Blog » Chris Rutter

Chris Rutter

20th March 2014

Role: Design Engineer

Company: James Lecky Design

Track Record: We make a big difference in the lives of disabled people.

‘Creative thinking and problem-solving are key qualities that are required in a lot of the work we do in developing any product. Being able to work both individually and as a team is vital as some projects are large enough for many people to be working on at the same time,’ says Chris 

What does your job entail?

I am part of the design team responsible for the development of new products. 

That involves everything from the research and concept stage right through to post production. 

Depending on the project this may entail manufacturing and materials development, upholstery, costings and rapid prototyping. 

Project work is periodically reviewed and we are required to present this work to management at regular meetings. 

All our products are rigorously tested and then piloted with some of our customers. 

They would test the products for a number of weeks and then feedback their experience. 

Based on the feedback, we sometimes re-design and tweak to ensure we have the very best product available. 

Is it 9-5?

A normal week would consist of 8am to 5.30pm Monday to Thursday and then 8am to 12pm on Friday. 

Of course, this is not rigid as extra hours are required at busy times and also when visiting exhibitions and manufacturers across Europe. 

How did you get into this line of work?

I am a qualified design engineer and was working in a stainless steel fabrication company in Northern Ireland before joining Leckey. 

I saw an advertisement and knew it was a company that was making a positive difference to people’s lives and I knew I wanted to be part of it.  

Outline your career to date?

After completing an industrial design degree from Loughborough University, I worked in a high-end kitchen furniture design company in England. 

I relocated to Northern Ireland as a design engineer in a stainless steel fabrication company, working on projects which ranged from high specification items for the pharmaceutical sector to large public sculptures for local artists and councils.

Tell us about your  qualifications/training.

Following my A-levels in design & technology, maths, and geography, I studied industrial design and technology at Loughborough University and graduated with a BA Honours in 2002.

What qualities are required for your job — personal and professional?

Creative thinking and problem-solving are key qualities that are required in a lot of the work we do in developing any product. Being able to work both individually and as a team is vital as some projects are large enough for many people to be working on at the same time. 

It is important to be a good communicator in order to be able to share information effectively. 

The Leckey team is made up of many disciplines including engineers, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, factory workers and customer service personnel. 

Therapists are involved in all stages of product development to ensure our products offer the correct support. 

Embedded in Leckey culture is a very strong “can do” attitude and an understanding of the importance of the work that we do; that we are literally making a difference to disabled people’s — and their families’ – everyday lives. 

Every single aspect of the product process is vital and it’s important to have an eye for detail — much thought goes into everything that makes up the product — from the screws to the fabric. 

What are the biggest rewards and challenges of your work?  

There are a lot of demands on a new product from all angles and balancing the requirements of function versus cost is one of the biggest challenges. 

The design of a new product is an ever evolving process, so keeping control of this as manager of the project is important. 

Since joining Leckey, I have certainly deepened my knowledge of the complexity of the conditions that some disabled children and their carers have to deal with. 

The challenge for me and the company is to understand how Leckey products can help disabled children. Ultimately, the reward for us is the feedback we get from our parents and children on how Leckey products have genuinely made a positive impact on their daily lives. 

For example, a parent recently told us that our new Firefly GoTo Seat has helped to bring normality to their child’s life — one of the best things you can do for a disabled child and their family.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I enjoy all sport particularly football, cricket and golf. 

I am a keen reader and music fan. 

In my spare time, I also enjoy going to the cinema. 

Tell us an interesting fact about yourself.

I have played darts against World Champion Martin ‘Wolfie’ Adams …  and lost. 

I have also played against World Championship finalist Kevin ‘The Artist’ Painter …  and also lost.

Who has inspired you most in your life?

My younger sister, Charlotte, is the person I most admire. 

Despite the fact that she is disabled, she has pursued her love of the arts, attended mainstream school, has completed her degree, a BA (Hons) performance, and is currently attending auditions in London to further her career. 

She has never seen her disability as a barrier and was one of the main reasons I was keen to become a member of the Leckey staff and make a positive impact for people with disabilities.

To become a Design Engineer, please visit the NI Job Finder website for our available position via this link: http://www.nijobfinder.co.uk/job/james-leckey-design/lisburn-co-antrim-northern-ireland/417872/mechanical-design-engineers/148064958/

 

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