Habitat recruits support for Dixon

Habitat is recruiting for its internal design team following the news that creative director Tom Dixon will now be sharing his responsibilities between the retailer and his new company Art & Technology (DW 1 July).

Under the new arrangement, Dixon’s full-time position will be reduced to allow for a more flexible movement between Habitat and Art & Technology. He will hold the title of creative director at both companies.

Habitat’s recruitment plans have been spurred by both the change in Dixon’s circumstances and the decision two months ago by head of furniture design Matthew Hilton to move from a three-day week to freelance work.

As a result of these changes Habitat is now looking to augment its design team. ‘We are actively looking for designers to join the Habitat team, [in order] to provide the right number of designers and support for Dixon,’ confirms managing director Jens Nordahl.

Habitat operates 73 stores across Europe and this year celebrates its 40th anniversary. To mark the occasion, the retailer recently commissioned a series of 22 celebrity-designed products, which will go in-store this September (DW 17 June).

Art & Technology was formed by the merger of the Tom Dixon consultancy and Finnish furniture design group Artek. Swedish investment firm Proventus is providing financial backing and strategy for the company.