My week with Spencer Swinden – By Marta Dulinska Date: 19/05/2010
During my three years at the University of Wolverhampton studying Interior Design I gained a lot of relevant skills and an even bigger passion for design. I learned many important things from my tutors in both lectures and workshops, as well as from books, magazines and the internet. I knew that to become a good designer, I would need to experience how designers work in real life.
When I heard about a work placement opportunity at Spencer Swinden I applied straight away and was very excited to be asked to attend an interview with the opportunity to show my portfolio. I was a little bit nervous as it was my first real work interview.
Prior to the interview, I looked at the Spencer Swinden website. I wanted to learn more about the company and was surprised with its quality. It had great images, colour schemes and content. Also there were projects on which they had worked all in sector in which I would like to work in a future. I got even more excited and wanted to get this placement.
I prepared my portfolio, CV and little brochure and started to become more nervous. When I stepped into the room and met Melony and Martin my stress disappeared. They both were very kind and made me feel very welcome and relaxed. I started my presentation and on completion they asked me a few questions about the reasons why I wanted to attend the placement and also about my future plans. They both were very nice and at the same time very professional and made me feel very welcome.
After couple of weeks I got phone call from university saying that I was chosen to attend a placement, I was very happy and privileged. I phoned Melony to thank her for choosing me and asked her for some more details such as work hours, what equipment should I bring etc. she answered all my questions and I got even more excited that in a couple of weeks I will work in a real interior design company. Later on I received an e-mail from Melony with details of the project on which I will work during placement and I started researching it. Through brainstorming I got a few ideas which I shared with Melony through e-mails. It was very nice to feel as part of a big project and for a first time as a professional.
Day one:
When I arrived at Spencer Swinden, Melony welcomed me with cup of tea and a big smile. She showed me where everything was and on what projects she was working on at the moment. Martin talked me through their design process which gave me a great understanding of how complex it is and how well organised designers need to be. He explained how I should prepare for work interviews. Martin also explained what factors to consider and remember when taking on new projects in the conception stage. He also told me how Spencer Swinden interior design is different to other interior design companies. It was a very important lesson which I will never forget. After that, Melony asked me for my ideas and we brainstormed together. We talked about different materials, finishes and atmosphere which we want to create in new projects. I prepared a 3d visualization of my ideas and researched fabrics which could be used in a scheme.
Day two:
Another exciting day. After showing Melony what work I had done the previous night at home, Melony asked me to help her with preparing a Mood Board for a large restaurant client. I helped in choosing images, colours, cutting them off and arranging on a board after. The result was very good and Melony went to show it to the client. Later that day I worked on floor plans for a pub project and did a bit of research. Also Martin and I looked at how Spencer Swinden research of demographics for projects that considers Spencer Swinden’s clients customer base.
Day three:
It was another great day. After doing a few technical drawings and preparing the new e-brochure for the company we went to see pub that Melony had designed previously. We talked about materials and the theme used and if all changes were successful. Than we had a lovely meal and Melony took photos of it. I learned a lot of things and gained a better understanding of how their projects feel.
Day four:
A very exciting day. I finished the Spencer Swinden e-brochure and the floor plans for the project I had become involved in. I also did some research for brick-a-brac for the pub. After that, Melony and I went to a brick-a-brac yard where we bought many things which will be perfect for decorating the pub. We then went to a massive design shop. We spend hours in there but finally found everything what we needed to make the pub even more cosy and interesting. After that we came back to the office and talked about projects and work as a designer.
Day five:
Last day of the placement L It’s a shame this week couldn’t last longer! Today I was drawing plans of a new pub and preparing a wall and floor finishes schedule. I learned how to prepare good drawings and what details it should contain.
It was a great fun. I learned so much through all the 5 days. Not only many did I learn many interesting methods on how to make drawings quicker, but also a lot about how to talk to clients, how to start design, how to consider the goals of a design, to research a clients customer base, how to get ideas, how to choose materials and much more. The atmosphere was amazing, everyone treated each other with respect. It would be a pleasure to work in this company. I am happy that I can still keep in touch with Mel and Martin and that I can help them from time to time with their new projects.
Thank you so much for giving me chance to learn more and for that amazing week, it is a pleasure to work with people like you and I would definitely recommend your company to everyone.
Comments
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