<p dir="ltr"><strong>Hey Beth! How has life been since you graduated? How did your role at Vispring come about?</strong><br />After graduating from University, I started off working for Ashton House Design as a maternity cover interior designer, before moving on to work as a 3D visualiser for KTA Architects. </p> <p dir="ltr">When catching up with my Course Leader, <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/people/cathryn-bishop">Cathryn Bishop</a>, on LinkedIn, she mentioned that Vispring were looking for a Junior Retailer Designer and she thought I’d be perfect for the role, so I contacted them and got the job.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>What are some of your responsibilities and activities in your role at Vispring?</strong><br />As a Junior Retailer Designer, I work with the company to develop their new store concepts and carry them out at locations across the globe, including stores in America, Asia, Europe and the UK.</p> <p dir="ltr">To support the store designs, I create technical drawings and 3D designs. The use of 3D visualisations is crucial as they must simply demonstrate the entire concept to each retailer. I also assist my team with interior design blogs, trade show design, photoshoots, and marketing promotions. My biggest achievement to date whilst working for Vispring, was <a href="https://www.vispring.com/en-uk/blog/visprings-second-showroom-opens-at-the-design-centre-chelsea-harbour/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">designing the new showroom in Chelsea Design Centre, London</a> which opened in May.<br /></p>

<p dir="ltr"><strong>Sounds amazing! What would you say you’ve gained from the experience at Vispring so far?</strong><br />I never thought as a student I would be completing store fit-outs, so learning this was a big step for my career. This has involved industry experience, learning to work with existing floor and lighting fixtures, and finding out what it takes to make the Vispring brand stand out against competitors. </p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>What is it like working with Vispring?</strong><br />Since starting here 18 months ago, Vispring has been really welcoming and kind. They’ve been so supportive in my role and further learning. They always push me to keep learning, which will only better me in my role and my career. They also include me in every opportunity, such as photoshoots, store openings and award shows, making me feel like I’m a really valuable member of the team.<br /></p>

<p dir="ltr"><strong>What made you decide to study at Arts University Plymouth?</strong><br />The course caught my attention when searching for interior courses, because it seemed to cover more interior design-related topics compared to others. After visiting the university for an Open Day, I saw how much Arts University Plymouth has to offer in terms of resources and I loved how small but individual the university was. Believe it or not, I’d never heard of Plymouth before studying here. I didn’t know anything that the city had to offer, but it has become one of my favourite places.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>What was your experience like on the Interior Design &amp; Styling course?</strong><br />It was amazing to be surrounded by inspiring junior interior designers, working together to learn and grow in the industry. I loved the different aspects of interior design that were covered, for example, making and designing our own magazine, set design photoshoots, and even putting together our own graduate show.</p> <p dir="ltr">The lecturers really pushed us to open up to every aspect of interior design and gain as much experience as we could before graduating. I’ll forever be grateful to my tutors for their support and encouragement, I wouldn’t be the designer I am today without them.<br /></p>

<p dir="ltr"><strong>What was your favourite thing about Arts University Plymouth?</strong><br />I really love the creative community that Arts University Plymouth has. There’s a feeling of togetherness. The university really supports you and listens to what the students have to say to make the university better. During my studies, I was the sustainability representative for two years running and I even created my own cat society! It was amazing to be able to fill these positions and be part of the university itself.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Who or what would you say inspires you and your practice?</strong><br />Growing up, I decorated my room any way I liked, and my mother encouraged me to pursue my artistic ambitions. That was definitely the starting point of knowing what I wanted to achieve when I grew up. My mum is my greatest inspiration because she always trusted in me and taught me to pursue a career that I’ll enjoy.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Finally, what advice would you give to a student looking to get into the interiors industry?</strong><br />Don’t be afraid to take any position in the interior design sector, even if it’s not your dream role. Getting into the industry is the first big step, and then you’ll figure it out from there. Since graduating, I have tried so many different roles, but it’s helped me learn what kind of interior designer I’ve wanted to be from my experiences. I never thought that I would be doing store design after my degree, but it’s been a pleasant experience to learn about what it takes and I can carry that experience and knowledge throughout my career.<br /></p>

<p dir="ltr">Arts University Plymouth’s <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/ba-hons-interior-design">Interior Design &amp; Styling degree</a> generates inspired graduates who are visually intelligent and well acquainted with technical drawing packages. Cutting across a range of interior disciplines, students gain an introduction to designing interiors for various environments, from residential and commercial spaces to public realm and even transport. Students work in dedicated design studios, with skilled technical support staff and access to the Fab Lab for digital prototyping, as well as wood, metal, and glass workshops, digital print facilities, AutoCAD design software, and design intelligence facilities. The university’s extensive photographic resources include large-format scanners and an infinity cove, a seamless curved studio with a solid backdrop for commercial-standard photography.</p> <p dir="ltr">This course places a high value on both local and international industry connections, encouraging students to attend London Design Fair, Tate Modern, The Design Museum and Dutch Design Week – alongside group visits to interiors shows such as Maison&amp;Objet in Paris and IMM Cologne in Germany.</p> <p dir="ltr">To find out more, visit the next <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/events/open-day-undergraduate-and-postgraduate-sept-24">Open Day</a> on Saturday 22 June 2024, from 10am until 2pm. The Open Day coincides with our <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/graduate-shows-2024">Graduate Shows 2024</a>, a once-a-year opportunity to look around the University of the Year for South West England, as voted for by students, and see examples of the very best work created by graduating students who are completing a wide range of creative qualifications.<br /></p>