house engineering. Contour full parametric model for 2D drawings and production, based on anthropometrics and production. Parametric modelling in Grasshopper for designer and end users control. Engineered mechanisms (cast + lever), in joinery and for injection moulded furniture, inc. MoldFlow & inserts. Applied FEA and ergonomics for hygienic, trap-free, parametric furniture systems.
CAD Designer at Imagination
January 1, 2013 - October 22, 2025
Delivered Class-A sculptural surfacing for Jaguar Land Rover and Mazda show vehicles.
Interior/Exterior Designer at Seawing
January 1, 2009 - October 22, 2025
Superstructure design, space planning, and aero-hydro craft development.
Naval Architect – Interiors at BMT NGL
January 1, 2008 - October 22, 2025
Interiors and arrangements for high-speed craft, CATs, and motor yachts.
Engineering/Design Roles at Teradyne, Mettler Toledo, Trinity Workshop
January 1, 2011 - October 22, 2025
Control engineering, CAD/GIS integration, and Six Sigma quality frameworks across multiple projects.
Connector Design at Yazaki
January 1, 1998 - October 22, 2025
Injection moulding, sealed systems, patent research.
Architectural Assistant at John Sheridan RIBA
January 1, 1998 - October 22, 2025
Family apprenticeship in architecture; specifications, space planning, and fire regulations.
Engineering Placements at OEM STRIX & WS Atkins
January 1, 1998 - October 22, 2025
Control engineering, CAD/GIS integration, and Six Sigma quality frameworks.
Parametric Computational Designer (CMF) at Lotus | Volvo | Polestar | Lynk & Co | Geely
January 1, 2019 - January 1, 2023
Drove show-car and production-model detailing: speaker grilles, vents, control surfaces, lighting, leather appliqués and encapsulated lattices. Developed bespoke parametric tools for sculptural surface decorations: perforations, marquetry, pillowing and precision stitching through physics‑based attractors and perimeter treatments. Pioneered high‑precision Class‑A and organic mesh workflows to SubD; authored plugin scripts (Python, C++) for iterative, generative design.
Industrial & Furniture Designer at Ozwald Boateng | The Macallan
January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2023
Conceptualized and executed bespoke drinks-serves, furniture and silver-serve figurines using parametric venation and organic appliqué. Selected timber, precious metals and fabrics to craft theatrical, mechanism-driven experiences for premium brands.
Furniture Designer at Origin | Nando’s
January 1, 2015 - January 1, 2018
Origin (2015–2018): Designed modern timber, tube-steel and injection-moulded furniture with ergonomic, trap-free mechanisms; integrated FEA into form-finding. Nando’s (2016): Sculptural, hygienic seating in laminated plywood; leveraged CNC and hand-finishing techniques for rapid prototyping and production.
Interior/Exterior & Structural Designer at BMT NGL
January 1, 2010 - January 1, 2010
Developed high-speed military craft and motor-yacht interiors, coordinating FEA, CFD, controls seating and deck fit-out.
Interior Designer (Ground‑effect craft interiors) at Seawing
January 1, 2005 - January 1, 2014
Led ground‑effect craft layouts, blending aerodynamic performance with bespoke interiors.
Interior Designer at Ultra Motorhomes
January 1, 2002 - January 1, 2002
Luxury coach builds on Volvo B12 chassis, marrying Germanic styling with refined material palettes.
Electromechanical & Connector Designer at Yazaki Europe
January 1, 1999 - January 1, 1999
Designed automotive electrical connectors, focusing on housing ergonomics and injection-mould tooling. FEA + Mold-flow for mechanics.
Electromechanical Designer at P.D.D. Consultancy
January 1, 2000 - January 1, 2000
Applied FEA and haptics to 4D experiential interfaces.
Electromechanical Systems Engineer at STRIX
January 1, 1996 - January 1, 1998
Engineered electromechanical systems, from concept through CNC-driven prototyping. Six Sigma and FMEA.
Designer / Manager at Varla, Lindas, Kingsley & AMR
January 1, 2007 - Present
Led computational and parametric design for complex architectural projects including roofing systems, façade panels, balustrades, lighting and fittings. Developed multi-scale tessellation systems for sculptural landmark architecture—metal shingles and cladding—integrating wind/rain loading, insulation, vapour control, and ventilation. Managed full BIM workflow: drawing issue/release, structural calcs, regs compliance, CNC detailing, and review for production and installation.
Computational Designer at Lotus, Volvo & Polestar
January 1, 2019 - January 1, 2024
Applied physics-based attractors and tessellation logic for sculptural 2D, 3D, and 4D surfaces. Developed computationally driven CMF and haptic controls: 3D textures, textiles, speaker grilles, and ergonomic contour surfaces. Bridged computational artistry and manufacturable geometry at production scale.
Designer at Ozwald Boateng, Macallan, and others
January 1, 2017 - January 1, 2023
Created luxury objects blending timber, precious metals, and filigree with parametric venation and surface decoration. Integrated organic appliqué, articulated mechanisms, and computational art into functional, theatrical objects.
Furniture Designer at STAC Architects / Nando's
January 1, 2016 - Present
Designed sculptural, hygienic, and ergonomic seating using parametric ply construction.
Furniture Design Engineer at Origin
January 1, 2015 - January 1, 2018
Engineered mechanisms and joinery systems in timber, casting, and injection moulded furniture. Applied FEA and ergonomics for hygienic, trap-free, parametric furniture systems.
Naval Architect at BMT NGL
January 1, 2008 - January 1, 2008
Interiors and arrangements for high-speed craft, CATs, and motor yachts.
CAD/Engineering Roles at Teradyne, Mettler Toledo, Trinity Workshop
January 1, 2006 - January 1, 2011
Developed industrial machinery UX/UI controls and instructions; contributed to CAD/engineering workflows.
Architectural Assistant at John Sheridan RIBA
January 1, 1997 - January 1, 1998
Family apprenticeship in architecture; specifications, space planning, and fire regulations.
Electromechanical Control Engineer at STRIX
January 1, 1996 - January 1, 1998
Electromechanical control engineering; Six Sigma quality frameworks.

Education

MA – Industrial Design at De Montfort University, Leicester
January 11, 1999 - January 1, 2000
MPhil – Aesthetics in Ship Design at University of Southampton
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2013
BA (Hons), Product Design (Physical) at Bournemouth University
January 1, 1992 - January 1, 1996
Workshop skills and tools
MPhil – Beauty in Ship Design at University of Southampton
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2013
MA – Industrial Design at De Montfort University, Leicester
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2000
BA – Product Design at Bournemouth University
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1996

Qualifications

Goldsmiths Conceptual Jewellery Award
January 1, 2022 - October 22, 2025
Sculptural Roofing Award
January 1, 2019 - October 22, 2025
FTMRC 2018 published works on “The Alchemist”
January 1, 2018 - October 22, 2025
Author: Automotive Surfaces (Berlin, 2018) – multi-object tiling & material mimicry
January 1, 2018 - October 22, 2025
Guest Tutor: Nottingham School of Architecture
January 1, 2011 - October 22, 2025
Speaker: Marine Design Conference
January 1, 2011 - October 22, 2025
Six Sigma
January 4, 2024 - January 15, 2026
FMEA
January 11, 2030 - January 15, 2026
Goldsmiths Conceptual Jewellery Award
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2022

Industry Experience

Manufacturing, Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Real Estate & Construction, Software & Internet, Transportation & Logistics, Education
    paper Louis Vuitton Hard Metal Roof

    Shingles Louis Vuitton Flagship (Fosters)
    Hard metal roof, in form following function
    Engineering Precision Beneath an Effortless Form
    For the Louis Vuitton flagship stores on New Bond Street and Grafton Street, Foster + Partners envisioned a roofscape that reads less like architecture and more like an object of haute craftsmanship — a luminous sixth-storey crown, likened to a Fabergé egg resting lightly above the city.

    Behind this apparent simplicity lies extraordinary complexity.
    The bespoke metal shingle roof was conceived and delivered through a fully parametric design and manufacturing process, developed in close collaboration with the architects and builders (All Metal Roofing London). Using Grasshopper and Rhino, the roof geometry was digitally modelled as a continuous, doubly curved surface, demanding absolute precision in both pattern logic and fabrication tolerances.

    Each shingle is unique, yet the visual intent was to achieve the opposite: a calm, regular, almost geometric rhythm that disguises the underlying variation. This is the true technical challenge — making the complex appear effortless.

    The parametric model controlled every variable: shingle dimensions, curvature, fixings, overlaps and tolerances, ensuring each piece responded precisely to its position on the roof while maintaining visual consistency across the whole surface.

    From street level, the roof reads as a singular sculptural form — refined, calm and luxurious. Up close, it reveals a choreography of precision engineering, digital craftsmanship and material mastery. It is a reminder that true luxury in architecture often lies not in what is seen, but in the intelligence and effort required to make complexity disappear.

    paper Lotus Pattern Designer

    Lotus Eletre show-car interior. Centre console.
    Dials button and cup-holder knurl code, developed for Lotus using Grasshopper.

    https://www.twine.net/signin

    paper Goldsmiths Conceptual Jewellery Designer Award

    ‘Codified’ was awarded silver in the Conceptual Design category at the Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council Awards:

    https://www.twine.net/signin

    The brief inspired me to ask, can technology create the meaningful aesthetic required to influence the future of jewellery design?

    The programme uses contemporaneous design DNA, written partially by each patron. Delivering special and ‘codified’ messages in the geometry.

    Sophisticated programming links individual narrative with control of precision technology. Creating works of Art focussed on each individual.

    hashtag#3Dprinting hashtag#ParametricProduction @GCADC @SotonAlumni @DMUforlife @Designspoken