RICHARD'S STORY
“Design is in my DNA. Some of my earliest memories include wallpapers from National Trust properties I visited as a child or Eames furniture I passed at The Conran Shop. As I grew older I became curious as to how things were made and if I were to design it, what I would do differently?”
Richard Brownlie-Marshall’s creative journey began in Edinburgh, where an early immersion in the arts ignited his passion for design and performance. After studying Industrial Design at Northumbria, he moved to London to intern at mydeco, quickly advancing to Design Coordinator and taking on a presenting role for mydecoTV. Richard then transitioned to the food retail industry as Head of Creative at Tossed, where he led the new wave of its identity and interiors, demonstrating his ability to visualise and communicate concepts across various mediums—a finely tuned skill of his.
Richard’s expertise was further recognised at Pret A Manger, where he played a pivotal role in international projects, including the launch of Veggie Pret, the iconic Christmas campaigns, and the expansion of Pret into retail. In 2022, he became Head of Creative at Mindful Chef, a role that perfectly blends his digital design expertise with retail innovation.
“My design aims to positively impact peoples lives - whether it’s improving a task, telling a story or making people smile”
Beyond his in-house roles, Richard has delivered high-profile commissions for clients ranging from The Archbishop of Canterbury to Zizzi, where his bowl designs were featured in over 120 UK restaurants. His commitment to quality and creativity also led to the launch of his eponymous design brand, debuting with the widely acclaimed Out Damned Spot napkins.
Richard’s achievements extend beyond design, as he has also built a successful parallel career in performance. Starting with childhood shows in Edinburgh, he later graced London’s West End as part of the original cast of Martin Pippin in the Apple Orchard. He returned to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival to produce and star in two sell-out musicals, and his performance credentials include appearances in the London Olympics Opening Ceremony and The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
Richard has also made his mark in lifestyle content and brand collaborations. Recently named the official “Go To Guide” for Disneyland Paris, his Disney holiday planning series is now live on Disney UK’s YouTube channel and social media. Additionally, he served as a brand expert on Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars US, where he critiqued contestants’ wine branding campaigns.
Richard Brownlie-Marshall’s multi-hyphenate career, spanning diverse sectors and roles, reflects a unique perspective that enriches his creative work. His passion for design, combined with his ability to connect with audiences, ensures that he continues to bring innovation and energy to every project he undertakes.