Dezeen promotion: product designer Marc Sweeney says that the small classes and "nurturing" environment of Istituto Marangoni London gave him the confidence to start his own studio.

Sweeney studied for an MA in Product Design at Istituto Marangoni London and graduated in 2022. He now runs his own studio from the banks of his native Loch Lomond in southern Scotland.

According to Sweeney, the course was the catalyst for many of his most notable designs – including the bio-resin Pepper Pepper Mill, a stylised take on the common kitchen gadget, which aims to exploit the decorative potential of peppercorns and serve as an "ornament in its own right".

Sweeney was initially attracted to the Product Design MA at Istituto Marangoni London because of its ties to the fashion industry, focus on real-world project briefs and roster of experienced tutors.

He praised the school's "supportive and nourishing environment", which he says gave him the tools to take risks with his designs.

Julie Ross, programme leader of Istituto Marangoni London's MA design programmes, described Sweeney as "one of the most authentic and talented product designers" she has taught.

"I have witnessed Marc grow into a very dedicated practitioner who finds form through the material he explores, in addition to surface and tactility," she said.

While studying, Sweeney assisted furniture designer Max Lamb before returning to his native Scotland in 2023 and opening his studio and workshop in Loch Lomond.

Sweeney's most recent product design is the Pepper Pepper Mill, a sculptural pepper mill crafted from bio-resin embedded with peppercorns. The design is cast rather than milled to minimise waste.

"[It explores the] idea that food is material," said Sweeney. "I love these kinds of objects that are never tidied away. It’s an ornament in its own right. It just so happens that you can put the contents of it on your eggs.

"This is my favourite thing that I've made so far."

According to Sweeney, the idea for the product came from an Istituto Marangoni London project led by materials specialist and author Chris Lefteri.

Sweeney’s next focus is on what he calls "guerrilla production" – which he describes as a departure from his usual work. The project will see Sweeney take on the role of a "one-man factory", producing multiples of products in a fast-paced environment, rather than one-off pieces.

According to Ross, it’s just the beginning for the designer.

"Perhaps his biggest strength is his ability to connect strong narratives within his work," she said. "I’m sure Marc will continue to develop as an extremely professional designer and maker."

Other designs by Sweeney include The Glory Chair, a modern reinterpretation of a traditional Scottish Orkney chair, which was completed as part of the MA programme.

Find out more about Istituto Marangoni London’s Product Design MA by visiting its website.

Partnership content

This article was written by Dezeen for Istituto Marangoni London as part of a partnership. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.