Simon Pickles

A natural problem solver, creative and dedicated, with a multidisciplinary background. Experienced in programming, project management and the fusion of new technologies.

Address

34 Halifax Road

Enfield

EN2 0PP

Mobile

07957 315 356

Email

si@simonpickles.com

Date of Birth

21st April 1974

Education       

1993-7

Nottingham Trent University

BA (Hons) Furniture and Product Design 2:1

Certificate of Professional Placement

1992-3

Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design, London

Foundation Art

1990-2

Sir George Monoux College, London

A-Levels: Applied Maths, Physics, Art, English Language

1987-90

Heathcote School, London

9 GCSEs

Languages

C (10 years) and C++ (7 years) with Boost, DirectX, Boost.Test.

Python (5 years), ActionScript (5 years), PHP, HTML, CSS, Javascript, SQL, Lua, Structured Text.

Java and Android SDK (1 year).

Software

Visual Studio, Flash, Subversion, Redmine, Office, Photoshop/Gimp, TurboCAD.

OS

Windows, Ubuntu Linux (including Server)

Employment       

Sep 2000 – Present

Science Projects Ltd, London

Multidisciplinary Engineer and Programmer, developing and producing interactive science exhibitions for museums and science centres worldwide.

My area of responsibility is the programming of bespoke software for user interfaces and control systems, using C++, C, Python and ActionScript. This involves liaising with team members, clients, designers and stakeholders. I work individually and as part of a team, and have spearheaded the introduction of digital technology at the company, both in commercial output and daily working practises.

My job is all about creative problem solving, leveraging new technologies to produce innovative solutions. My experience encompasses software engineering, IT and AV hardware, web design, electronics, project management, scheduling and budgeting.

After 11 years at Science Projects I have developed a keen understanding of how users interact with software interfaces. I am particularly interested in the digital medium as a narrative and communicative tool, as well as an art form in its own right.

Clients of my work include:

Science Museum London, Singapore Science Center, Bank of England, Technopolis Belgium, Nike UK, London Zoo, The Scientific Center Kuwait, Indianapolis Children's Museum USA, ThinkTank Birmingham, National Museums Liverpool, Petrosains Kuala Lumpur, Vilvite Norway.

Sep 1998 – Sep 2000

Snibston Discovery Park, Leicestershire

Senior Interactive Exhibit Developer at this large science, industry and fashion museum. The small nature of the team allowed me to be involved in all aspects of the exhibit development process including conception and design.

As an in-house exhibit developer, I had the opportunity to study how visitors interacted with the things I produced and learn from this.

Oct 1997 – Sep 1998

Afterglow Design, Nottingham

After graduation, I ran my own small design and make company producing furniture and installations to commission.

Interests       

I am interested in anything where technology and art combine, particularly emerging digital and kinetic art, AI and computer vision. I recently completed online courses in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.

I also love distance running, especially in the countryside, whatever the weather!

References       

Tim Holdsworth

Production Manager

Science Projects Ltd

14 Colville Road

London W3 8BL

020 8741 2305

tim@science-projects.org

Ian Walters

Workshop Manager

Science Projects Ltd

14 Colville Road

London W3 8BL

020 8741 2305

ian@science-projects.org