Designer doubles as royal minder at DBA

WPA Pinfold design director Richard Hurst’s secret double life was finally uncovered at last week’s Design Business Association Design Effectivenss Awards.

While enjoying drinks with fellow nominees at the Hilton Hotel function, Hurst was suddenly whisked off to the VIP lounge alongside Prince Phillip after being mistaken for one of the Duke’s minders.

Hurst’s new-found vocation was later called into action when WPA Pinfold scooped the award for a corporate identity under £1m, keeping a watchful eye on the trophy.

Meanwhile, the most frenzied cheer of the night went to the fabulous thermostatic radiator valve for Pegler by Gripgold Product Design – commended in the consumer product category. The valve, as cockney sparra compere Mark Lamarr remarked, was definitely the people’s choice.