Designers on Crossroads: Why so many?

[Daniel Freeman]

I've been flicking through some old episodes again recently. And a silly thought entered my head. (it happens now and again)
Off the top of my head names like Alan Hunter-Craig, Elizabeth Dorrity, Don Davidson, John Sholz-Conway spring to mind. Now I'm not highly knowledgeable about production staff - but DO know that a designer designs sets. Why then did designers keep changing - when the sets remained the same. Did one design the Motel reception, another one the kitchen, another one Meg's sitting room etc?
And they just shared the credit?  Silly question I know.....

[Mike of CAS]

I guess its something to do with each episode or one where a new set is introduced.

People say the show didn't have attention to detail, but there is a Kings Oak cheque book in one with cheques all branded with the fictional Heathbury ect. So the designer who made that would I guess be the one credited on the end.

It'll be any props specially made for a scene I'd think.

[River Slotter]

There are usually two designers on a long running programme; a production designer and a designer.  The production designer is the person who designs the original set, and the designer is the day-to-day standby person looking after the set.  For example, if the script requires a something small made, they would design it and pass it on to the craftsmen.  If the main set needs adjusting for a specific scene, the designer would do that too.  As a result, any designer is assigned to the project.  Crossroads only ever credited the designer and not the production designer (apart from when the production designer was also assigned as the designer)

[Daniel Freeman]

Hmm. Well whoever designed the Brownlows sitting room didn't have much enthusiasm! And as for the designer of the early-eighties 'Purple Odeon' Motel interior - I assume he went onto creating Sci-Fi or Game Show sets!!
Also, whilst on the subject, Ed Lawtons kitchen - everytime they opened the door to 'outside' - I'm sure it changed from year to year!
And I wont even mention Mr Booth & Helens chalet 14, I've mentioned this one before!!

[Mike of CAS]

I think the problems with the window views may be down to more the set people, and not keeping the same scenery for backdrops.

[Aston Cross]

From what I recall of the Brownlows' sitting room, I always thought it was rather well designed.  It certainly seemed very familiar and homely.  I can remember visiting people throughout the early 80s and finding similar furnishings in their houses.