Masters Showcase 2026 Student Showcase: Poppy Simpson
Student Spotlight featuring MA Design: Products and Furniture student, Poppy Simpson, and her project.
By Jon Duckworth | Published on 27 August 2026
Categories: Student Showcase; School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment;
The project
Poppy Simpson (MA Design: Products and Furniture) says:
"My project explores how furniture can combine functionality with a more expressive, sculptural presence. I developed a piece that considers the relationship between the user, the object and the setting. Through an iterative process of sketching, CAD development and physical prototyping, I refined the proportions, structure and details to arrive at the final design."
The design was inspired by the landscape of the Suffolk countryside. Image by Poppy Simpson.
The inspiration behind the project
Poppy's project was inspired by the landscape surrounding Suffolk, which is where she grew up. She explains:
"At surface level, it is translated directly from the form of the land - the rolling hills, fields and gentle rivers meandering through old villages. At a more complex level, it explores nostalgia and emotional durability of furniture in places you love."
Being part of NTU
Poppy admits that working on her project was not without its challenges, but says to have been able to physically make the finished piece was very rewarding.
"The course has pushed me to become more independent in my approach and be more confident in making decisions and responding to feedback throughout it," she says.
"Alongside developing practical skills in CAD, prototyping and model making, I have also developed skills in critical thinking, problem-solving and communicating ideas. Working alongside people from different backgrounds and disciplines has encouraged me to consider different perspectives and become more adaptable in my approach. Overall, my time at NTU has given me greater confidence in my abilities and a more considered and independent approach to design."
Poppy also did her undergraduate degree at NTU.
"My most memorable moment at NTU is after every submission throughout the four years of undergrad, my group of friends would go out for breakfast, celebrating the end of sleepless nights and stress (at least until the next submission!). This relief genuinely built us a sturdy foundation, and I know that the trauma bond will make lifelong friends in those girls."
Poppy sought to combine "functionality with a more expressive, sculptural presence". Image by Poppy Simpson.
Closing remarks
Asked what advice she would offer to prospective students considering postgraduate product design, Poppy says:
"A master's is a big step up in independence and expectations, and there can be periods where the workload feels relentless. You’ll have more freedom than at undergraduate level, but that also means you need to be proactive about managing your time and pushing your own projects forward.
"Look after yourself and don’t get so invested in a project that you sacrifice sleep, meals, social time and rest. Accept that you can’t perfect everything. Manage your time realistically. There will always be more you could do, so prioritising what will actually improve the project is important."
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