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You asked and we listened .... Degrees V Apprenticeships - OUT NOW! 🏫 On this episode we are joined by Professor Graeme Brooker, Head of Programme, Interior Design at The Royal College of Art , Leanne Wookey, Director at international commercial design juggernaut, tp bennett , and Courteney Kiely , Founder and Creative Director of Scene Interiors and instigator of the Interior Design Apprenticeship Scheme. We uncover the most popular questions you have surrounding education and interior design and what is the best way training for interior designers. 🙌 Comment below what you think of the episode! 🙂 #idb #interiordesign #podcast #interiordegree #interiorapprenticeship #interioreducation #interiordesignbusiness

• • ACTIVE DESIGN • • I have now been in London for two days for the University of Westminster Apprenticeship Conference and have amassed over 30,000 steps, including a trip to the student gym - which is within walking distance from our university campus. The buzz I am getting from this acceleration in activity is infectious - even after a full day at our Apprenticeship conference, I am ready for more. And this got me thinking: In Norfolk, I ‘trade off’ my morning walk for a gym session at 6am (30 minutes from my house - by car), from which I drive straight to work… culminating in 6,000 steps a day… at most. And this is all on ‘maximum effort’, so to speak. The 05:30am starts, trading my lunch break for a compulsory walk, etc. Yet, I still feel immense gratitude for my routine. When I first came back to Norfolk after graduating from York, I couldn’t drive and was entirely dependent upon public transport. My earliest bus was 07:25am from my village so any morning gym plans were squandered… (but perhaps fostered an even greater gratitude for free YouTube body weight workouts!) However, this all really puts the principles of ‘active design’ into perspective for a rural Planner. I feel that many share this desire in rural communities but car reliance is major barrier in realising active design - especially at local level. This question also prompts me to look beyond my own experiences. While ‘grieving’ the loss of the ‘walkable’ community I was part of during my Undergrad days in York, or the opportunities afforded me by my present apprenticeship, I represent a very small drop in the ocean. In the words of Sport England, active design means ‘activity for ALL’. If I can’t access certain services by foot, what about those who access these facilities by wheeling or cycling? Or even my elderly grandparents who have to drive 30 minutes to the ‘local’ supermarket? Being ‘active’ and having accessible facilities looks different for everyone and I’m not convinced that barriers facing the populace of rural communities are being addressed. * * Thank you Gemma Hyde from the Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA) for delivering a thought-provoking talk, ‘Designing for Health and Well-being’! If anyone shares an interest in Active Design, especially in rural areas / who are Norfolk based - I would love to talk further on this topic.

#justathought The growing trend of students and young professionals paying for additional design courses outside of their formal education raises serious concerns within the design fraternity. Despite already investing in their education through college fees, students are increasingly drawn to supplementary courses offered by various individuals, often through platforms like Instagram. This has led to a situation where undergraduate students, contractors, carpenters, and other non-design professionals are joining these fragmented classes, attempting to learn design in bits and pieces. This phenomenon not only undervalues formal education but also promotes a dangerous cycle of half-baked knowledge. The industry risks being flooded with individuals who possess superficial design skills but lack the depth and rigor that professional training provides. The allure of polished English-speaking instructors and the promise of learning design skills without thorough training or understanding has turned this into a misguided business model that preys on eager learners. The root of this issue could be addressed by integrating practical design skills and knowledge during internships, where students are paid stipends, allowing them to learn directly from experienced professionals in a structured environment. This would ensure that students gain real-world experience while being fairly compensated, instead of paying for incomplete education through unregulated courses. The design community needs to address this growing problem by advocating for stronger industry standards, promoting genuine mentorship opportunities, and encouraging students to seek credible pathways to learning. It's crucial to protect the integrity of the design profession and ensure that future generations are equipped with the comprehensive skills required to uphold its standards. #architect #beingarchitect #archdaily #interior #coa #iia #architecturaldigest #ssdassociates #architecture

As students await results Degree apprenticeships are a fantastic opportunity to gain real experience as well as achieve academically.

Epstein at the Chicago Build Expo: Paving the Way: Women Shaping the Future of Construction It is well known that women comprise a disproportionately small percentage of the AEC industry, and an even smaller percentage of leadership within their firms and fields. In this panel discussion, Laura Rebbe discussed barriers to women achieving leadership positions and ways Epstein is working to dismantle these barriers. Flexibility Women tend to be the caregivers in family settings, taking responsibility for the needs of children, pets, and aging parents. Rigid work schedules hurt professional women by making it difficult for them to integrate their caregiving needs with the work schedule. Epstein’s flexible daily schedule removes this barrier, by allowing people to start their day as early as 6:30 or as late as 8:30. This gives people the ability to work with school or daycare drop-off and pick-up schedules, attend sporting evets, or just spend time with their families. We also have half-day Fridays all year, which allows ample time for scheduling appointments, activities, or just some much-needed self-care! Inclusivity In order to change the balance of the profession, we have to change the pipeline of people entering the profession. Not only does this mean more women choosing to enter the AEC industry, but more diversity of people in general. To part of this change, Epstein has been a proud firm participant of and contributor to ACE Mentor Program of America Chicago for 10 years! The ACE Mentor program provides educational opportunities for high school students to learn about the architecture, construction, and engineering fields as well as scholarships, internships, and design-build experiences. In fact all three of our 2024 architectural summer interns were former ACE students! Beyond ACE, we are including a wider set of candidates for employment, considering people whose paths look different than our own. This includes people with non-traditional licensure paths and people who have left and reentered the profession. Epstein’s policies and practices strive to make a more inclusive and welcoming environment to people from diverse backgrounds. Increasing the diversity of our profession will benefit us, our clients, and our society. Check out our open positions: https://lnkd.in/gNMJGxnn

At AJK Outfitters, we don’t just supply and install integrated study lighting in our Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) projects. We understand intimately that the right lighting in study environments is key to ensuring that study spaces are not only functional but designed to optimise focus and comfort. That’s why we also integrate LED lighting solutions into our custom joinery. Here’s how the perfect study lighting can enhance the student experience & play a crucial role in shaping academic success💡 1️⃣ Boosts Focus and Concentration Distractions fade away in a well-lit study space. Well designed integrated LED lights create the ideal environment for students to stay fully immersed in their studies, helping them concentrate and absorb information more effectively. 2️⃣ Reduces Eye Strain and Fatigue Long study sessions can take a toll on the eyes. Improper lighting can cause strain and discomfort, leading to fatigue. Correctly positioned LED lights are designed to minimise eye strain, allowing students to remain productive and comfortable during extended periods of study. 3️⃣ Creates an Inviting Learning Environment Lighting isn’t just functional – it’s transformative. A nurturing, well-lit study environment fosters a love for learning by creating a space where students feel comfortable and motivated to excel. At AJK, we know how crucial this is for student accommodation, and we’re proud to deliver lighting solutions that truly make a difference. By designing study functionality into every detail, we ensure that the spaces we fit-out meet the unique needs of students, allowing them to stay productive and comfortable. At AJK, we know how important this is to the overall student experience, and we’re proud to deliver solutions that truly make a difference. #ajkoutfitters #ajk #purposebuiltstudentaccommodation #PBSA #studentaccommodation #studyspaces #customjoinery #commercialfitout #academicexcellence #designaustralia

🫠 🫨🫠🫠 Struggling to break into the Urban design field post-graduation? I feel you! 🎓 I graduated with an MA in Urban design from the University of Sheffield last September and have been on the job hunt for over a year. 🏙️ Despite having no UK-based experience in Urban design or architecture, I've faced challenges in landing opportunities. 🤨 It's disheartening to find that connections often outweigh talent and skills in this industry. 🤝 Receiving little to no feedback on rejected applications can be frustrating. 📉 Even internships and placements are demanding 1-2 years of experience, making it a real head-scratcher! 🤯 How can one get experience without the opportunity to gain it? 🤷♂️ 🔍 I've reached out to professionals at fairs and through applications, but finding the right opening remains elusive. 📧 Seeking feedback has led to dead ends, adding to the challenge. 🚧 Persistence is key, and I'm determined to keep pushing forward despite the roadblocks. 🚀 Let's navigate this maze together! #UrbanDesign #JobSearchStruggles #CareerDevelopment 🌆

The Importance of Understanding the End User Recently, as I was preparing for a client meeting, I sat down to review the design for Plot 1 at Tepi Hutan. My 4-year-old daughter, Winifred, was right there beside me, watching intently. After a few moments, she casually chimed in: “You should make the pool two-tiered, with a shallow ledge for me to play on.” or words to that effect from a. 4 year old 😂 😂 Fast forward to the client meeting, and the first thing they asked? “Can we make the pool two-tiered, so the little ones have a safe place to play?” It was a perfect reminder of a lesson I’ve carried throughout my career in consumer businesses: always understand the end user. Their needs and habits should shape every decision. At Tepi Hutan, we apply that principle daily, designing homes that meet the unique needs of families. And it turns out Wini is now firmly part of the design team. In fact, we’re already joking that she’ll be starting her apprenticeship with Alex Ladda Architecture soon! She’s making sure we’re thinking of everything, right down to the perfect pool for kids. At Tepi Hutan, we’re building more than villas; we’re creating spaces where families truly thrive. #TepiHutan #BaliRealEstate #DreamBelieveBecome #NewBeginnings #FamilyJourney #SustainableLiving

Are Degrees Overrated? How many people do you know who’ve never actually used their degree? We spend years at uni only to end up with massive debt and zero industry experience. I know, because I made the mistake of going to uni to study architecture, only to realise the one-size-fits-all approach wasn’t for me and I didn’t want to be an architect. I’m probably slightly (very) biased as chair of the employer group developing the UK’s first degree-equivalent Interior Designer Apprenticeship. But apprenticeships shouldn’t be seen as the ‘lesser’ option. They’re designed to give people real experience, a salary and no debt. By the end of the course, apprentices will have both the knowledge and hands-on experience they need to actually make a difference. If anyone’s interested in learning more about the Interior Designer Apprenticeship in development, then feel free to drop me a message. Thanks Olly Plastow for the comparison pic and post inspo.

Choosing the Right Architecture College? A few years ago, I compiled a list of the best architecture colleges in India. The response? A flood of negative comments suggesting I should have included this or that college. That experience made me decide not to give any advice on college selection. But now, as this question keeps coming up from students—whether through DMs or during my Instagram LIVE sessions—I feel it's time to help out again. The truth is, I still can’t definitively judge whether a college is good or bad without knowing more about it. And with my limited knowledge, what advice could I possibly offer? Yet, I’ve realized that there are some key factors you should consider before applying to any architecture college. Here are a few: 1️⃣ Accreditation: Is the college accredited by the government or a recognized university? This ensures the quality and legitimacy of the degree. 2️⃣ Location: Which city is the college in? Are you comfortable moving there, considering the climate, culture, and opportunities for internships? 3️⃣ Intake & Faculty Ratio: What is the student intake, and what’s the student-to-faculty ratio? Smaller classes often mean more personalized attention. 4️⃣ Fee Structure: Is the fee justifiable for you and your family’s financial situation? Consider both tuition and living costs. 5️⃣ Infrastructure: Does the college have the necessary infrastructure? (Well-equipped studios, libraries, computer labs, hostel facilities, etc.) 6️⃣ Exposure & Opportunities: Does the college encourage participation in competitions, workshops, and industry interactions? Look for opportunities beyond the classroom. 7️⃣ Past Results & Alumni Network: What have been the results over the past 5 years? Does the college have a strong alumni network that can aid in mentorship and job placements? 8️⃣ Internship & Placement Support: Does the college offer any internship assistance or placement opportunities? (Though, MOST architecture colleges don’t provide direct placements.) 9️⃣ Student & Alumni Reviews: Seek out honest reviews from current students or alumni. Reach out to them directly if needed. I’ve done my best to compile these points, but I encourage my community to pitch in with more suggestions. And one last thing: don’t choose a college just because the campus looks beautiful. Trust me, after a month of being there, the scenery won’t be what matters most. #architecturecollege #architecturestudents