Christopher Jenner's designs, Yixing Ceramic Collection. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Q: What made you want to be a designer? Or why did you choose to be a designer? Who influenced you most?

A: I was always very interested in making things and from an early age I had free reign of my dad's workshop and the amazing tools my grandfather collected. The reason I chose design was that it allowed me to play within a broader spectrum of disciplines; I never wanted to be placed in a box under a certain discipline. It is important for me to be able to express my creative personality in as many varied ways as possible.

From an influence perspective I would say I'm mostly influenced by cultures around the world and the manner in which they themselves express creativity through craft, design and art.