Interior Design
Welcome I am very pleased and excited to be writing an introduction for our final year interior design students end of year book, here at De Montfort University Leicester (DMU). This year’s cohort have been a delight to teach and it has been a fascinating year seeing them grow as designers, gaining in confidence and skill in readiness for their next chapter, working in design or studying at a higher level. Since moving back to ‘in-person’ teaching the cohort have blossomed and forged a connection as a year group. This shift in focus has meant that students have been able to support each other and see the value of sharing their final year experience. It has been wonderful to see a lively design studio again, emulating the workplace which they too will soon be part of. Despite experiencing some of their teaching remotely this cohort have bounced back onto campus with determination to succeed and make the most of the tutors, their peers and the resources provided. This has been reflected in the quality of work produced.
The Major Design Projects (selected by students) this year have covered a variety of topics such as climate change, sustainability and ways to tackle the diminishing High Street along with projects of a more light-hearted nature, such as game inspired experiences and environments in which to relax and socialise. These projects demonstrate the range of students interests and design ambitions coupled with the ability to work with and select interesting buildings with scope to be reimagined. This approach encourages students to push the boundaries of design and aims to create industry ready well-rounded designers. It is an absolute privilege to be part of the students learning experience at DMU and on behalf of the Interior Design programme team we would like to congratulate them all on their achievements and wish them well for a bright and successful future working in this exciting discipline.
Nicky Harding Programme Leader
Class of 2022 SARAH ABRAHAMS FIONA ANTHONY GEORGIA BATTEN SHELLEY BEMPAH PATRICIA CEBAN AMELIA CHANA CHARLOTTE CLARK BRIDGET DWEBENG CHLOE FARRER ABI FREEMAN ANNA GRIMWOOD LUJAIN HAFIZ NADIA HURLEY-SMITH DOMINIKA KROL KASIA KSIAZKIEWICZ-TYLKA
KI YAN LAU TOM LEGGATE ISATOU LEIGH WANYING LIANG NICOLE MEDYNSKA DEBORAH MORGAN AMY NASH AGATA NOWAK ELLIE PEARCE CHARLOTTE PINK NICOLETA PRUTEAN NACHA PUMEECHAIWONG EMILY SAVAGE GABRIELE SIMKEVICIUTE MICHELLE SIMPSON
ANA SINGH NAIRA SOLIMAN EVE SNOOKES OLIWIA SZYMANSKA LUCY TILLYARD KIERA TIMMS IEVA URVAKYTE DEBORA VIEIRA HANNAH WALKER BETHANY WICKERSHAM ASHLEIGH WILSON MIYAH WOODS WENHUA ZOU
* Exhibiting Students in BOLD
Sarah Abrahams sarahabrahamscreative /sarahabrahamsartist Sarah Abrahams Make Believe Immersive Art Gallery An immersive art gallery exploring the theme of mental health in a range of artistic mediums and styles, encouraging creativity as an emotional outlet. Favourite moment from university: Going to Rimini, Italy on tour with DMU Pole Fitness Favourite Song: She’s Casual – The Hunna
Georgia Rose Batten georgiabatten1@btinternet.com Georgia Batten Turkey Café- Mocktail Bar A fully inclusive mocktail bar design using the traditional layout of the building, aimed to bring people together and create their own experience through Media Wall projections. Favourite moment from university: Creating my portfolio. Looking at how far I have come even when I wanted to quit and then proving majority of the people in my life wrong who said I wouldn’t complete my degree. Any last words? People won’t believe in you until you’ve already done it, the work is going to come before the belief.
Shelley Mensah Bempah Shelleybempah@gmail.com sbi.uk Shelley Bempah
Cultural Inclusion Cultural Inclusion is a welcoming, reflective and educational community Hub that also exists to connect ‘Afro/Caribbean migrants within the community to connect, learn and inspire! Located in Peckham, south east London. Favourite moment from university: The feeling of finally being able to understand parts of my work that I was stuck on for ages. Any last words? “The best things in life don’t always come easy but those things are the one worth the sacrifice”.
Patricia Ceban
patriciaceban99@gmail.com @patricia_interiordesign Patricia Ceban
Growing Over Ground Growing Over Ground focuses on educating people on food insecurity, sustainable agriculture and responsible consumption, and providing the community with sustainably grown food. Vertical farming is the main aspect, supplying the food shop and cafe, reducing the amount of food waste. Favourite moment from university: Claiming my window computer table and spending most of my 3rd year there. Any last words? “If outside is so good, why has mankind spent thousands of years trying to perfect inside?” Sheldon Cooper, The Big Bang Theory
Chloe Farrer farrerc15@gmail.com @chloes_artsanddesign Focused The space I have designed is an educational youth centre. It is aimed to provide youths with a safe space whilst also educating them in areas they feel school did not. Favourite moment from university: Working to complete our structural projects in first year. The group of people I worked with were all lovely people who I really enjoyed working with and we all worked so well together. Not only this but then competing with one another to see who created the best structure. This class was really exciting and engaging. Favourite Song: Bruce Willis by Don broco
Abi Freeman abifreemandesigns@gmail.com @abifreemandesigns Abi Freeman Infinity The Autism Friendly Immersive Theatre. Favourite moment from university: Everyone rushing to print on the wide format printer the morning of a deadline. Any last words? Never assume a piece of work won’t take long to complete.
Anna Grimwood anna.grimwood@virginmedia.com @anna_grimwood Anna Grimwood The Rosetta Stone Experience
A family-friendly museum that teaches visitors about the history and importance of the ancient Egyptian artefact, the Rosetta Stone, and introduces the topic of repatriation in an accessible way, educating visitors about ethical debates surrounding looted artefacts.
Favourite moment from university:
Joining the rowing society in my final year and learning to row! It’s unlike anything I’d ever done before so it was a really fun challenge and a great way to take a break from uni work.
Any last words? I’m so amazed by what everyone has achieved
over the last three years, despite all the challenges we’ve faced. There are some incredible projects and I’ve loved seeing everyone’s ideas develop. Well done everyone!!
Charlotte Emily Clark @cec_interiors
Pin-Up Parlour 1950s Diner, Women`s Clothing, and Salon. Favourite moment from university: Structure Project in first year, had fun with the group and we formed a good friendship. Also really enjoyed the competitive side of it. Any last words? “Always be yourself. Retain individuality; listen to the truest part of yourself.” Marilyn Monroe
Lujain Hafiz Ljon1997@outlook.com @Lujain.id Lujain Hafiz The Green Land The green Land is an exploration, education and inspiring centre that aims to educate and encourage people from different ages to grow their own daily needed food in their own environment. Favourite moment from university: The impressive final outcome, which I am so proud of, made me forget all the depression, anxiety and stress that I went through. Any last words? Manage your time wisely and believe in yourself and your skills.
Nadia Hurley-Smith nadia@elcapitano.co.uk @nadi_interior Nadia H. ‘Our Last Chance’ Exhibition An exhibition to raise awareness for endangered wildlife in the UK. Favourite moment from university: Having a final meet up with my course mates after we submitted our assignment. Any last words? You can always achieve more than you think you can.
Dominika Krol krol.dominika2000@gmail.com @dmk_interiors Dominika Krol 4 Seasons Restaurant & Bar The project meets the needs of society that is constantly looking for unique places to support building new relationships, and the ‘4 Seasons restaurant and bar’ is undoubtedly a place that attracts attention, the concept behind this project came from the agricultural and beautiful countryside of France, and the building itself, what is more, it has a character of its own. Favourite moment from university: Gaining new experience within the interior design industry. Any last words? “Don’t let someone else’s opinion of you become your reality” – Les Brown
Kasia Ksiazkiewicz-Tylka kasia0022318@gmail.com @interiors.with.passion Kasia Ksiazkiewicz-Tylka Balance Balance’ is a place to escape from the reality of work, stress and problems and come into a positive and relaxing place with colourful and biophilic interior. This project is about encouraging self-care and helping to boost wellbeing. Favourite moment from university: Handing in projects and feeling the stress levels lowering instantly. Any last words? Never give up no matter how hard it is, keep doing what you like and it will get better.
Lau Ki Yan ki-yan.lau@hotmail.com Ki Yan Lau Trace Hong Kong An exhibition for the 2019 Hong Kong Protests. In the exhibition, you can decide your own visitor journey. Favourite moment from university: After every submission. Any last words? Keep alert.
Tom Leggate tjleggate@gmail.com tomleggatedesign Tomas Leggate The Vault An exclusive harmonised gin bar, gin distillery and florist experience for younger generations, to revive floristry on the high street and boost the post-pandemic hospitality industry of Leicester. Favourite moment from university: Going on Friday AM walkabouts for INTD1400 after a Thursday night out, waiting for the drinks to wear off. Any last words? I found my inner-self more at university than anywhere I’ve ever been, but I still can’t decide how my surname is pronounced.
Nicole Medynska nmedynska@yahoo.co.uk @nmedynska.interiors Nicole Medynska CONNECT Ceramix An educational ceramic workshop in Leicester city centre offering accommodation alongside trained courses. A response to empty high street units. Favourite moment from university: Chair racing Olympics in the studio. Any last words? “They call me the custom queen.”
Deborah Morgan Dmorgan437@gmail.com @idesignedbymorgans Deborah Morgan The Student Paradise A student accommodation aimed at improving well-being;the purpose of putting people’s well-being over money. Favourite moment from university: Meeting new people and exploring my passion for design. Any last words? Don’t ever lose hope, don’t stress, everything will always work out in the very end end.
Amy Nash amy_rosina_nash@yahoo.co.uk Amy Nash The Hub The Hub is a co-working student space which also has a café and a games area. It offers a calm and relaxing environment for students to either work or relax with friends. It offers an alternative social space to the usual student ones - such as university, library or halls of residence. Favourite moment from university: My favourite university memory is handing in my final project and completing the degree. After completing three years of university it gave me a huge sense of achievement. Any last words? “This is the part where we find out who we are…” - Unknown
Agata Nowak fluent.interiors@outlook.com @fluent.interiors Agata Nowak Noir Wedding Noir Wedding offers bridal retail space with non-standard bridal clothing colour schemes – black, navy blue, emerald green etc. Favourite moment from university: When I admitted in the first year that I’m about 6 years older than the rest of the students and nobody wanted to believe me. Any last words? Covid helped me to make it, I saved a fortune on train tickets!
Ellie Pearce elliexlois@gmail.com ellls.interiors Ellie Pearce STONE Supported assisted community with additional accommodation to help aid the transition from care to independent living for care leavers aged 16-25. Favourite moment from university: When all my work deleted itself and I survived off of pure energy drinks for weeks. Any last words? If you don’t see my logo a million times in my space then my mission is incomplete.
Charlotte Pink charlottepink5@gmail.com @chpinteriordesign Charlotte Pink Nest A community centre for young adults with learning disabilities. Bridging the gap between the residential town and surrounding countryside. Favourite moment from university: Chair races through the studio. Any last words? Hannah Montana once said ‘nobody’s perfect’, but here I am.
Nicoleta Prutean nicoleta.prutean@yahoo.com @np._designs_ Nicoleta Prutean Terapia
Terapia is a multifunctional Spa Centre dedicated to young adults, particularly students going through mental health problems. Through digital and natural therapies, focused on mind, body and soul therapies, eating and making healthy food within the “Relief” cafe, this project creates a personally beneficial experience becoming the first point of support and relaxation.
Favourite moment from university:
The freshers week has been my favorite memory , as I met a lot of people from different backgrounds for the first time.
Any last words?
Don’t be frustrated if you have a poor grade. You can always compensate for a poor grade with the knowledge you have accumulated.
Nachanok Pumeechaiwong nacha.pumee@gmail.com @nachadesign Nachanok Pumeechaiwong Scentelier The concept of Scentelier is to raise awareness about the danger of VOCs in fragrances by selling sustainable fragrance products. Also, there are workshops for customers to make their own sustainable fragrance products and other relating activities such as aroma tea café, tea shop and aromatherapy in the store. Favourite moment from university: First pathway project, Immersive Theatre. Any last words? Have a lot of sleep and good luck!
Emily Savage emily@chances.co.uk @emily_interior Emily Savage The RSPB Children’s Escape The RSPB Children’s Escape is designed to allow children to explore the wonders of nature and wildlife away from the daily reliance on technology. Favourite moment from university: After a long time working from home during covid it was a great feeling to be able to work in the studio again with all my friends. Any last words? “Start each day believing in your dreams. Know without a doubt that you were made for great things” – Josh Hinds
Gabby Simkeviciute gabby.sim@icloud.com @gabbysdesign_ Gabriele Simkeviciute Zero Restaurant A Zero waste restaurant with a retail/ takeaway area and an exhibition space displaying the importance of sustainability and carbon footprint. Favourite moment from university: Absolutely loved my uni experience overall, even with lockdown and stressing over deadlines, it was worth it at the end. Plus making long-life friends. Any last words? “Anything is possible when you have the right people there to support you”
Michelle Simpson michellesimpsoncreative@outlook.com @michellesimpsoncreative michellesimpsoninteriors The Corn Exchange Hotel The corn exchange is a luxurious boutique hotel situated in the grade II listed building that is central to Newark on Trent. The building has had many uses since it was opened in 1848 from lecture hall to most recently a nightclub, where it has stood empty since 2009. Favourite moment from university: Making Lego ducks with everyone! Any last words? ‘AH’ – Peanut butter baby
Naira Ahmed Soliman nairasoliman123@outlook.com @naira.s.designs Naira A Soliman Reviving Hope Exhibition and retail space raising awareness about poverty in the countries of the Arab league Favourite moment from university: Bringing my blanket and pillow to the studio and managing to fit inside one of the cupboards. Any last words? The batsuit will live on :)
Eve Snookes eve.snookes@gmail.com @snookesinteriors_ Eve Snookes PURPOSE PURPOSE is an accommodation and training centre for those living under the poverty line or classed to be homeless. It provides applicable skills and guidance to help these individuals back into the world of work and housing. Favourite moment from university: All the late nights in the studio before deadlines, ordering takeaways to campus as fuel!
Oliwia Szymanska oaszymanska@gmail.com Oliwia Szymanska Female Focus Out of the world experience by using light therapy. Favourite moment from university: Meeting my closest friends Any last words? Your future is only as good as the work you put into it.
Lucy Tillyard lucytillyard100@gmail.com Lucy Tillyard Hooked A crochet retreat for people with busy lifestyles to reset and relax, while picking up a new skill in crochet, which is proven to improve our mental wellbeing. Favourite moment from university: My favourite memory is how proud I felt at the end of this final year, to have made it through and completed three years at university. Any last words? Difficult roads lead to beautiful destinations.
Kiera Ellen Timms timmskiera@gmail.com Kiera Timms Freedom Church and Community Café The concept of the design was to create freedom in the spaces so that everyone felt welcome to be themselves. The underlying values were based on the Christian faith. Favourite moment from university: Being able to develop my design skills has been a highlight because it has allowed my creativity to blossom. Any last words? “Never be afraid to be yourself and you are good enough”
Ieva Urvakyte ievaurvakyte@outlook.com @yev_designs Ieva Urvakyte GAMESCAPE Board game themed restaurant inspired by different games, with immersive experience for friends and family. Favourite moment from university: Making friends lifelong friends. Also, being nominated for an award, something I was not expecting! Any last words? You can’t use up creativity. The more you use it, the more creative you will be.
Débora Vieira vieiradebora.designs@gmail.com @i.designsbydebora Débora Vieira MÃOS A OBRA, Where the Story Begins An interactive sustainability centre, inspired on “Kiss the Ground” documentary, with the aim to educate younger generation about the power of the soil and regenerative agriculture. Favourite moment from university: Getting to meet new people. Any last words? Give the best of you but do not forget about you.
Ana Viegas Singh ana.vs.designs@hotmail.com @Ana.vs.designs Ana Viegas Singh Eat, Play, Stay A fun and interactive over night experience where visitors would not have to leave for the entirety of their stay. Consisting of childhood inspired activities, bedrooms, a restaurant and bar. Favourite moment from university: Being in hysterics with the girls at lunch on the fourth floor. Any last words? “Queen and lover of shipping containers”
Hannah Walker hannahvwalker2000@gmail.com @hvw_interiors Hannah Walker Boardwalk Grown Boardwalk Grown responds to the growing number of individuals interested in eating more sustainably. It does this through the creation of a plant-based restaurant and indoor allotment, in addition to a workshop space and store encouraging consumers to make positive changes in their own lives. Favourite moment from university: I loved our structure project when we worked in groups to make the best tower! I had a great time making it and testing it with the whole year group. Any last words? “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard” – A.A. Milne
Bethany Wickersham Bethany.wickersham2000@gmail.com Bethany Wickersham Martins A luxury female gym that is designed to make women feel safe and comfortable whilst exercising. With a variety of different facilities and small class sizes the aim is to make exercise more enjoyable and feel less intimidating. Favourite moment from university: Freshers Week Any last words? “Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.” -Babe Ruth
Ashleigh Wilson
Ashleighw.marie@gmail.com @Amarie.interiors Ashleigh Wilson
The Luxe Retreat The Luxe Retreat offers an all year round holiday vacation. This luxury Art Deco inspired Airbnb/Villa caters to the gathering of wealthy families coming together. Favourite moment from university: Memorable fun nights with my friends! Any last words? “We got dreams and we got the right to chase them” – J.Cole
Miyah Woods Miyahwoods18@gmail.com Miyah Woods Female Focus A high street clothing outlet in the city of Leicester that aims to encourage body positivity in women through the ability to customise clothing. Favourite moment from university: Attempting to build the tallest tower for the Structure project with Gabby and Ana. Either that or Alex’s Chinese cat moving its paw up and down on MS Teams tutorials, during lockdown. Any last words? All the hard work and stress has paid off and we have achieved so much. Congratulations to our little interior design family. Now let’s all live our high school musical moment.
The Tutors
Nicky Harding
Brian Wealthall
Alex Stothard
Rebecca Graaff
Stuart Wright
Sam Williams
Harriet Lazzeri
Kate Unwin
Nathan Smith
Mathew Bethancourt
Georgia Frangoude
Notes
Graphics by Ellie Pearce