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We visited Phil at his studio in Rotterdam to learn more about the inspiration behind the Gaze Mirror, his design process, and the influence of Rotterdam on his creative journey.

Phil’s passion for design began early in life, growing up in Yorkshire, England. “I’ve always been making things, since I was a kid,” he recalls. As a teenager, he crafted sculptures from scrap parts he found around his home, later channeling this interest into functional design during his foundation course in England.

“Initially, I was focused on sculptures, but I realized I wanted to apply function to my creations,” he reflects. This shift marked the beginning of his long-standing relationship with product design, combining artistry with utility.

Phil’s design approach today still embraces the sculptural elements he once explored but now includes a functional dimension. "I love refining objects, focusing on shape and surface in simple, expressive ways," he shares. However, creating functional designs has made balancing form and function a central challenge in his work.

Phil Procter “It’s a delicate balance between the object’s expressive form and its intended function,” Phil explains.

This balance is evident in the Gaze Mirror, which comprises only three parts; two folded and polished stainless steel plates, and a hanging bracket bolted in place. "What makes the Gaze Mirror stand out is the reflective quality of the steel itself," Phil explains. "By polishing the steel to the highest grade, it becomes a mirror. There are no additional materials or treatments needed. The mirrored surface can be created from the structure of the product.”

Phil Procter "The polished steel components are folded at slight angles to each other. This simple division of the parts creates a contrast of two different reflections, offering new perspectives on a space and giving the object a real presence and character."

Phil’s use of metal, especially sheet metal, is central to his design practice. Having worked with metal from the very beginning, he’s found sheet metal to be the most versatile and industrially accessible material. "I find the speed at which you can take a flat sheet of metal and create something structurally strong and functional beautiful," he says.

Living and working in Rotterdam also plays a key role in Phil’s approach to design. The city’s industrial roots and strong manufacturing culture inform his material choices and design process.

Phil Procter "Rotterdam’s manufacturing infrastructure allows me to push the limits of what’s possible," Phil explains. “I work closely with suppliers here, and we challenge each other to innovate.”

The Gaze Mirror's refined structure speaks to this spirit of innovation. “We wanted to create something that was simple yet impactful,” Phil shares. The polished steel gives the mirror a reflective surface that serves both aesthetic and functional purposes. “It’s a mirror, but it’s also a piece of design that adds presence to the room,” he adds.

Phil’s creative process thrives in Rotterdam’s industrial environment. The city's strong design community, mixed with its can-do attitude, helps him continually refine his designs.

"The collaborative environment here shapes how I approach materials and construction," he says. "Rotterdam’s mix of old and new industries pushes me to create objects that blend craftsmanship with innovation."

Reflecting on the Gaze Mirror’s role in modern interiors, Phil believes the mirror is a versatile addition to any space. "Its compact size makes it fit well in smaller spaces like hallways or apartments, where you can place it between doors or in tight spots," he explains. "The larger size, on the other hand, becomes a statement piece that catches light and reflects the room in unexpected ways."

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