In October 2015 I made the decision to leave full time employment to study Interior Design at Kingston University.
The subject of interior design has always interested me. I am fascinated how design can alter the relationship we have with the spaces we inhabit. The curriculum allows us to experience the breadth that the subject can cover.
Our next project will be involved in the re-design of a spacecraft for use in the future of space tourism. it will be a challenging project that will teach us the importance on understanding construction, materials and space design within constrained perimeters.
My working experience has been in retail and hospitality industry. It has taught me many valuable lessons and I count myself lucky to have had first hand experience in the industries I hope to be designing for.
In 2012 I was selected to be a part of a VSO program aimed at tackling development issues overseas. I was placed in Delhi for 3 months working with an NGO focusing on education within the slum community. I worked closely with the charity and community children teaching art and English. Although the work was challenging It has been one of the biggest achievements of my life.
In the past I have worked and volunteered in theatre and film production primarily in stage, costume and set design, I also worked on a short film for Exeter Film Festival designing and making props.
Soho House & Co., London, GB, Assistant General salon manager
Assistant Manager at Cheeky Parlour located within the Hoxton Hotel.
At the start of my role at Soho House I shadowed management in Cowshed spas. It helped equip me with skills to go on to co-manage my own site. I then moved to Cheeky for the site opening in September 2014. It was a very exciting time to become part of the Soho House group's new project, working alongside some amazing industry professionals in beauty and hospitality. Cheeky Holborn has subsequently become one Soho House's most successful salons.
I worked closely with the manager to run the salon. I came up with many of the marketing schemes and promotions that were used in the salon.
Above and beyond the day to day management of the salon I created my own incentives and training manuals/ schemes in conjunction with Cowshed's training manager.
I was also asked to use my knowledge of retail and spent 3 months working with the global manager helping to improve the retail site for Cowshed in Chiswick.
GRO hair salon, Putney, London, GB, Head Co-ordinator
I managed a successful salon with a team of 11 employees and stylists for a fast growing hairdressing business.
I represent the front of house as receptionist / manager of a client database.
I worked closely with the company owner and chief co-ordinator to maximise the salons potential in sales, retaining clients, service and staff management. I also worked with the design team on various in-house graphic and interior design projects.
As head of administration in the salon I was responsible for many things including: staff hours, payroll, training, appraisals, recruiting and stock ordering.
Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO), New Delhi, IN, Volunteer
I worked on a UK government funded program aimed at tackling development issues.
I worked in the children's department of an environmental charity in Delhi. I took the initiative to use my artistic skills to contribute to the charity on the following projects:
• I ran bi-weekly art classes for the children of a slum community.
• I designed, built and sourced materials for a 10ft x 16ft waste installation used at a music festival run by the charity.
• I was commissioned by a local school to design and paint murals on the walls and gates within a very tight time limit.
• I used my Photoshop skills to create a lot of the design work (such as posters promoting events).
Kingston University London, Kingston upon Thames, GB, BArch, Interior Design
This year we are working on a project with TFL which ends with a residency in the museum working on a interactive project re-designing aspects of Turnpike Lane station.
Our next project will be involved in the re-design of a spacecraft for use in the future of space tourism. it will be a challenging project that will teach us the importance on understanding construction, materials and space design within constrained perimeters.
