blog
My Week With Spencer Swinden - By Kerry Till Date: 15/01/2010
Whilst studying at university I’ve got to see what it takes to become an interior designer. I have enjoyed the experience so much, yes I’ve had my ups and downs on the course but I’ve carried on and loved it. I’m in my last year now and when I heard about an interior design placement I thought why not? I wanted to learn more about the profession and look at how the business is run on a day to day basis, as I’ve never had the chance before.
I had a look at the company’s website (spencerswinden.com) that would be running the placement and realised that Martin and Mel specialise in the areas that I would like to do in my career, the leisure industry. This made me want to get the placement even more and I was looking forward to the interview. When I walked into the room I was very nervous at first but Martin and Mel soon made me feel much more comfortable, probably the most comfortable I’ve ever been whilst doing a presentation. We also had a chat about me and the placement which I found very relaxed and no pressure on me what so ever. I left feeling very happy! A couple of weeks later I found out I’d got it. I was so excited and shocked that I was chosen. As soon as I got home I rang Martin and he explained to me everything that I needed to know. Very helpful and very friendly!
Day 1 - When I was on my way to the placement I didn’t feel nervous at all as Mel and Martin had been very helpful and even gave me notes on the project that I would be helping with. I walked in and I felt so welcome and fitted in straight away. Firstly Martin told me about the company and the stages they go through in a project, there is so much to consider and lots of preparation. We talked about project concepts, planning permissions, the environment, technical drawings, site management (which seems scary) and the goal of design. For the project I’ll be working on the goal is to attract the right types of customers to a pub to increase the pubs profit. I also learnt a little more about a recent project and what sort of things Mel was looking for. I got straight on the net searching for images that would be useful and we were researching for concepts, materials, features etc. We brainstormed the images that I had found and got feedback on them to see if I was on the right path.
Day 2 - Very exciting day!! We got to go on site 
I’d never seen this side of interior design before and I loved it. It gave me a better understanding of the space and what could potentially go in it. The only downside?… It was a long drive! When we got back we were looking at different materials that could be used in the project. This is my favourite part! I could have spent hours looking through them all.
Day 3 - Weather was too bad to go in :( so had to stay at home! Mel phoned me to let me know. Still did some research on the project and emailed it to her at the end of the day.
Day 4 - Snow cleared up so back to work! Mel gave me a list of things that I needed to research for the project. It’s interesting to see what you can find on the net. There are so many unique and funky things out there. I also seen how Mel deals with suppliers and it was nice for me to meet them too. Again got to look at amazing wallpaper and materials! Before it was time to go home Martin talked to me about presentation skills (which I need) so this was very helpful to me and will benefit me so much! Mel also helped me with AutoCAD and gave me very helpful advice on it.
Day 5 - Last day :( Mel is at a meeting so I’m carrying on seeing what I can find out for the project and looking through all the gorgeous materials that are here in the office library. I’m doing a small presentation later in front of them both, a little nervous but nothing I need to worry about. They’re going to give me feedback and help me with what I need to improve on!
I’ve loved every day of the placement and I hope I can return to see how the project is coming along. I can’t believe just how quick this week has gone. It’s been very helpful and I’ve learnt so much about all the things that actually go into a project. Thank you Mel and Martin for everything you have done for me x
