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Apple's Newly Knighted Design Chief Talks Inspiration

Newly knighted Apple chief designer Jonathan Ive reveals his career inspiration in a rare interview.

May 23, 2012

News of Jonathan Ive's knighthood was , but the actual ceremony occurred just hours ago in England. The specific honor, which now allows the Apple design chief to be called Sir Jonathan Ive, makes him a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE) thanks to his "services to design and enterprise."

To offer some perspective regarding the kinds of people who receive knighthoods, consider that the list includes the likes of science fiction author Sir Arthur C. Clarke, Star Trek's Sir Patrick Stewart (Captain Picard), and Virgin CEO Sir Richard Branson. The title is not only one of the highest honors a British citizen can receive, but it also involves a bit of patriotism as the person knighted is generally considered a walking unofficial representative of the country's cultural legacy.

Although in the past some Brits have controversially turned down the offer of knighthood, Ive was very happy to receive the honor. In a rare interview with the Telegraph, Ive revealed that while he remains committed to Apple's mission, he views his journey to design excellence as the product of his British background.

"Even in high school I was keenly aware of this remarkable tradition that the U.K. had of designing and making," he said. "It's important to remember that Britain was the first country to industrialise, so I think there's a strong argument to say this is where my profession was founded."

Some of that familiar Steve Jobsian attention to spirituality and ethics seeped into his comments. "We're keenly aware that when we develop and make something and bring it to market that it really does speak to a set of values," Ive said. "And what preoccupies us is that sense of care, and what our products will not speak to is a schedule, what our products will not speak to is trying to respond to some corporate or competitive agenda. We're very genuinely designing the best products that we can for people."

Not surprisingly, Ive did not offer any details about what Apple has up its sleeve, but he conceded that "what we're working on now feels like the most important and the best work we've done."

While some appear to be concerned about Apple's future now that its founder has passed away, if Ive's comments are any indication, the company is in very good hands. The BBC released video of the grand event during which Ive received the traditional shoulder tap accolade with a sword as well as a medal, followed by a short conversation with the royal presenter.