At the top of their game, and their profession, too

Ali Tomlin (Letters, DW 10 January) has motivated me to endorse the positive influences I have had from working under several great female designers.

All three of them were at the top of their game. Margaret Calvert at the Royal College of Art is a strong and inspirational designer, perfectly able to destroy the confidence of even the strongest male, designer or otherwise. I believe she regularly gave Jocelyn Stevens a run for his money while he was Rector of the RCA. She was and is quite fantastic.

What about Shaun Dew of Dew Gibbons? I worked for her and she had a big effect on me in the same way as Margaret did. Surrounded by male partners at The Partners, she also more than held her own.

I worked with Ali, too, at Carter Wong Tomlin and was every bit as influenced by her as by either of the two Phils.

These female designers all bring a great sensitivity to being a designer, an essential tool in understanding clients.

I think it’s not what’s between your legs that matters, it’s what’s between your ears.

Mark Bonner, Creative director, GBH Design, London W4

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