ABOUT
As a designer Amy is interested in exploring the crossovers between design and science, through a highly experimental and research driven practice. Using speculative design work she investigates the implications of engaging with new technologies, such as biotechnology. Employing her work as a vehicle to provoke debate, and discussion, into the potential ramifications of using living materials to create our future products.
Alongside her speculative work Amy continues to work within laboratories with existing life science technologies, such as tissue culture, to further her research and understanding of the current capabilities of these technologies. One of the most influential periods of time spent working within a lab was during a residency at SymbioticA "the world's first artistic laboratory dedicated to the research, learning, critique and hands-on engagement with the life sciences". She is currently collaborating with tissue engineers at Kings College London, to read more about this research please click here. Amy has also worked with synthetic biology in her role as design advisor to the 2012 UEA NRP iGem team.
Trained as a textile designer Amy completed her undergraduate degree in Contemporary Textile Practices at Norwich University of the Arts, and went on to graduate in 2011 from the MA Textile Futures (now Material Futures) course based at Central Saint Martins in London.
Amy has worked on projects for companies including Microsoft, Nissan, WGSN, Future Filter and Central Saint Martins, and has exhibited and spoken at numerous design events in the UK and abroad. Since early 2013 Amy has been Senior Design Researcher (freelance) at Biocouture, the world's first bio creative consultancy, and is Co-Producer of the annual Biofabricate conference in New York. She has also held the role of Acting First Year Tutor on the MA Material Futures course at Central Saint Martins, continuing her work with the course as an Associate Lecturer, and has been a visiting lecturer at numerous universities.
Amy is currently undertaking a part-time practice based PhD at Central Saint Martins with the Design and Living Systems Lab, run by Prof. Carole Collet.
Amy leads Studio Amy Congdon, which is based in London.