Jamie McLellan is a product designer whose work spans everything from high-performance bicycles to Olympic torches. In this candid conversation with Phoebe Holden on the Resident podcast, Jamie shares his journey, design philosophy, and the lessons he's learned along the way.
They explore his early influences and the thinking behind signature Resident pieces like Spar, Odin, and Plane. Jamie also discusses his latest designs, including the playful Little Fellas Side Tables, and reflects on life in New Zealand. He offers advice for the next generation of creatives.
PH: Jamie, what first drew you to design?
Jamie: Growing up in New Zealand, I was always surrounded by people who made things. My dad built boats, and there was a real DIY culture. That hands-on environment shaped how I think about materials and form. I didn’t know it was called “design” at the time. I just liked making things better.
PH: Resident has some iconic pieces. Can you talk about the thinking behind Spar, Odin, and Plane?
Jamie: Each of those pieces started with a simple idea. Spar was about tension and balance, inspired by sailing rigging. Odin was more sculptural, almost brutalist, but softened by its proportions. Plane was a study in minimalism and light diffusion. With Resident, we always aim for timelessness and clarity.
PH: Your recent work includes the Little Fellas Side Tables. What inspired those?
Jamie: I wanted to create something playful and characterful. Little Fellas are almost like little creatures, they have personality. They’re functional, but they also make you smile. That emotional connection is important to me.
PH: How does living in New Zealand influence your design approach?
Jamie: It gives me space, literally and mentally. There’s a slower rhythm here, and nature is always present. That helps me think more deeply about what I’m designing and why. It also keeps me grounded. I’m not chasing trends. I’m trying to make things that last.
PH: What advice would you give to emerging designers?
Jamie: Be curious. Learn to listen, to people, to materials, to your own instincts. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. And sketch more. It’s still one of the fastest ways to think and communicate. Also, find your own voice. The world doesn’t need more copies.
