We are thrilled to introduce our talented Designer, Tom Graham. Since joining Air Design in January, Tom has brought a fresh perspective, showcasing his expertise in design, wayfinding, and branding. His contributions have enriched all aspects of our creative projects, enhancing the experience for both clients and end-users.
In the section below, Tom shares his insights into wayfinding, branding, and design, offering a glimpse into how his innovative ideas and skills shape the work we do at Air Design.
Moving to London and Joining Air Design
Tom, what inspired your move from New Zealand to London, and what drew you to join Air Design?
“I made the decision to move across the world to London to embrace the opportunity of living and working in a new country, seeking fresh experiences and challenges. For my first role outside of New Zealand, I was determined to join a small, collaborative team—one where I could thrive in a true design studio environment. Air Design stood out for its focus on creativity, collaboration, and its impactful work in wayfinding, branding, and design, making it the perfect place to start this exciting new chapter.”
Memorable Experiences at Air Design
How has your time at Air Design been so far Tom? Are there any standout moments or projects that you’ve particularly enjoyed?
“Over the past year, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with the talented and experienced team at Air Design, immersing myself in the intricate world of wayfinding design.
One of the most memorable highlights has been delivering a new wayfinding scheme for The Brewery in Romford. From conducting an insightful site visit and collaborating with the client to tackle signage challenges, to producing the final artwork for fabrication, the entire process was incredibly rewarding. I’m eagerly anticipating the moment when this project comes to life in the coming months.”
Moving to London and Joining Air Design
Tom, what inspired your move from New Zealand to London, and what drew you to join Air Design?
“I relocated across the world to London to embrace the chance of living and working in a new country, seeking fresh experiences and exciting challenges. For my first role outside of New Zealand, I was keen to join a small, collaborative team where I could immerse myself in a true design studio environment and thrive creatively. Air Design offered exactly that.”
Design Background and Perspective at Air Design
Can you tell us about your design background and any other skills you’re eager to develop?
“I have a background in branding and packaging design, with experience across both agency and in-house roles. Most recently, I focused on branding for property developments, collaborating closely with architects to create assets like floor plans and maps. This experience made my transition into wayfinding design relatively seamless and sparked a newfound interest in information design.
I’ve always been detail-oriented, whether it’s perfecting typography and layout or selecting the right print materials and finishes. It’s been rewarding to see how these skills can significantly enhance the wayfinding design process.
Looking ahead, I’m keen to expand my 3D visualisation skills to become a more versatile wayfinding designer, enabling me to bring ideas to life seamlessly from concept through to final implementation.”
Growth and Development at Air Design
How would you like to grow in your role, and is there a specific area you’d like to focus on?
“I’m eager to continue developing my expertise as a wayfinding designer, with the goal of taking on more leadership opportunities and responsibilities within projects. Working on a diverse range of projects has been incredibly rewarding, as it allows me to explore various facets of wayfinding design—from strategy and concept development to schematic and detailed design.
This broad exposure not only strengthens my skills but also helps me to refine my approach to creating innovative, user-centric wayfinding solutions.”
Air Design’s Impact on Your Career
Tom, how has working at Air Design shaped your career goals, and how do you see it influencing your future in the design industry?
“Air Design has been an incredible introduction to wayfinding design and the broader design industry here in the UK. The experience has not only expanded my perspective but has also helped me refine my career aspirations.
I’m enthusiastic about continuing to grow my knowledge and skills alongside the talented team at Air Design, especially as the studio evolves and takes on new challenges. This journey is shaping my future as a designer, equipping me with the expertise and confidence to excel in the design industry.”
