Former Innovation Centre Star 4C Design

GLASGOW'S award-winning design agency, 4c Design, has achieved a major boost by recruiting one of the "iconic figures" of British design.

Colin Burns, 41, the Scots-born former head of the London office of top international design company Ideo, is to become the firm's associate director. He is the design brain behind such definitive contemporary artefacts as the Palm Pilot, the Mackintosh mouse, and the easy-to-use mobile phone the Vodafone Simply.

Peter Inglis, managing director of 4c Design, said: "Colin is one of the pioneers of the design industry. Its no exaggeration to say we are working with an industry icon. We are delighted that he will be helping to enhance client relationships."

Launched in 2002 by three graduates of Glasgow University's engineering and product design course, 4c is this year set to double their annual turnover to £590,000, after securing a contract for game development from Europe's premier toy company Hasbro.

Burns, who is also a visiting professor at Duncan of Jordonstone College of Art in Dundee, moved his family to Perthshire last year, to establish a one-man design consultancy.

"Since I returned I have been asking around who people rated, and 4c got mentioned a lot.

"What I like about them is their blend of optimism and energy and a remarkable amount of experience for such a young team."

COLIN DONALD

The Scotsman 10th June 2005