2012
Elin Hylland (EH), Anna Kawalec (AK), and Carmen Thomassen (CT) graduated from BA (Hons) Interior Design at Southampton Solent University In 2010. After gaining their degree, they went on to study for a Master Degree (MA) in Interior Design at the famous Florence Design Academy.
Why did you apply to Southampton Solent University?
EH: “I wanted the experience of studying abroad and was curious about the culture and diversity of England. I researched interior design universities in England through a company in Norway called Go Study. Southampton Solent University attracted my attention as I liked the technical aspects and the broad range of subjects that was offered by the course.”
AK: “I always wanted to study in England as it is considered as prestigious place to study in, but I was not sure about the choice of course. The interior design course offered by Solent helped me to make up my mind. I was impressed by the great facilities, environment and the contents of the course, all of which encouraged me to apply to this university.”
CT: “In Portugal I was attending an international school and from the start I knew I wanted to study abroad. I searched interior design courses through UCAS and Solent University was one of the universities that provided the course I was looking for. I attended the open day and liked the City and University. It seemed a nice place to spend 3 years in to study.”
What did you enjoy about your course?
“Getting the chance to learn about interior design and the fundamental aspects it encompasses. The technological and architectural facets of the course in particular were very appealing, giving us a better understanding of how the various elements relate and depend on each another. The trip to the NEC in Birmingham was really useful as we got the chance to see new products and amazing design and furniture. Having the opportunity to work after hours in the studio gave us the chance to discuss projects with our classmates and tutors, and made the class work operate as a team.”
Why did you apply for postgraduate studies?
“We decided to continue our studies as we were eager to gain more knowledge in interior design. We applied to Florence Design Academy to study for a Master degree (MA) in Interior Design as we found the programme there suitable for our needs, and as Italy is one of the centres of design in Europe, the decision was easy!”
What do you think enabled you to gain a place on Florence’s MA Programme?
“The strong architectural and construction background from Solent gave us an advantage to get into the academy.”
What does your postgraduate degree involve?
"The Master course includes modules in drawing techniques, 3D graphic design and 3D animation (AutoCAD, 3DStudio Max , Rhino, Photoshop, Photoshop Illustrator, InDesign), art history, furniture design, interior design decoration, Interior design portfolio, Italian language course. We also have excursions to museums, exhibitions, galleries and site visits. We work on short term projects lasting from 1-4 weeks. The projects are done both individually and in groups. We discuss the initial proposal of projects with our colleagues, and try to solve design issues together."
What do you particularly enjoy about your MA Programme?
"There is a positive attitude and interaction between students and teachers as we work as a team on projects and assignments. The software we use enables us to express our ideas and makes it easier to articulate these ideas. Also, studying in such an inspiring environment as Florence, where one is surrounded by amazing architecture and design, is a great motivator!"
What has been your favourite project that you have worked on at Solent and why?
EH: “I enjoyed designing a house in the architectural design class in the first year. It made me realise how much planning goes into every single aspect of the process. It was a great challenge! I also enjoyed the Shedffield House project, as it gave us the opportunity to go on a site visit to an existing project, and allowed us to create a scheme that was fit purpose, inspiring and functional.”
AK: “Two of my favourite projects at Solent were the Itchen College project and the re-design of the Giddy Bridge Bar-Restaurant. I feel I have expanded my knowledge through those assignments, as they gave me the opportunity to learn different aspects of commercial interiors.”
CT: “My favourite project in Solent was Shedffield House, the Giddy Bridge and the design of the house. These projects gave me the opportunity to research different interiors styles, and apply our creativity to a range of Interior design scenarios.”
How have your studies at Southampton Solent University helped with your postgraduate studies?
"Having a broad base of subject knowledge essential to interior design and professional practice such as contract document, law, building technology, health and safety and architecture, gave us the edge here in Italy!"
What advice would you give to anyone who wishes to follow in your footsteps?
"Start projects from day one, have a plan and stick to it! Organise yourself and your timetable. Get inspiration from your surroundings, magazines, shop displays, galleries, exhibitions, and etc… And don’t forget to combine work with fun! It’s the time to meet new people and make friends for life who will support you through your ups and downs!
"We had support and understanding from tutors and surroundings. The library and the IT centre are student friendly, organised and useful."