Programme Director of Industrial Design

With a background in 3D and Product Design, Rafeeq began his career working in industry for approximately 9 years which overlapped with working in the Higher Education sector, where he has worked for nearly 20 years.

He has extensive knowledge of CAD software, having begun life as a CAD Draughtsman and 3D modeller after graduating with a BA (Hons) in Product Design, from Leeds College of Art & Design (now Leeds Arts University).

In 2004 after graduating with an MSc. in Industrial Design he worked in the manufacturing industry for 2 years before being recruited by the University of Salford as a resident Product Designer supporting Small to Medium Sized Enterprises or businesses (SME’s), specifically start-ups, requiring product design and manufacturing expertise.

In 2010, he was offered a position at the University of Huddersfield as a Business Development Manager for the School of Art Design and Architecture.

In 2014, he was offered a position as at Leeds Beckett University manging the Digital Fabrication Lab for the School of Art Design and Architecture, in an area and environment that was both familiar and incredibly enjoyable.

This led to an opportunity at the University of Leeds as Teaching Fellow, where he has been module leader for 2 third year modules, the Major Design Project and Professional Portfolio and Industry Awareness modules and a first-year Visual techniques module. He has focused his efforts supporting Product Design students across all levels with prototyping and digital fabrication expertise and currently teaches circa 300 students a year across the School of Mechanical Engineering.