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Built for Industry: Anna Eerdmans
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The next instalment in our new Built for Industry series follows current Ravensbourne student, Anna Eerdmans, in her journey from working in banks across the world to winning the 2024 PORADA International Award for Students.
We caught up with Anna to hear about her background, the PORADA Awards and how her Ravensbourne experience has equipped her for success.
Tell me about your educational journey and life experiences which led you to Ravensbourne.
My journey has been a wonderful adventure! I grew up in the Netherlands and had a passion for industrial design, but I decided to take a gap year after finishing secondary school, which was a bit unusual back then. I ended up in Australia and fell in love with it, so I decided to stay. During my time there, I realised how valuable my international background and language skills were, so I pursued a degree in International Business and Marketing. I later worked at a European bank in Sydney, where I met people with inspiring stories, like those who completed an MBA in France. After seven years in Australia, I was missing my family, so I moved to France to do my MBA at INSEAD. I then did an internship at a big bank in London, which was a great experience, and I was fortunate to have a job offer after 9/11 when the recession started.
Later, I met my husband, and together, we decided to embark on an adventure. We found ourselves in South Africa, working for a local bank. Our plans to travel back to Europe by Jeep took an unexpected turn when I became pregnant, and we ended up having our three children in Cape Town. Eventually, work brought us back to London.
Juggling parenthood and two careers was challenging, so I decided to take a break and focus on our family. While renovating our home, I realised how much I enjoyed the design process and problem-solving with contractors. That sparked my passion for interior design, so I took a one-year full-time course and started working as an interior designer. Over time, I became more interested in customised solutions for tennis clubs and golf courses, but I realised I needed to improve my computer-aided design (CAD) skills. As my children grew more independent, the Covid period gave me time to reflect, and I decided to revisit my early passion for industrial design, which led me to Ravensbourne.
After nine years as an interior designer, what was it about Ravensbourne that really attracted you?
When I was looking for a course, the location was a top priority, so I focused on London-based options.
Anna quote
I had a serendipitous encounter with a Ravensbourne alumnus, and we had a great conversation about the pros and cons of different programs. He felt Ravensbourne’s practical approach and industry connections would give me the best opportunity to succeed, and I couldn't agree more!”
I also met with the course leader, Nadine Bennett, who was so positive and reassuring. She helped me feel confident about being a mature student. The vibrant energy around Ravensbourne was also a huge factor—there’s just something special about the atmosphere here!
You’ve had quite a busy time recently, having won a 2024 PORADA International Award in the Students category and collecting the award in Milan. What are some of your reflections on the triumph, and what were some highlights from attending the ceremony?
Going through the design process for the bed was incredibly rewarding, and I was over the moon that the elements I cared so much about were appreciated by the judges. Sustainability is a core value for me, and I was raised by parents who always looked for ways to reuse and repurpose items. That mindset has stuck with me, and it was wonderful to see how the design world is truly embracing sustainability beyond just surface-level efforts.
The ceremony in Milan was intimate and special. I had the chance to meet the jurors and members of the Allievi family, who founded Porada. They were so warm and appreciative of all the submissions. One of the best parts was the factory tour, where I saw how raw ideas are transformed into beautifully crafted furniture. It was awe-inspiring to witness the craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into each piece. It made me appreciate the true value of quality work.
Talk to us about your winning project, BOSCO. What was the creative process like? What was your primary inspiration? What were some tools or technologies you utilised to help you along the way?
The inspiration for BOSCO came from Porada’s philosophy, "Born from the love of wood." I wanted to highlight the natural beauty and craftsmanship of the wood, so I took inspiration from the shapes and textures found in the woods. I created a moodboard filled with elements I found in nature, and from there, I developed the concept. The bed’s design mimics the graceful form of a tree branch, with legs that taper down, creating an elegant, flowing shape. The headboard, crafted from a solid circular wooden beam, frames a soft padded cover, adding comfort and style.
The modular design of the bed was also a key element for me, as it simplifies production, makes repairs easy, and reduces transportation costs. It was fun to experiment with different shapes and models using Procreate, CAD, and 3D printing. I also enjoyed creating realistic images using Photoshop and AI, which brought my vision to life in a bedroom setting and even in the forest!
How do you believe your work and studies at Ravensbourne equipped you for success at the PORADA Awards?
When I look back at the early days of my design journey, I can't help but smile—those pencil drawings for contractors were a great learning experience, but I’ve come so far since then! The technical skills I gained at Ravensbourne are invaluable, but perhaps the most important thing I learned was the importance of keeping an open mind during the design process. I remember feeling disappointed when I didn’t get the mark I wanted on an early project, but the feedback taught me to explore all possibilities before settling on a solution. That shift in mindset has transformed my approach to design, and I’m so grateful for it.
Anna quote
The exposure to guest speakers and industry professionals has been a game-changer. It’s given me a much clearer understanding of how the design world works and where I want to take my career next.”
I'm excited for what’s ahead and look forward to continuing this incredible journey!
For more information on the Product Design course at Ravensbourne, you can visit our dedicated course page. You can also find out more about PORADA via their website.
