Reflection on Placement Experience

For my personal branding, I focused on creating a minimalist aesthetic that reflects a refined and professional identity. This approach is evident in the design of my business cards, which align closely with the clean and understated look I have developed so far. During the design development process, I experimented with several variations, exploring different layouts and typography styles. However, I ultimately decided that maintaining a minimalist, cohesive style across all elements of my branding would create a stronger, more consistent impression. This refined approach will continue to guide the development of my promotional materials throughout my placement.

Throughout this unit, I developed key skills including professional use of LinkedIn, building industry connections, and creating my own website and blog, which expanded my understanding of personal branding. My communication and time management improved through working on my brand and studio time at Hawthorn Interiors. The placement also taught me valuable industry knowledge, such as client interaction, fabric selection, and the processes behind curtain making, upholstery, and spatial planning, skills I had not fully considered before.

Existing Skills I Applied!

• Developing a Brief: One of the first specific skills I applied at Hawthorn Interiors was developing a design brief. For one of the projects, we started with just a blank floorplan and an empty apartment.

  I was responsible for helping to build a full scheme, including selecting furniture, exploring paint finishes, considering lighting effects, and pulling together a consistent design.

  The experience built on the skills I had developed from working towards deadlines at university, but in a real-world setting with greater responsibility and creative freedom.

  
  

• Spatial Planning: Another important skill I applied was spatial planning, ensuring that the layouts we proposed worked both practically and aesthetically for the apartments, specifically the project in Bermondesy.

  Having increased knowledge of scaled drawings and circle plans from my university work proved extremely beneficial when working out furniture placement and room flow.

  Understanding how to space furniture properly was crucial for the success of the designs, particularly when staging show homes where first impressions are everything.

  
  

• Communication and Collaboration: A third skill I was able to develop further was professional communication and collaboration.

  Working directly with clients, contractors, suppliers, and other designers required strong interpersonal skills and professionalism.

  I had opportunities to present my design ideas to Katie, the director, and receive professional feedback, which helped me understand how to manage feedback, refine ideas, and communicate design concepts clearly and confidently.

Skills I felt I learnt!

• Budget Management and Procurement: I gained practical experience in managing project budgets and sourcing materials with constraints. This involved obtaining quotes, coordinating with suppliers, and ensuring that design choices aligned with both aesthetic goals and budgetary limits.​

  
  

• Adaptability and Problem-Solving: Working on live projects allowed me to see unexpected challenges, such as last-minute client requests or delivery delays. I learned to adapt quickly, think creatively, and develop effective solutions to keep projects on track.​

  
  

• Sample and Fabric Knowledge: During my placement, I developed a deeper understanding of textiles and materials, including their properties, applications, and suitability for various design contexts. I gained hands-on experience in selecting appropriate fabrics for upholstery and window treatments, considering factors such as durability, texture, and color coordination. This enhanced my ability to make informed decisions that align with both aesthetic goals and functional requirements.​

This brief has played a key role in preparing me for the transition into Year 3 by giving me real world context for the skills I've developed so far. Working on live projects has strengthened my confidence in decision-making, presentation, and time management, all of which will be crucial for my final year. It also helped me understand the importance of balancing creativity with practicality, especially when responding to client needs, budgets, and timelines. Gaining hands on experience with materials, suppliers, and industry-standard processes has made me feel more prepared and focused for the challenges ahead in Year 3.

This work experience has been influential in shaping my perspective on my future as a designer. It has helped me recognise the areas of interior design I’m most drawn to particularly concept development, material sourcing, and spatial planning within residential and show home projects. Seeing how a design studio operates day-to-day gave me a clearer understanding of the pace, expectations, and responsibilities involved, which will influence how I approach future projects at university and beyond. It’s also made me more confident in pursuing a career path that blends creativity with client interaction and has motivated me to further develop my technical skills, industry knowledge, and professional communication as I work towards establishing myself in the field.

Overall, I approached each task with willingness to learn, whether it was assisting with design schemes, spatial planning, or engaging with clients and suppliers. I showed adaptability, particularly when working on live briefs/ show home standards or adjusting designs based on feedback. A strength was my ability to take initiative, especially during concept development and product sourcing. However, I also recognised areas for growth, such as gaining deeper technical knowledge about ordering procedures and the finer details of client presentations. This placement has not only built my confidence but also helped me better understand the standards expected in a professional interior design setting, I gained valuable insight into the interior design industry, particularly how fast paced, detail-oriented, and collaborative it is