Born and raised in the Eastern Bay of Plenty in New Zealand, I grew up surfing, skating, cycling, kite boarding, snow skiing and avidly building stuff in the shed. My passion for making developed from this humble shed in my parents backyard and ignited a passion for well designed and crafted products. 

Workshop building and material exploration led to studying a Bachelor of Industrial Design with 1st class honors, completed at Massey University’s College of Creative Arts in Auckland, New Zealand. I received several national and international awards in recognition of my undergraduate work and continued my studies with a Master of Design at Massey University in Wellington. 

My thesis took a holistic, practice-led exploration of New Zealand’s primary export industry which uncovered design opportunities within the logistical and transportation systems. My design component focused on rethinking refrigerated containment and challenged the status quo which has been embedded in export thinking for over 40 years. This project received a Gold Award at New Zealand’s Best Design Awards.

After my post graduate studies I took the role as Head of Industrial Design at Action Manufacturing in Hamilton, New Zealand. Action is one of the largest vehicle modifiers and manufacturers in Oceania - a specialist in developing design-led, bespoke solutions for the medical, emergency, tourism and commercial transportation industry.

After leaving Action, I relocated to the UK to further pursue my career and travel while freelancing. I soon found myself with an opportunity at CHD Design Works contracting to Triumph Motorcycles. At present I have been working with Triumph for about 3 years as a lead designer working on a large range of projects. My design works range from model year face lifts to full new model designs. 

Design and making continues to be my passion and I am constantly tinkering on new projects. Some of my recent projects include old motorcycles, bicycles, tinkering and modifying my classic mini, making leather goods and photography.

Currently based in the Midlands, England, UK.

william.nicholson.design@gmail.com

+44 7474 929107 (UK)