Dick Powell

Founder and Chairman
Seymourpowell

Dick Powell is co-founder of internationally renowned design and innovation company Seymourpowell. He was the Chairman of D&AD, and has twice been its President.

Dick has appeared on numerous radio and television programmes alongside business partner Richard Seymour, and has sat on the boards of the Design Council, the Design Business Association and the D&AD Executive. Dick was global design advisor to Samsung Electronics and  a member of the International Advisory Panel for Design in Singapore.

Founded in 1984, Seymourpowell has produced a host of world-first products of the last two decades, including designs for the world’s first cordless kettle and pocket mobile phone. The company’s design innovation work ranges from consumer appliances, electronics and mobile phones, to transportation – including cars, motorcycles, trains and planes. The company has risen to a commanding position on the international stage, with clients as diverse as Unilever, Panasonic, Tefal, LG, Nestle and Diageo. Recent highlights range from the interior and astronaut experience for Virgin Galactic’s spacecraft to an innovative surgical spinal implant for Axis Spine.

With over 30 years experience, Dick Powell believes passionately that design is not just about being different or more stylish, but about being better – better primarily for people and ultimately therefore also for business and the world.

Dick and Richard took this idea to television, making 12 programmes for Channel 4 (Equinox, Designs on Your… and Better by Design) that followed the development of new products, from the genesis of new ideas through to making them happen. They brought fresh thinking to kitchen bins, razors, burglar alarms, the economy airline seat and the all-important shopping trolley. Most famously perhaps was the design of a bra for the bigger bust, and an innovative toilet.

Dick Powell is co-founder of internationally renowned design and innovation company Seymourpowell. He was the Chairman of D&AD, and has twice been President of D&AD.

Dick has appeared on numerous radio and television programmes alongside business partner Richard Seymour, and has sat on the boards of the Design Council, the Design Business Association and the D&AD Executive. Dick was global design advisor to Samsung Electronics and is currently a member of the International Advisory Panel for Design in Singapore.

Founded in 1984, Seymourpowell has produced a host of world-first products of the last two decades, including designs for the world’s first cordless kettle and pocket mobile phone. The company’s design innovation work ranges from consumer appliances, electronics and mobile phones, to transportation – including cars, motorcycles, trains and planes. The company has risen to a commanding position on the international stage, with clients as diverse as Unilever, Panasonic, Tefal, LG, Nestle and Diageo. Recent highlights include concept design work for the Virgin Galactic spacecraft as well as a concept design for Samsung Construction and Trading called Aircruise – a giant, vertical airship powered by natural energy and designed to carry travellers in style and luxury.

With over 30 years experience, Dick Powell believes passionately that design is not just about being different or more stylish, but about being better – better primarily for people and ultimately therefore also for business and the world.

Dick and Richard took this idea to television, making 12 programmes for Channel 4 (Equinox, Designs on Your… and Better by Design) that followed the development of new products, from the genesis of new ideas through to making them happen. They brought fresh thinking to kitchen bins, razors, burglar alarms, the economy airline seat and the all-important shopping trolley. Most famously perhaps was the design of a bra for the bigger bust, and an innovative toilet.