Founded in 2013, Hidden Stag Design focus on creating logical and clever design solutions to combat the ‘throw-away’ culture that is so common place nowadays. Their functional products are all designed and manufactured here in Scotland, by renowned and reliable local makers. We chat to founder Shane Mason about how he got started, where he sees the business going in the future, and of course, his favourite things about Edinburgh.
Before starting Hidden Stag Design, you worked for a number of other brands. Can you tell us a bit about your background?
I’ve always thought I was lucky that I knew what I wanted to be since I was young. I grew up building, fixing and trying to improve things and as I grew older I realised that to do this for a living, I would have to become an engineer. I left Inverness and moved to Edinburgh to study Product Design Engineering at Edinburgh Napier University. The course itself was an amalgamation of product design and mechanical engineering which meant that I could be creative in developing ideas for products but also ensure that they are functional and manufacturable. After graduating I went to work for an electronics company and then on to a design consultancy before further design engineering work in the medical sector. Each of these companies provided me with experience in bringing my designs to manufacturers and then seeing the products in use by the public, which is really satisfying!
What inspired you to start your own product design business?
I’ve always had an entrepreneurial mindset and interest in business, along with a yearning to create my own company. Hidden Stag Design really began with the idea of our first product, the Angled Coat Hook, and from there I built a broader design business around the idea of innovative design. A coat hook at an angle had never been done before so I manage to have the design registered with the UK Intellectual Property Office.
You keep the whole design and manufacturing process in Scotland, using ‘local makers’ when you can. Why is this important to you? How does this make a difference to your products?
People tend to think that products are made in China and they can be, but usually for financial reasons. It’s honestly remarkable what can be manufactured in Scotland! I am yet to find materials that someone in Scotland isn’t working with and using them to produce bespoke items to the highest possible standards. I would much rather collaborate with someone close by, that I can build a face to face relationship with. This ensures quality in the products and means that good honest people are helping each other while trying to make a living.
You offer a bespoke design service and have worked with a number of local brands including Cairngorm Coffee Co. and Melt Mongers. Can you tell us a bit about these other projects? How can people commission a bespoke project?
Using local manufacturers that I have got to know over the past few years means that regardless of quantity, custom designs can be produced for reasonable prices. When people hear the term ‘bespoke’ they assume that means expensive but it doesn’t have to. When you need an item for your home or business, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t have exactly what you want – something that conveys your style, personality or brand rather than just the mass produced product that everyone else has. I’ve found that the trick to designing custom items begins with really understanding what the need is. People often reach out to us with an email giving a brief description of what they need and then we can meet up and discuss their ideas further. We aim to take the hassle out of the process. Our clients just make the key decisions on the design, we handle everything else and provide you with exactly what you need.
How do you see Hidden Stag Design developing? Where do you see the business in the next ten years?
The objective of Hidden Stag is really to keep producing products that delight people and make life easier. The products themselves are intended to blend into your home and provide you with a function. You should be able to do the simple things in life like hang up your coat or dock your phone without be frustrated by it. This means you can focus on what is important to you. Good design enables us to create products that help you discreetly. Moving forward we’ll keep expanding our product ranges as well as creating a culture of custom design. Clever design and manufacturing will allow us to bring our bespoke design service to a wider market and show people that they can have what they need, not just what everyone else has.
What are your other favourite local businesses in Edinburgh? Any places we should definitely check out?
Where to start! The great thing about Edinburgh is that there is an abundance of independent stores and coffee shops, run by really amazing, friendly and hardworking people. I would recommend getting over to see Susan at Life Story Shop at the bottom of Broughton Street. If you’re in the city centre, stop by The Brotique on Queen Street were Richard and Hamish are remarkably welcoming. If you’re after great coffee, Stevie and Niall at Century General Store or Robi at Cairngorm Coffee Co. can hook you up. If you find yourself in Bruntsfield you have to try the grilled cheese sandwiches from Martin at Meltmongers!
Finally, where can people buy Hidden Stag products?
Our full range of life accessories and apparel are on our website www.hiddenstag.co.uk. In Ocean Terminal there is a great shop that stocks countless Scottish designers and artists called the Scottish Design Exchange and our clothing can be found there. A selection of our products can also be found from time to time at Life Story Shop and The Brotique.
Discover more from Hidden Stag Design on their website: www.hiddenstag.co.uk
