James began his career in lighting design after graduating from Kingston University with a degree in Product & Furniture Design. After working for a number of lighting brands in the industry, James co-founded Astro in 1997. Over 23 years later, James remains as Design Director, leading a busy team of twelve in-house designers. His natural eye for simple, timeless design allows him to draw on influences from life, and translate these into considered, pared back luminaires that will stand the test of time.

New Zealand born Riley plays a key role in the product design process in his role as Senior Designer at Astro. After achieving an honours degree in Industrial Design from Massey University’s School of Creative Arts, New Zealand, his career has seen him work across a broad range of design-based roles; from exhibition and interiors, to furniture and products. Now as Astro’s in-house Senior Designer, he combines a love of materials with a fascination of manufacturing processes and explores how these elements can work together to create timeless luminaires.