My Life In Design… Ian Callum
When did you realise design might be your vocation Ian?
I used to draw objects around the house. My favourite was my mother’s Hoover, a Model 612. The styling fascinated me and I think this was the first moment that inspired me to think one day I would be a designer. I was about three years old, and it turned out it was designed by the great Henry Dreyfuss, so I picked it well.
Was there a single piece of advice that changed your trajectory?
From a young age I was determined to become a designer. I was told to become a doctor by my careers advisor as biology was my best subject and ‘design’ had little value. The advice simply made me more determined, and I gave up biology as a subject.
What do you notice first when you look at a car for the first time?
I notice the overall proportions. How it relates to its surroundings and the ground it sits on. Generally, if a car sits well on its wheels, the wheels are close to the corners, and there’s a dramatic silhouette, then it should work. The height, width and length should all relate. This is why most SUVs tend to look less exciting. The ultimate expression of great proportion is a sports car, and preferably a mid-engine car. This is why most super cars look so exotic. It’s all about proportions. I worked hard to instil sports-car proportions into the Jaguar I-PACE, which is technically an SUV. This was challenging.
What makes a car design come alive?
The lines and form must have movement and a sense of direction. Each line must have a story and relate to the other lines and forms. This creates the graphics of the car which should create a visual dynamic.
Which era of design still pulls you back?
I love the American style and design of the 1960s. Some of the most beautiful cars were created in the US during this time. GM cars such as the ’65 Buick Riviera and the Chevrolet Corvette C2 are the epitome of great design and style. Even pickup trucks such as the C10 were great to look at. The Italian designs of the 1970s are also favourites, especially Giorgetto Giugiaro’s work. His range of ‘Ace’ studies exemplify his use of line and simple form, but his VW Golf was pure genius followed by the Scirocco. They were bold and simple and so contrary to what had gone before in Italy. I must also mention the original Bertone-designed Stratos. So radical!
Where do you find inspiration beyond cars?
I’ve always drawn a huge amount of inspiration from product design, architecture and photography. Good design, regardless of discipline, comes down to proportion, balance, emotion and usability – the ability to create something that not only performs beautifully, but also connects with people on a deeper level.
Tell us about your current work…
While my background and much of my career has been rooted in automotive design, interiors have always been a particular fascination of mine. Cars are, after all, interior experiences as much as exterior objects. That interest naturally evolved beyond automotive spaces and into furniture and interior products through CALLUM.
Our CALLUM Lounge Chair was inspired in part by the classic Eames lounge chair, an object I’ve long admired for its effortless combination of comfort, craftsmanship and timeless form. With our interpretation, we wanted to create something contemporary and sculptural, while still feeling relaxed and inviting. Like automotive design, every proportion and surface was carefully considered, balancing precision with warmth and comfort.
Has your idea of luxury changed over the years?
Yes, absolutely. I used to feel that luxury was ostentatious and inefficient. It was never something that inspired me. But I have come to realise that nowadays, real luxury is about understanding of quality and execution. It is an appreciation of beautiful things as an experience rather than ‘showing off’. It is something that is not always so obvious to others. I hope our CALLUM Lounge Chair demonstrates this perfectly.
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What does freedom look like in your current phase of work?
Today freedom is being able to answer a client brief without question. I do not mind debate, but being able to create what I think is right is real freedom. Trust is freedom.
Do you have a routine that helps you stay creative?
Thinking at night and realising my ideas in the morning. By late afternoon I always need to do something else.
How do you switch off?
I design things that I would like for myself – the lounge chair being a great example of this. That was an exercise in indulgence and expression. I also drive one of my favourite cars, an Aston Martin Vanquish that I designed 25 years ago. Another favourite is my Jaguar XKR-S, a formidable performance car. I also have a couple of American hot rods which have been built specially to my specification, as well as a couple of Porsches. Despite my natural allegiance to Aston and Jaguar, I love all cars that have a sense of great design. I tend to drive while listening to my favourite music – my all-time favourite must be Bowie. He was such an inspiration during my formative years. Not just in music, but creativity overall. Springsteen is great for a fast, open drive too!
Which current design trend do you think will age badly?
Fussy design that seems random and lacking discipline. I would call some of it baroque. I find most cars fall into this category whether they be luxury or more affordable. Most could be vastly improved simply by removing a few lines of form. Fortunately, the trend is giving way to a more sheer, cleaner style, such as Polestar and, ironically, the retro style of the new Renault 5.
Do you think technology has made design more exciting or more compromised?
Technology has made design more exciting in terms of realising ideas that were impossible before. Lighting graphics have improved dramatically. Technology also helps to offset the hindrance of regulations, which are becoming more intense. However, I believe the interjection of technology with driving can be frustrating. It separates the interaction of man and machine.
What would you still like to design that you haven’t yet?
A yacht, a watch, and another piece of furniture.
If you had to describe your design philosophy in one sentence, what would it be?
Dynamic lines and beautiful form that work practically and aesthetically; edited to the extreme.
Finally, Ian, which of your car designs are you most proud of?
This is a difficult one. I would have to split between the Aston Martin Vanquish, particularly the VC25, and the Jaguar F Type. Non-production would be the Jaguar CX-75.
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