Showcase 2026 Student Spotlight: Reece Morgan
Student Spotlight featuring BA (Hons) Product Design student Reece Morgan and his project 'The Aevrum Pad'.
By Jon Duckworth | Published on 22 May 2026
Categories: Student Showcase; School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment;
The Project
The Aevrum Pad is BA (Hons) Product Design student Reece Morgan's personal take on a drumming practice pad that focuses on being a beautiful part of the home, rather than something that is hidden away.
"The problem with current practice pads is that they are completely function-based, and many look unappealing," says Reece. "They do the job really well, but they don’t look beautiful. I believe these practice tools should be beautifully made. The project featured an all in one system that has the practice pad on a carefully crafted base that is proud and inviting to return to when practicing daily."
The project developed his woodworking skills. Image by Reece Morgan.
The inspiration behind the project
"I’ve been drumming for 13 years and was fed up with boring, industrial-looking drum hardware. The world of drumming has seemingly normalised the same ugly forms and mass-produced products, when I believe that craftsmanship should be at the forefront of new drum innovation. Having something that looks beautiful to play is inspiring, and if you spend many hours, like I do, on a practice pad every day, you want something that’s inviting and looks amazing in the home."
The project experience
Reece says that working on the project has made him more aware of how difficult wood can be to work with, and admits that, having no prior experience, this was a real struggle.
"I’ve learned everything the hard way, but I’ve loved every minute of figuring it out. I absolutely loved the design process, as this is a topic I’m extremely passionate about. Being able to get my teeth into designing something that I, as a user, would love and enjoy was both exciting and infinitely rewarding."
Reece says being in the workshop has been one of the highlights of the course. Image by Reece Morgan.
Being part of NTU
Reece says that being on the course has helped him to feel much more capable in my own design process and way of working.
"At the start, you tend to follow a formula, but the openness of the course structure allows you to develop and work in the way that suits you best as the years go on. Now, I feel very confident in my ability."
He regards being in the studio with friends and spending time in the workshop have been the highlights of the course.
"Being able to design alongside people you enjoy spending time with is such a privilege and something I will never forget."
Closing remarks
Asked whether he would recommend Product Design at Nottingham Trent University (NTU) to future students, Reece says:
"The BA course is the absolute perfect choice if you love design but aren’t sure what you want to do with it. We cover a lot in depth, and unlike other courses, it isn’t specialised, meaning it’s broad enough to give you a taste of different areas of design without putting you in a box or confining you to a set of parameters.
"I guarantee that after the first year of BA Product Design, you’ll have a strong idea of where you see yourself within the industry, and from there you can adjust your projects to help achieve that goal."
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Our Student Showcase is open to the public from 30 May until 5 June 2026 and available to view online. Take a look at the work of our talented architecture and product design students.