Dr Phil PERRY

Course Director and Assistant Professor in Graphic Design
Coventry University
Link Tutor

Philip joined the Graphic Design team during spring 2000, following the completion of his degree the previous year. He is currently Level 1 Tutor for Graphic Design and teaches across all three years of the programme. Previous roles include University-wide assessment on level 2 and 3 Employability Learning Programme (ELP) submissions, teaching on the Graphic Design MA, and leadership of the Foundation Visual Communication pathway.

Philip’s design interests include branding and typography. He has worked with Midlands-based design studios since he was fifteen and now practices as a freelance designer on a range of print and web-based projects. Recent assignments have included art-directing a 144 page illustrated book, “The Idea Was Good: The Story of Benjamin Britten’s War Requiem” with Coventry-based We Three Collective. The work was published via Coventry Cathedral in 2012.

As Level 1 Tutor, teaching involves approaches designed to aid students in their adaptation from FE learning strategies to HE learning strategies. This includes focus on reflective practice as a key facet in the development of ‘autonomous learners’, and experimentation in this area generated innovations in the Graphic Design induction programme and, as an extension of this, a funded research project in the form of the publication of “A Practical approach to guiding students through the transition from FE to beyond”. This was a collaborative project between the School of Art and Design and the city’s Hereward College and was funded by Coventry and Warwickshire Lifelong Learning Network. The project resulted in a 52 page book of adaptable teaching and learning resources that support students in the transitional phase between pre-HE and HE courses, promoting PDP strategies sympathetic to e-learning technologies and traditional journaling approaches.

This academic year sees the development of an ongoing relationship with Central South University in China, following a successful visits into the School of Art and Design that has resulted in mixed groups of Illustration, Illustration Graphics and Graphic Design students visiting Changsha for two-week programmes of cultural study. The work generated in the 2012 iteration time by both Chinese and UK cohorts was publicly exhibited at the two institutions.

Teaching methods are based around a mixture of theory and practice, where students are encouraged through the application of realistic and relevant research to investigate, propose and exploit potential design solutions. Seminars and workshops are therefore frequently student-led, where staff input is in the form of stimulating rather than ‘managing’ projects. Provoking students to ‘explore and apply’ promotes ownership of work and the development of a ‘personal voice’ within it, and this in turn results in unpredictable and inventive output. Level 1 students; being Philip’s primary focus, graduate the year well-placed to build on key skills and knowledge that enables successful work placement opportunities during the following academic year.

Dr Ann MUIRHEAD

Associate Professor of Fashion
Coventry University
Link Tutor for:
BA (Hons) in Fashion
BA (Hons) in International Fashion Business

Ann Muirhead is currently Assistant Professor in Fashion (International) at Coventry University. Ann came to Coventry eightteen years ago as Fashion Programme Leader and was part of the team responsible for the launch of Fashion at Coventry. Recently Ann has written the newly validated BA Fashion, Brand and Communication course which launched in September 2023 at Coventry.

Ann is Link Tutor for BA Fashion and Accessories Design at Communications University Zhejiang, Hangzhou, China; BA Fashion and BA International Fashion Business at Raffles, Singapore; BA International Fashion Business at The Knowledge Hub, Egypt and BA Fashion Design and BA Fashion Business and Innovation at Amsterdam Fashion Academy, Netherlands.

Ann moved to Coventry from Derby University, where she had been for 20 years. Whilst at Derby Ann was invited to become a Design Director for Stone Circle, in this role she exhibited work at ICFF – Jacob K Javits, New York, Jardins des Createurs, Pret a Porter, Paris, as part of the Entente Cordiale Centenary: Spotlight on Designers, sold designs to Conran and was taken on by the Mary Skinner Agency, London.

Trained in fashion, textile and jewellery design Ann is principally interested in new technology and its application within the wider fashion industry. Practice based research has developed in a number of directions, and is influenced by research in to innovations into new textiles and manufacturing processes – this work explores a range of processes and techniques with a particular interest in non traditional approaches, using sonic welding, digital and sublimation printing and laser cutting. Her interest in applying this research to an industry context led to a project with Annabel McMahon of Staffordshire-based Rackety’s Ltd., a company whose focus is designing clothes for people with disabilities. The project involved extending the company’s product range by developing an innovative type of trouser for wounded soldiers. The project won the top award in the Innovation in Development category at the 2010 Lord Stafford Awards and the trousers have recently been approved by the MOD for wearer trials.

Nick NORSE

Head of School of Art and Design
Coventry University
Link Tutor for:
MA in Design Management
BA (Hons) in Interior Architecture and Design
BA (Hons) in Product Design

Nick has a broad range of academic and senior leadership skills, with over 19 years of management experience at a number of FE and HE institutions, (including University of Hertfordshire, University for the Creative Arts, Central Saint Martins and the University of the Arts London) driving ambitious change towards immediate and long-term project goals and business strategies. My current post Dean of College and Dean (CCW) for Quality and Enhancement has enabled me to significantly enhance, redirect and secure Camberwell College of Arts’ historic and contemporary identity, commercial viability and vision for the future.
He has successfully led a diverse range of employees (academic, creative, professional, technical, administrative, commercial and project), galvanizing large and complex teams collectively through significant periods of change and re-profiling (including redundancy). His stewardship has taken the College to secure a future which can both sustain and develop (including profit and commercial viability) within a dynamic, fast-changing higher education context.

Nick’s experience has enabled him to develop particular strengths in supporting large, complex (and sometimes disparate) teams into a coherent whole. This has been undertaken largely through the facilitation of a collective understanding of common approaches to pedagogy, academic integration of the professional field (including currency & developments) and an overall drive to enhance the quality and uniqueness of the Colleges provision.

Nick had developed a confident ability to optimize inherent potential and manage complex institutional risks, without loss of quality or ambition. Working within a large creative community, my strong communication and leadership skills are vital to ensure that the impact of strategic agendas are fully owned and embodied.

Francis Lowe

Course Director, BA Illustration and Animation
Senior Lecturer in Illustration, animation, moving image and multimedia
Coventry University
Link Tutor for:
BA (Hons) in Illustration and Animation

Selected outputs:

• Lowe, F., as Franimation with art noise band Ohmmm (2011) 3D video performance. Performed at Lanchester Gallery, Coventry
• Lowe, F., as Franimation with art noise band Ohmmm (2011) 3D video performance. Performed at Axis Art Centre, Crewe
• Lowe, F. (2010) Different Worlds. Exhibition of illustrations at the Alma Building, Coventry
• Lowe, F. (2009) Your Plane Explained. [Animation Director] ATF films
• Lowe, F. (2008) A song in the park [Experimental animation] West Bromwich, UK and China: The Public Gallery and the Hangzhou Animation Festival
• Lowe, F. (2008) Dissect Ephemeral. From the album, ‘Cracked Mirrors and Stopped Clocks’. Art Director
• Lowe, F. (2007) Solid Ground. Music video from the Album ‘Solid Ground’. Director
• Lowe, F. (2006) Flat Pack Festival, Birmingham. Live drawing performance with Illustrator Glyn Brewerton. The Wacom 2
• Lowe, F. (2005) VJ (Live video performance). Held 2005 at the Glastonbury Festival
• Lowe, F. (2004) VJ performance. Held 2004 at The Big Chill Festival Including live visual accompaniment for Aim (Grand Central Records)
• Lowe, F. (2003) VJ performance with DOG (EMI). Held 2003 at the Shepherds Bush Empire in support of The Asian Dub Foundation
• Lowe, F. (2000) Grizzly Tales for Gruesome Kids. [Lead Animator]

Dr Darren Berkland

Assistant Professor (Academic)
School of Media and Performing Arts
Coventry University
Link Tutor for:
BA (Hons) in Digital Media

Darren Gary Berkland is a South African-born PhD candidate in the Centre for Post-Digital Cultures at Coventry University, UK. He obtained his Bachelor’s degree at Nelson Mandela University in Port Elizabeth, completing an Honours in post-colonial literatures and a Master’s in media studies and visual design. His current research interests explore the complex relationship between the selfie, the mirror, and the way we embody our mobile devices through gestures. He has presented papers on gesture at various symposia and conferences across a variety of disciplines including photography, journalism, and health and wellbeing. Darren was a team member on the Google Digital News Initiative project Coventry Blitz VR which aimed to explore the pedogeological possibilities of virtual reality and gamification. He was also an organising member of Coventry University’s research event, On Gesture: Approaches and Questions, that examined the topic across mediums and disciplines investigating gestures intermedial role between theory and practice. His most recent publication is titled “Selfie-screen-sphere: Examining the selfie as a complex, embodying gesture”.

Dr Mark GARNER

Assistant Professor (Academic)
School of Art and Design
Coventry University
Link Tutor for:
BA (Hons) in Graphic Design

Dr. Mark Garner is affiliated to School of Art and Design, Coventry University . Dr. Mark Garner is currently providing services as Professor. Dr. Mark Garner has authored and co-authored multiple peer-reviewed scientific papers and presented works at many national and International conferences. Dr. Mark Garner contributions have acclaimed recognition from honourable subject experts around the world. Dr. Mark Garner is actively associated with different societies and academies. Dr. Mark Garner academic career is decorated with several reputed awards and funding. Dr. Mark Garner research interests include Art and Design.

Dr Alana JAMES

Assistant Professor, Northumbria School of Design
Northumbria University Newcastle

Dr James is an experienced fashion designer, educator and researcher focused on creating sustainable change in the future of the fashion industry. She believes that garments should not be beautiful at the expense of people and the planet and through innovative design approaches aims to embed responsible values throughout the fashion product lifecycle.

From a research perspective Dr James engages in challenge-led investigations that reflect contemporary societal issues. From an educational perspective she encourages students to think differently, creating ambitious sustainable solutions.

Approaching complex issues from a multi-stakeholder approach, her strengths include engaging with fashion consumers and applying design strategies to encourage small shifts in behaviour towards large-scale sustainable change.

Dr James’ research explores responsible social and environmental practices in the fashion supply chain from a design perspective. Working closely with key stakeholders, in particular fashion consumers and brands, her work investigates how a collaborative approach can aid in moving the industry forward to a more sustainable future.

Since the publication of her PhD in 2015, entitled Influencing Ethical Fashion Purchasing Behaviour, lines of inquiry have continued to explore the diverse approaches possible in the implementation of sustainable practices in the fashion industry. Examples include: utilising zero-waste pattern cutting methods to lead the creative design process, engaging fashion consumers in a transparent business model, the inclusion of people in the product lifecycle in the consideration of ethics, the role of consumers and retailers in the application of sustainable values in fashion, how higher education contextualises sustainability as a key design tool and the challenges facing the adoption of circular principles in fashion.

Dr Keith WINTER

Senior Lecturer, Department of Architecture & Visual Arts
School of Architecture, Computing And Engineering
University of East London

Dr Keith Winter is the Leader of the Visual Arts at UEL including Fine Art, Photography, Graphics, Illustration, MFA and Prof Doc. He is also the leader for both BA (Hons) Interior Design and BA (Hons) Interior Architecture at UEL

Keith has worked in small, medium and large practices throughout the UK and Ireland. He was part of the team for the Scottish Parliament by Enric Miralles in 2005. He designed a wedding palace tower in Moscow and masterplanned Leith Waterfront in Edinburgh for RMJM in 2006. With Edge Design Workshop EDW he designed a £15m Container project, and an £18m Data Centre and was on the team that installed a 1960s Futuro House on the roof of Central Saint Martins (featured in the Evening Standard, Timeout Magazine, Guardian). He has designed and detailed a number of private residences. He has been an ARB-qualified architect since 2008 and consulted on many design projects with firms such as CSK Architects, White Ink Architects, Clarkes Facades and McKinsey Group with Bershka Clothing. In 2015 he designed and oversaw the refurbishment of the prestigious UCL Art Museum in the Grade 1 listed building on Gower Street. He is currently designing and building a future sustainable city with his experimental studio Yeah Totally Ltd.

He has taught and lectured in many Universities around the world including Tokyo University of the Arts GEIDAI, NZU, RCA, ECA, UU and UCL. In 2013 he published the ‘Handyman Aesthetic’ for his PhD in philosophy, architecture and sculpture. He co-founded Allotrope Press in 2011 with Emma Dwan O’Reilly. He has shown artwork internationally around the world under the name Keef Winter including co-representing the Northern Irish Pavilion Venice Biennial in 2016. He is represented by Galeria Breve in Mexico City and had a recent solo presentation in Galeria BOCA in September 2023.

Upcoming/ recent shows include Composting for the Future, VOID Gallery, L’Derry March 2024; ‘sky every day’, with Richard Serra, N. Dash, Christine Corday, curated by B.Barretts Projects, projects+gallery, St Louis; Mahler Lewitt Residency, Spoleto, ‘Can’t Help It’ (solo) at Black Tower Projects, London; ‘Pre-Fix’, Northern Ireland Pavilion, Sella Del Giardini, Venice; ‘No Regrets’ (solo), Galeria Breve, Mexico City.

He has toured the UK, Europe, Japan and Mexico with his musical collaborations Tracer AMC, and Not Squares and played Glastonbury, Reading and Leeds and recorded numerous BBC sessions including Maida Vale Studios in 2009 for Huw Stephens.

Dr Nina Hansopaheluwakan

Associate Professor in Design
School of Architecture, Design and Planning
The University of Sydney

Nina Hansopaheluwakan Edward is an Associate Professor in Design at the University of Sydney, School of Architecture, Design and Planning. She teaches interaction design and visual communication units in the Bachelor of Design and Master of Interaction Design and Electronic Arts. Nina is passionate about the exploration and influence of digital interactive design, social design, semiotics, visual communication, human-centred, service design and interdisciplinary.

For over 18 years, Nina has taught in Visual Communication and Digital Interactive Design areas across Australia, the United Kingdom and Indonesia. Throughout her academic experience, she has held various leadership roles including Postgraduate Taught Director, Programme Leader, Global Collaboration Coordinator, International Short Course Program Director, Study Abroad Coordinator and Faculty Graduate Exhibition Coordinator. Nina is the Managing Editor for an international peer-reviewed journal, Information Design Journal published by John Benjamins Publishing, based in Amsterdam. She is also appointed as an External Examiner for BA (Hons) Digital Media at Coventry University in the UK, Egypt, Singapore and Malaysia.

Pauline Amphlett

External Examiner Mentor
University of Derby

She has been a design educator for 38 years and has extensive experience of working in the HE sector in the UK and has international experience of working and teaching in China and has worked as an external examiner and sat on a number of validation and periodic review panels across the sector in the UK.

Through her freelance business she aims to engage, inspire and motivate her clients with her specialist interest in applying social media, applying her knowledge of sustainability, recycling, packaging design, branding and design ethics to all aspects of her career throughout the UK

Magistrate (Justice of the Peace) North East Wales, Parish Councillor, Problem Solver, Graphic Designer/Photographer/Art Director with specialist interests in branding and packaging design using sustainable materials that are eco friendly to the planet.