Marnie Collins

Assistant Professor, Director of International, Programme Director of Studies - Design for Textiles

In my role as Director of International, I collaborate with international partners for the betterment of the Global Textiles and Design industries. 

As Programme Director of Studies, Design for Textiles, I am the point of contact and programme leader for one of the world's most respected and prolific Textile Design departments. We are fortunate to have world-class facilities, a highly experienced team of staff, very talented students and a creative outlook to finding solutions to design challenges- from sustainability to authenticity and beyond.

Also an Assistant Professor in Textile Design, I have been lecturing at Heriot-Watt University for the past 19 years, specialising in Woven Textile Design and Professional Practice for Design. I embrace the design and technology interface, conducting research into innovative textile design materials and technologies as well as innovative learning and teaching delivery techniques. I have a particular interest in the relevance that provenance holds for luxury textiles and heritage textile crafts.

Areas of interest

• Woven textile design, Artisanship, Design Provenance and Heritage, Printed textile design, Surface design, Design Innovation

Qualifications

• BSc Textile Design - Philadelphia College of Textiles and Sciences

Background

In 1986, I graduated with high honours from the Philadelphia College of Textiles and Sciences with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Textile Design, with a concentration in woven textile design. I continued my education by earning a PG Certificate in Academic Practice in 2005, from Heriot-Watt University, and was an active member of the teaching team for the Educational Development Unit at Heriot-Watt University. I am a member of the Higher Education Academy, UKFT, Phi Psi (Textile fraternity) and Designers Alliance.

I have established myself internationally as a leading innovator in the design and manufacture of hand-painted wallpaper.  As the Creative Director of my own artisanal company, Decoupage, (1990-2019), I have not only researched unique manufacturing techniques for my designs but have also developed innovative decorating methods. Taking inspiration from nature, and using environmentally friendly materials, I concentrated my research on creating new surface qualities using combinations of materials traditionally used on textiles. I have concentrated on the design and technology interface, and have begun the journey of exploration, enhancing the wallpaper surface using electronic inks and digital materials.