Apple loses key designer from Jony Ive era

Change continues inside Apple. To the growing list of important employees who have left the company, we now have to add Peter Russell-Clark. This is a relevant question because, according to Bloombergis one of the last industrial designers of the Jony Ive era who remained with the company.

Peter Russell-Clark was at Apple for about 20 years. Not only did he help create the brand’s most important devices to date, but he also helped design Apple Park and the Apple Store. His name is embodied in more than 1000 patents Associated in particular with the iPod Nano, MacBook Pro, MacBook Air and iMac.

Unlike other executives who decided to take a break after leaving Apple, Russell-Clark will remain active. He was signed to Vast, a company specializing in space technology..

“Vast, a pioneer in space housing technology, is pleased to announce the appointment of Peter Russell-Clarke as Industrial Design Consultant. Russell-Clark is an industrial designer and educator recognized for his design work at Apple. During his nearly 20 years at Apple, he was instrumental in the design of the iPhone, iPad, Mac computers and Apple Watch, as well as the Apple Park and consumer stores.”

Huge.

Vast was founded only in September 2022 and its main goal is to develop the first artificial gravity stations for space. With people stepping on the accelerator to explore space, startups have been popping up lately to address needs that agencies for one reason or another can’t give the attention or resources they need.

So, now a former Apple designer will be a consultant on building the industrial design team at Vast.. Without a doubt, his experience at Apple will be of great help to the company.

“I am thrilled to be part of the incredibly ambitious Vast project. It’s a huge task, but from what I’ve seen, the experience, passion and dedication of the Vast team will undoubtedly lead to incredible things. The challenges are enormous and unique. Problems. But as a designer, using these limitations to find something completely new is tempting. I am excited to create an environment that allows others to discover new ideas in science, medicine, technology and the arts. A platform for opening new frontiers,” Russell-Clarke said.

As mentioned earlier, Apple “suffers” from the departure of influential employees. Without going into too much detail, a couple of weeks ago we told you that Steve Hotelling, a key player in the development of technologies like Touch ID and the iPhone’s touchscreen, had retired. Soon after, Tan Tan, who led product design for the iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods, announced that he would leave Apple in February 2024.

While the progress of all of them is noteworthy for their contributions, Apple is a company that is ready to resist these types of movements. In the vast majority of cases, positions are filled by employees who also boast an excellent track record with the company.