Technical Textile Designer
Lauren Calloway is a technical textiles designer for Leeds-based medical textiles company, Xiros plc.
During her time at school, Lauren developed a passion for art and studied this at A-level, thinking she wanted a career in advertising.
“After leaving school, I did an Art Foundation Course at Doncaster College. It was during this one-year course that I decided that I no longer wanted to work in advertising as textiles interested me much more. I enjoyed the more ‘hands-on’ creative work of textiles, which enabled me to work with a variety of different materials.”
Lauren then went on to complete a BA (hons) degree in structured textile design at Leeds University. The course looked at fibre and fabric construction as well as how to create different textures and structures for fashion and interiors.
During her time at university, Lauren entered competitions, which gave her the opportunity to showcase her work to the industry. When nearing graduation, she discovered that Xiros plc was looking for a student to undertake a three month placement.
“I had no medical experience, but because I wanted to remain in Leeds and wanted a textiles-related job, I decided I would give Xiros plc a go. It was quite overwhelming at first, learning all the new terminology. However, the company had stated it wanted a textile graduate and so was willing to teach me everything I needed to know.”
The company makes implantable knee and shoulder ligaments for the medical industry and it is Lauren’s job to design and test new textile structures. After her placement finished the company offered her a permanent position.
“A lot of my time is spent in the in-house research & development facility, using commercially available textile software packages to see if something is possible before taking the time to create a prototype.”
Lauren works part-time in order to pursue her interest in textile designs for interiors and has a hand-loom at home for creating samples.
“By doing this I keep my design skills and creative ideas fresh, and utilise them at work. Regarding my future career, I hope to develop my knowledge of the textiles industry further, as well as medical and engineering knowledge which should aid my work at Xiros plc. As for my love of interior textiles, I am hoping to gain commissions and further my name in the textiles industry.”
“My advice to anyone wanting to work in a similar role to myself is that you need to get a good knowledge of textiles structures by being creative with machinery and pushing the boundaries."
Lauren Calloway's career path
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Job profilesTechnical Textile Designer
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