Jason Livingstone

From student to global designer, where has your career taken you?

I've had the chance to work with some of the UK's most iconic retail brands: Ted Baker, Kurt Geiger and now Gymshark. My work spans everything from flagship stores to international rollouts, bringing each brand's vision to life through design. Working globally has taken me across different markets and cultures, combining creativity with commercial thinking to deliver retail experiences on a worldwide scale.

So, what does a typical day actually look like for you?

No two days are the same at Gymshark. I lead the Store Design team, collaborating across departments and with stakeholders to deliver retail projects around the world. One day I could be developing a brand-new flagship concept; the next I'm refining the strategies and processes that will shape our future growth. It's fast-moving, varied, and genuinely exciting.

What are you working on right now that's got you excited?

Gymshark is in a really exciting period of global expansion. One of our biggest recent milestones was opening our flagship store in NoHo, New York. Four floors, our largest retail project ever, and a major step in the brand's international journey. Being part of something that significant is something I don't take for granted.

What's been your proudest career moment so far?

The Gymshark Bond Street flagship in New York is right up there. After more than a year of planning, designing, and delivering the project, standing in one of the world's most iconic retail destinations and knowing I made that happen. That feeling was incredible. It's the kind of achievement that reminds you exactly why you chose this career.

What made you choose Solent over everywhere else?

Solent was one of the very few universities offering such a practical, in-depth, industry-focused interior design course. The balance between creativity and real-world experience stood out immediately. It felt like the right place to genuinely develop my skills and grow my confidence as a designer, not just study in theory, but actually learn by doing.

What made your lecturers different from the rest?

The quality of teaching was exceptional, but it was the support, mentorship and encouragement that really stood out across all three years. My lecturers genuinely cared about our success. They helped build not just professional skills, but real personal confidence too. That kind of investment in students makes a huge difference.

What were the facilities like?

Solent's facilities are excellent: industry-standard spaces and equipment that support both creative exploration and professional development. Having access to the right tools meant I could bring ideas to life properly, and it prepared me for the real expectations of the workplace from day one. It makes a genuine difference to the quality of your work.

Did you get hands-on, real-world experience during your degree?

Absolutely! And it was one of the course's greatest strengths. Rather than working on hypothetical briefs, I worked on live projects with real clients including Dulux, Linden Homes, and the SBID. These experiences built my industry knowledge and professional confidence in a way that classroom learning alone never could. In my final year, I was even nominated for Student Interior Designer of the Year.

What's your favourite Solent memory?

The people, without a doubt. The friendships I made at Solent have lasted well beyond graduation. I recently celebrated a friend's 30th birthday, someone I met on my very first day at university. More than a decade on, we're still best friends. That says everything about the community you become part of at Solent.

What did you love most about being a Solent student?

Without a doubt, the staff. They consistently went above and beyond, not just academically but personally too. Their genuine commitment to helping every student succeed created a positive, encouraging environment where you felt supported at every stage. When the people around you believe in you, it pushes you to believe in yourself.

What's your number one piece of advice for anyone wanting to break into the industry?

Trust yourself, stay true to who you are, and don't be afraid to put yourself forward. The creative industry values individuality, passion and perseverance above everything else. Every project, placement or networking opportunity is a stepping stone. Say "yes", show up, and keep going. The opportunities will come if you're willing to work for them.