5 Reasons to Pursue a Career in Design: Insights from an Architect and Interior Designer

/

5 reasons to become a designer

If you’re considering a career in design, whether it’s in architecture, interior design, or related fields, you’ve come to the right place. As an architect and interior designer with years of experience, I’m thrilled to share with you the top five reasons why embracing a career in design can be immensely rewarding and fulfilling.

Design is more than just aesthetics—it’s about problem-solving, creativity, and shaping environments that improve lives. I have always had an interest in design and the arts - drawing and making things so naturally, I took Art & Design at school, and my path to becoming a designer started.

5 Reasons Why I Became A Designer

Here are five compelling reasons why diving into the world of design might be your perfect fit:

1/ Do what you love

I love design, it’s that simple. It’s who I am, it’s what I think about. I see, analyze and critic it all the time. I surrounded myself with things that inspired me, and I found new ideas and projects everywhere.

2/ Think outside the box

I get to express my creativity in my work and what I do. I work with other like-minded, creative people. We collaborate, we problem-solve, we encourage and push each other, but most importantly, we think outside the box.

3/ Never stop learning

I am constantly learning. I design, redesign, test, redesign…It’s not easy, and it’s never 9-5 but I design things that are made, or built, and will hopefully be there for a very long time.

4/ Designing for the world around us, the spaces we live and work in

My job involves a lot of critical thinking and an understanding of psychology. I design for the end-user so it’s not about colour or fluffy decor but I design out spaces; homes and workplaces. It directly affects people’s daily lives.

5/ Give back with a passion for Design

I’m an Architect but I teach too so I get to give back. I’m truly passionate about what I do and love working with students and young designers in their studies and projects.

Join us on Pinterest

Do you want to become a Designer, if so, why?

Architecture Students: Stationary & Software

/
Architecture Students: Stationary & Software

Congratulations!! You’ve just accepted your place at University, College or Art School…now what?

Getting prepared for your course: stationery and stuff

You will likely receive a list of books and supplies for your course, watch your budget, and don’t get carried away. Art and designer students tend to have a love for stationery already so you might not need to get too many items before you start but if you do, below I'm sharing some of the more practical items for you to invest in.

WATCH THE VIDEO

Student Expenses

Becoming a student of higher education comes with a lot of different expenses. Fees are obviously a big one, and you might be looking at moving out and into student accommodation so rent and travel expenses come into it, food, bills, supplies, etc. Start to list out all your expected expenses so you can start to work ut your budget and how you will cover them.

Moving out, leaving home, and learning to live without the support of your folks or roommates. Of course, for some of you, student life still means living at home - slightly more awkward for all-nighters but possibly better on the budget. 

If you are planning on moving out and into your own place then start to prepare a box of basic; pots and pans, cups, plates, towels, bedding, etc. Charity shops and Facebook marketplace could be your best friend soon.

Making money whilst studying

You might need to look into a part-time job or freelance work whilst studying and learning to balance course work with paid work, and fitting in some downtime can be challenging. 

Well done if you already have this covered and can continue in a job you are in but if not then see if your chosen school has a ‘job shop’ (this is a place where you can find jobs suited to students, hours, semesters).

Once you are on campus, keep an eye out for shop/bar/restaurant with adverts in the windows, often places will be looking for Saturday help or evening shifts ideal for students. It is best to try and find out what your term schedule will be first as courses have classes and lectures at different times, not always every day, therefore you can pick up shifts to work around your classes and workload. 

Materials, Budget, DIY

Art students can spend a lot on materials but it is wise to collect materials as you go if you are not already doing this. Make life easier for yourself by making your own sketchbooks, storing cardboard sheets for models, and presenting on both sides of the mount board. Budget, try to buy materials as you go, and do not leave it to a day before a hand in. Get that printing credit on your card, pay off the Library fine, book your holiday travel and start to save money for that study trip. 

Stationery

As an art student, of any design course, you will be expected to come to class and tutorials prepared with your own equipment. 

The following is a list of what I would recommend for students of subjects like Interior Design, Architecture, Interior Architecture, and ModelMakihng - it’s a good idea to keep them all in a durable container (a small toolbox is commonly used): 

I advised to have the following at home:

Computers: Mac or PC?

It’s like an age-old question within the design community - PC or Mac? Personally, whilst studying and working as an Architect, I always worked on a PC due to the software I mainly used. These days, I love my Mac and work a lot on my iPad Pro. If you are planning to purchase a new machine, speak to your course team first.

Most courses will not require you to purchase a computer or laptop but it’s advisable in the long term and might make your life a lot easier. 

A lot of Universities and Colleges have computers for you to access on campus however this might not be convenient for working from, and more suited to group work. 

Your phone is perfectly adequate for notes and pictures, and you might find an iPad or surface a more user-friendly, lightweight option for working between classes, lecture theatres, libraries, and so on. 

Base tech purchases on your budget of course, and your working style. 

Design software

If you decide to work from your own computer (PC/Mac) then you'll need to look into getting hold of the appropriate software (student discounts often apply).

I recommend the following software, especially for Interior Design, Interior Arch and Architecture students, but please check with your course team for more info:

NOTE: It is worth waiting until you have been advised by your tutor as to which software they support and will be teaching you, and when.

Often you will not be on a computer until term 2 / 3 of a course.  

Architecture 'Additional Reading' List

/
Architecture 'Additional Reading' List

Seen as you have all these spare half days, empty slots in your timetable, and possibly even a reading week, as if, I've taken the time to list out some of the books I think you will find interesting - let's be honest...even if it's just to look at the pictures.

So, as for a more general and inspirational collection, there is a huge selection to choose from regarding Design and Architecture, Furniture, and Product. It is a great idea to have a copy of the main books as recommended by your course however often there is not a huge selection to choose from when it comes to the Interior, here is a selection of additional book, perhaps for the Christmas and birthday lists:

  1. Brooker, G & Stone S. (2008) Context & Environment (Basics Interior Architecture Series 02), Lausanne: AVA Academia

  2. Ching, F D K, & Binggeli C. (2012) Interior Design Illustrated, Van Nostrand & Reinhold

  3. Frampton K, Modern Architecture, A Critical History, London: Thames & Hudson

  4. Gagg, R. (2011) Texture & Materials (Basics Interior Architecture Series 05), Lausanne: AVA Academia

  5. Massey, A. (2008) Interior Design Since 1900, London: Thames & Hudson

  6. Rasmussen, S. E. (1962) Experiencing Architecture, Boston: MIT Press

  7. Farrelly, L. (2014) Representational Techniques, (Basic Architecture Series 01), Lausanne: AVA Academia

  8. Aquilino, M J. (2011) Beyond Shelter: Architecture For Crisis, Thames & Hudson

Architecture Student's Booklist

/
Architecture Student's Booklist

Whether you're heading to an Open Day, had your interview, got your place, or already started on a course, you will need to start thinking about the dreaded book list, and if you will actually spend any of your hard-earned cash purchasing any of them. My advice is if you have some pennies to spare, take advantage of this time and money to invest in the basic book list. I suggest the following books mainly for Interior Design/Architecture courses but you can adapt if you're studying another art and design course.

Library

Universities and Colleges have fantastic Libraries, with Librarians who are not only friendly but can and will, assist you in finding out what it is you are after. There are loads of books, e-books, magazines and journals, online links, and tutorials, plus they often have a large selection of DVDs and videos from educational documentaries to inspirational movies. And, do not forget your local library too, they are perfect for local historical information, maps, old photos, etc. 

Books

If you are planning to study the interior, be it Interior Design or Interior Architecture and Design, I have listed some great books to help get you started and feed into your studies. The start of term is when students tend to have a little bit of money and therefore there is far more chance they will spend it on course supplies than any other student spending. With this in mind, I recommended the following four books:

  1. Ching, F D K. Architectural Graphics, Van Nostrand & Reinhold

  2. Littlefield, D. (2012) Metric Handbook: Planning & Design Data, London: Routledge

  3. Ross, A., Hatreed, J. & Baden-Powell, C. (2011) Architects Pocket Book, London: Architectural Press

  4. Architecture For Humanity. (2006) Design Like You Give A Damn, Thames & Hudson

  5. Pile, J. (2013) A History of Interior Design, London: Laurence King

  6. Plunkett, D. (2010) Construction and Detailing for Interior Design, Laurence King

  7. Brown, R. (2012) Materials and Interior Design, Laurence King

  8. McLeod V. (2012)Detail in Contemporary Residential Architecture, Laurence King [with CD of drawings] full series also available

PDF downloads:

Metric Handbook | Architect's Pocket Book 

Most of the books listed above will be used by both Interior Design and Architecture students alike, and are often a good investment as they will stay with you from student life to the working world. 

British Moving to Iceland - YouTube vlog

/

Relocating to Reykjavík

On a cold and dreary evening here in the UK, I share some exciting news with you...I'm off on another adventure!! 

I've travelled for many reasons before - for adventure, for education, for career, and have had some great opportunities through my current job as a senior lecturer. And this time, I'm following my heart and moving to Reykjavik in Iceland.

A leap of faith…following my heart

My boyfriend, Ingimar (who is Icelandic), and I have thought about this for months, we've discussed it - often overthought it - but it all came down to one thing, we want to be together, living and sharing a life. Long-distance relationships are challenging. Seeing each other in 2D on a screen can be hard at times but it also forces you to talk a lot more and discover so much about the other person. When you finally meet again, in 3D, every minute is so precious. 

So, as much as I joke about how I will be spending my days bathing in hot springs and conquering glaciers, I will be focussing on my creativity again and have lots of ideas up my thermal sleeve. But for now, there is a super long To-Do list to start checking off before I leave my job at University and fly home to Edinburgh for a magical Christmas with family and friends.

Week one

British, Living in Iceland

The sun is finally up and it's still snowing outside, thank goodness for my lumie lamp. I have a nice warm cup of tea and I'm ready to tell you more about my very exciting relocation news. 

Welcome to week one in Reykjavik

I arrived a week ago and was met at the airport by my fiancé plus a red rose - what a romantic. It was a complete blizzard outside so we made a run for the car park, it's been white outside ever since. First impressions...well, it feels a little like Christmas pretty much every day with the dark mornings, snowing landscape, and twinkling fairy lights BUT PLEASE ICELAND, put down some grit - I think (and hope) I will have amazing core strength by Spring. 

The next day we had a slow morning catching up and making pancakes. I had signed up to deliver a lecture the following day so had to finish preparing that. I felt quite at home with Ingimar pottering around whilst I worked away on my laptop. The next day he dropped me off at the venue and we met the team. I gave a lecture on 'Preparing a portfolio for Art College' and then met with some students to answer their questions. It was my first day of work in Iceland and it was going well - that feels like a month ago now. 

Moving and living abroad

Back to the move. Having relocated a few times now, to Japan and India, I should be an expert on this but of course, I stressed, I over-worried, I left things to the last minute, there were hiccups and letdowns, but I got here and it's all worked out just fine. 

I couldn't have done it without my mum and my fiancé, so a massive thank you goes to them. My mum flew down to Bournemouth to help me pack up the flat, get my boxes shipped, and say my final goodbyes before I flew home for Christmas. My fiancé, Ingimar, has been so supportive from the start. He knew when to help and when I needed time. He bugged me on some things and got me organized on others. He didn't worry too much when he was excited and I was, well, just plain stressed. 

It's only been a week and I'm already 3 boxes down...7 to go, but I have a good feeling about this. I've spent the week relaxing, napping, adjusting, and doing some interior planning. I have lots of ideas and have been working on education-related blog posts, my upcoming e-courses, and also recording some footage for a video diary I am now editing so will try to post it over the weekend (let's see). Yes, it's daunting to move again, and to a cold, dark country where I can't speak the language but that's just a challenge, right?...filled with potential, yeah!? Ha. But seriously, I feel very happy and lucky to be here in Reykjavik, with Ingimar, and having the time to get settled in, together.

So here we go. Surrounded by packing boxes and ideas lists…welcome to Chapter Iceland. 

have you ever relocated to a different city or country?

How To Prepare For Art College & University Entrance Interview

/

Congratulations and well done on being offered an interview for your chosen course at University or Art College (Art School)

You’ve got this, plus, it’s completely normal to feel nervous, so let’s get you as best prepared to rock your interview as possible.

How To Prepare For Art College + University Entrance Interviews

What are Open days?

University open days are a great way to visit a University or College to look around and get a feel for the place. 

Making the decision to study at a degree or postgraduate level can be difficult, but deciding on the actual University or College can often be much harder. 

Once you have applied, you may be invited for an interview. This is a chance to speak with a member of the course team (teacher) who will go over their course, show you around, ask you about your studies and experience so far and look at your portfolio. This acts as the final stage of your application and is often the deciding factor in your application- no pressure. So let’s make sure you are prepared.

Preparing for your University entrance interview 

Let’s stay with the basics, you might already have a prospectus for your chosen school, but if not, sent off for one. This way you can read up on the university, course, and campus and have a better idea of what to expect. It’ll also save you from asking any obvious questions. 

1. Look up where you are going, especially if you’re applying to and visiting different schools.

Refresh your mind - look at their website and go through all the facilities the University or College has to offer. Read up on the course and its teaching staff.

2. Get your travel sorted

Make sure you arrive in plenty of time so you are not adding to any stress on the day. If the interview is set to last a day (campus tour, etc) then consider staying overnight and traveling back the following day.

Go through your work, sketchbook, and portfolio, selecting only the best pieces, and think of what to say when explaining your work. And finally, make sure you can carry your portfolio.

3. Just like your first day of school, lay everything out the night before so nerves don’t get the better of you.

Plan your outfit, charge your phone, grab your keys and wallet, and set your portfolio out ready to go.

4. Dress smart, you might not agree that presentation matters but you will feel more confident if you present yourself well. 

Looking the part, as in smartly dressed, is important but being yourself is more so.

We (the interviewer) want you to feel comfortable and calm, able to talk about your work and ask the questions you need - but it's important to express yourself too.

5. portfolio preparation

Go through your work and sketchbooks, selecting only the best pieces. Think about what to say when explaining your work. Make sure you can carry your portfolio, it’s not too big or too heavy.

The Art & Design Portfolio

Art and design students tend to spend a lot of time preparing their portfolio of work to show at an interview - of course, the amount and level of work depends on the background of the student:

  • If you are a school leaver then you will hopefully have had a teacher assisting you

  • If you are a student on a Foundation course then you will have likely attended workshops on portfolio preparation.

  • If you have been studying a design subject prior then you are probably well advised and prepared - but this is not everyone who comes for an interview, we know that so start creating your portfolio now.

READ: I share my tips on portfolio preparation here

The portfolio is where you show off your work to date. It’s basically a folder or online link where you showcase what you can do, what you have done, and the direction of interest you have within the arts.

If you don’t have a portfolio yet or are worried it’s not ready for an interview, I teach Portfolio Preparation class you can sign up for here. 

 
 

Arrive 5-10 mins early

Don’t be late, it’s rude and shows that you aren’t organised.

If something happens outside of your control, call ahead and let the person interviewing you know (know their name for the university switchboard or reception to put your call through or have the office’s phone number to hand).

My advice for the Interviewee

AKA: the applicant (you), nervously clutching your sketchbooks and portfolio, sitting awkwardly in the welcome talk.

Relax.

It’s going to be OK and you are probably really prepared - you’ve done the hard work, now is the time to show it all off.

Use this time to speak to the person who is interviewing you. Ask them about the University or College, its students, the course, staff, the way they teach, and the way they expect you to work and learn. Discuss the projects you will do, and the experience current students are having.

Walk around the campus and check out all the facilities, ask for a tour if there is not one on offer and see if you can meet some of the existing students to ask them the questions you do not want to ask the staff. 

Take photos and note to help you remember, and check out the course blog if they have one.

The Interviewer: probably someone from the course team (teacher), the person making the decision and so - the person to show off to - but do not go over the top, be yourself. 

WHAT THEY WILL ASK YOU

1. Explain your choice for this course, University/College

Yes, this interview is for the academic interviewing you to determine if you are a good fit for the course but it’s also an opportunity for you to see if the course and university are a good fit for you. 

Trust your gut on this, you will get a good feeling if it's the right fit for you.

2. Have a relevant story you’re ready to share

An ice breaker - this is often used to get you to share something personal about the subject and why you’re interested in studying it. Name 2 designers you admire

A classic interview question so be prepared and have your designers at the ready. Know how to pronounce their name, some projects, and their style of work. Usually, this isn’t to judge you but more to get you talking about design and inspiration. 

If you are applying for Interior Architect then talk about a building you visit where you liked it, why? How did it make you feel, do you know how to style it is in, what materials are used, etc. It is good to have thought this through beforehand as it will act as an ice breaker and start the conversation moving along.

Good examples can be:

  • A building you’ve visited

  • A small project you have completed or are working on

  • A trip you took

  • A summer job you had

  • Someone who works in the industry that you know

3. Name 2 Designersyou admire

A classic interview question so be prepared and have your designers at the ready. Know how to pronounce their name, know of some of their key projects, and be able to discuss their style of work.

This question, if asked, isn’t in here to judge you but more to get you talking about design and inspiration.

If you are applying for Interior Architecture then talk about a building you visit and why you liked it. How did it make you feel, what do you know about its design style, the materials used, etc.

It’s good to have thought this through beforehand as it will act as an ice breaker and start the conversation moving along.

Show your work - the Portfolio

The interviewer will ask to see the work you have brought with you. Take your portfolio, or laptop, and put it on the table. Flick through the work, giving a short explanation of each piece. 

Try to show a good mixture of work, and medium and if you have large pieces or models then bring in photographs of the work. 

Do not undersell yourself, your work took you a lot of time and effort - do it justice and talk about it with passion and energy.

If this sounds daunting and you would like a little bit more help, we offer portfolio assistance to help you best prepare.

Thank the interviewer for their time

Try to end on a positive note, and show the interviewer that you are ready and eager to join the course. Ask any remaining questions before thanking them for their time.

Asking questions can be helpful for both you and the interviewer. Have at least 2 questions in mind. You don’t need to be overly keen but if you have something worth asking, ask away.

Speak to other students and candidates

The other student interviewing might turn out to be your future classmates, coursemates, roommates, etc so it's worth chatting with them. Ask where else they’re applying, what they thought of this course, and where they’re from. If you get on with them, get their contact details or find them on Facebook, there’s no hard in making the connection. Start networking now.

Ask for a tour of the campus

It’s good to see around the campus, especially the places where you would be studying - it’s even better if this tour is done by current students as you can ask them for real insight.

Find out what they think of the course, tutors, projects, workload, university, accommodation, etc. 

Try to take some time on your own to look around the university. Take a walk into town. Get a feel for the area as it might be your home for the next 3+ years. 

Reflect

You don’t have to make a pro/con list but have a think about, and compare, this university course to wherever else you interviewed before accepting your place. 

Well done

Hopefully now you can sit back and wait for the offers