I am researching interior design agencies which hold the same values and interests as me. Oliver Heath Design is based in Brighton, they specialise in Biophilic design to benefit the health and well being of there clients by improving there connection to nature in the built environment.
I have signed up to FilmFreeway - It's a platform which allows you to see and apply for competitions and festival internationally. There are a few Poetry film festivals which I would be really interested into apply to, the deadlines for this year have closed but it is nice to know they are out there.
Ongoing collection of Contacts and Opportunities ...
L&G Looking at studios and companies which share my interest in the use of materials as a way of communicating, and how this can be translated into the design of a space. The studio below 'Ladies & Gentlemen' is based in the US, I'm interested in how the covert their playful sculptural design into the design of a commercial space such as the clothes store (visually referenced below). I like seeing the process of 2D design concepts converted into 3D models and spatial concepts to then physically created an actual space. I feel like I could utilise my method of communicating through space and materials in a commercial setting, translating it into the creation of a brand identity for commercial spaces.
I have been offered a place at the RCA!! I will be starting in October!
Contacting the University of Texas - Austin School of Architecture - Interior Design MA
John Pawson
'John Pawson has spent over thirty years making rigorously simple architecture that speaks of the fundamentals but is also modest in character. His body of work spans a broad range of scales and typologies, from private houses, sacred commissions, galleries, museums, hotels, ballet sets, yacht interiors and a bridge across a lake.'
'sense of engaging with the essence of a philosophy of space through everything the eye sees or the hand touches is a defining aspect of Pawson’s work.'
Anna Glover
Our projects span both residential and commercial spaces. We work closely with interior designers, architects and private clients to create spaces that tell a story.
Rougham Hall Estate I contacted the owner of Rougham Hall Estate as I was really interested in using the derelict inside rooms as a location to set up and document my installation. Unfortunately, he never replied.
Studio Alt Shift
'Founded by Shai Akram and Andrew Haythornthwaite, Studio Alt Shift is a design studio for material research and production of spaces and objects. The studio uses narrative as a means to initiate briefs and explores ideas through process-led material investigation.'
I came across Studio Alt Shift when I was researching the visiting tutors for the interior design programme at the RCA. It was really great to find a design studio who creates spaces from narrative. It showed me how my eduction in Illustration can be applied to interior design. This studio created furniture ranges, commercial interiors, product rangers, set design, and they have also been involved in exhibition design. I can imagine creating a studio similar to this in the future, specialising in the design of spaces and objects in response to existing or created narrative. I can apply my current knowledge of materials, form and light to spaces which function for a specific purpose, such as set design.
LinkedIn Profile
My new profile for 'The Dots'
During our visit to the Business Centre in Angel for the New Designer's Preparation day we had an inspirational talk by the CEO and Founder of The Dots - Pip Jamieson. She talked about the gap in the market for a networking platform specifically for creatives. She recently moved to London for Australia to set up The Dots - a social platform similar to the function of LinkedIn, however it's only for people in the creative industries. It allows you to apply for internships and jobs directly through the website, and it allows allows you to show art projects you are working on.
Sheridan&Co.
'Sheridan&Co is a global retail design agency with offices in London, New York and Shanghai. We work in partnership with our clients to create retail environments that influence the rate at which consumers engage with brands. Whether you are looking for a beginning to end retail interior design solution, or a particular expertise from strategy, to design, to implementation, we design and deliver any retail environment, anywhere in the world.'
In September 2016 I did a weeks work experience at Sheridan&Co's agency in London. It was a fantastic experience allowing me to work and learn from a vibrant team of creatives. I was involved in conducting market research for future brand development, making digital inspiration boards to start the brand identity process, and helping to prepare presentations for perspective clients. Alongside these tasks I was producing illustrations and graphics to enhance the appeal of the presentations used for communicating the potential brand identity and design.
Following on from this week's experience Jules Sheridan the CEO and Founder said I was welcome to come back and help out at the London agency again! It was an amazing working environment and it was great to develop relationships with the working team.
Below is the email I sent to Julien Sheridan to ask about work experience in the April before I worked in their office. It was a great way to practice researching a company and preparing a cover letter.
I have submitted my application for Interior Design MA at RCA.
Personal Statement: The space around me is important to my practice, and is a constant stimulation for my creativity. My recent study into environmental psychology for my dissertation has encouraged me to question the way I look at my surroundings. These theories have significantly shaped my practice. I am interested in the manipulation of space to enhance its purpose and emotional impact. Living in a remote part of the North Norfolk coast has brought out a voyeuristic fascination with cities, enabling me to appreciate the beauty of the mundane architectural landscape and it’s connect or disconnect with society in all it’s forms. I have become fascinated with the study of Biophilic Architecture, which describes the importance of incorporating nature into the built environment for the holistic wellbeing and functioning of humans. This research examines our preference of architecture which incorporates similar qualities of the natural landscape. This connection rooted in nature is innate in our biology as human beings. Now we are living in a world that is becoming increasingly built of interior spaces; according to the Environmental Protection Agency the average American spends 93% of their life indoors. I think it is significantly important to understand the psychology of design and apply this knowledge to the creation of spaces which benefit our health and happiness. Studying interior design at the RCA would challenge my practice, giving me the time to fully immerse myself in the spatial language and theory of design. After researching the work of tutors who teach this course I discovered Studio Alt Shift. It is inspiring to see that narrative is used as a means to generate ideas in the production of space. From my studies in Illustration, I have learnt how to create, shape and disseminate narrative. I have discovered throughout my undergraduate degree the diversity and playfulness of visual communication. I aim to embody my knowledge of illustration into the way I create and visualise space. I am enthusiastic to rise to the challenges and opportunities that studying at the RCA will offer by building, extending and situating my practice in interior design. To have two years of support and opportunities at the RCA would give me the time to experiment with my existing curiosities and develop connections with the industry. I am eager and ready to develop as a practitioner within the subject of interior design - leaving with the experience, skills and scope to meet my ambitions for excellence in my future design practice.
Artist Statement:
I challenge myself to see beyond the mundanities of the environment I inhabit, and to unravel the narrative which draws the space out of it’s elements. I document the connection between society and the built environment, to experience, reflect on, and visually communicate the diverse activity of how we utilise or neglect space. I practice noticing the spaces which I occupy; detecting, capturing, and constructing the beauty in the natural play of light within the proximity of an interior space; changing forms, textures and colours which shape the perception of an inside environment. My practice exists to play with the limitations of creativity, driving forwards the experimentation of materials to communicate narrative.
Reference: Kate is currently studying her Third Year on BA (Hons) Illustration at Norwich University of the Arts. I have worked with her through the transition into this final year – in particular within a focus 'Reader' group who have a connecting interest in architectural and interior design language. The group of twelve have developed their individual contextual and theoretical research in exchange with one another – alongside developing their skillsets in their use of wood, metal, plaster, plastics in the 3D workshop. By doing so, Kate's research and practice is inseparable as she has tackled her dissertation ste-by-step with some exciting, narratively-driven prototyping and testing. The process has led her to make this decision to apply for an MA in Interior Design, in particular at the RCA because of the synergy between its tutors' practices and the critically driven programme. She is an excellent collaborator, centrally involved in each stage of curatorial activity this year – including a work-in-progress exhibition-event and an upcoming show of work made in partnership with 78 UEA Creative Writing students. Kate has the application, curiosity, method and critical aptitude to make very good use of a postgraduate course. She is aware of the challenge a subject-switch can present but has the kind of energetic, speculative approach to capitalise on the opportunity. Peter Nencini
Application deadlines :We encourage you to apply at least one month prior to entry so that we have enough time to process your application. If you are also applying for funding or will require a visa then we strongly recommend you apply as early as possible. We may consider late applications if we have places available, but you should contact the relevant Admissions Office for advice first.
I have decided not to apply yet as the deadline is more flexible, I will wait until I have the time to go to an open day.