Reflective writing

Personal review: Creative & professional practice Skills and knowledge − Awareness of diverse & global range of design cultures & languages I have minimal knowledge in this area but I intend to gather more research as to what is happening in the interior design world. I will also look at other design fields such as; fashion, photography and graphics, to gain different perspectives of design. − Experience of design research, analysis & synthesis When I get a project I always make sure I understand the brief and if not, I ask my subject tutor for more information. I do my research before designing anything and constantly evaluate my progress to ensure I am on the right track. This allows me to amend and double check my work. For the project’s I am taking this semester I will aim at prioritizing my time, so that I can get the best out of my creative & professional practice. − Visualizing / prototyping skills & aptitudes in a range of media & formats My ability to visualize and prototype is quite good but I need to pay more attention to my use of media and freehand drawing, so that I do not loose those qualities. My subject tutor recommended I get a sketchbook for nonacademic use just to improve my skills. − Aptitude in compiling interim & summative design presentations My ability in this area is quite good and continuously improving. On two occasions I have successfully presented work based on materials to my fellow classmates and tutors. This semester, I aim to develop my skills further with continuous contemplation. − Aptitude for designing through a digital platform My experience with digital platforms for the past two years has been a remarkable process. I have developed my skills in AutoCAD to an intermediate level, which was challenging but crucial for my creative practice. My target is to improve and also gain more skills in platforms such as InDesign and Illustrator. − Knowledge & experience of process, component & production technology My knowledge in production technology is basic and in need of further development. I enjoy model making but I need to experiment with a variety of materials. I intend to spend more time in the 3D workshop for the next design project and acquire more hands on experience.

Project process − Experience of design process & methodologies I have good knowledge of design process and methodologies but I can still improve. Last year, I designed a city house for young professionals. My design concept was to incorporate spiral stairs on all levels but when I discussed this with

my subject tutor he advised me against this because of the practicality. I took that on board and changed my design to suit the client. − Experience of team leadership & management I have not taken any leadership role in a team project but directed my team members to utilize their time. A good example of this is the Centenary Building project. The task was to survey an area of the building (in teams) and produce formal architectural drawings (individually). I suggested we survey parts of our area individually and come back and share our measurement. − Experience of costing projects & fee negotiation At the moment I have no experience in this area. I intend to acquire this knowledge before the end of my programme as these are important parts of design projects. − Experience of planning & managing project activity My knowledge in this area is quite good. With every project I undertake, I usually breakdown the projects into segments and give myself time limits to complete them. I intend to utilize this method of working throughout my projects and future endeavors. − Experience of managing client relationships & collaboration I have very little knowledge in this area because all my projects are academic based. I intend to do an internship and develop my client relations skills. − Experience of a wide range of project types & scales of innovation My experience in this area is minimal. The largest project I have undertaken was designing an urban house for a young professional couple. I designed the layout, orthographic drawings, client presentation and physical model. This experience was the closest to a real life project as an interior designer.

Enterprise & marketing − Knowledge of design sectors & creative industries I was recently introduced to the design council in a lecture and have a brief insight on what they do. However, my knowledge in this area is very little so I intend to gather more research. − Experience of project procurement & client consultation I have little knowledge of this area. My understanding is that the client always has to be happy. To achieve this my research and expertise of the subject matter needs to be correct and delivered with confidence. I aim to develop my skills further this year and possibly gain actual experience on a live project. − Experience of design practice marketing & promotion I have no knowledge in this area but I intend to gather research and bring it into my projects.

− Experience in planning continuing professional development Before I start a project I always take note of what I have done in previous projects.

I evaluate myself, set targets and aim to develop my skills and understanding based on what I achieve. − Experience and understanding of legislation & regulations My experience is limited but constantly improving. I am currently working on a project which is to design a reception desk for a mobile phone company. I am taking into account the regulation on measurement of desk height, adequate space to maneuver and work around the desk. I am using the ‘Metric Handbook’ for guidance. − Experience of design budgets & account management I have no knowledge in this area but I am eager to gather research and incorporate it into my subsequent projects.

Values & vision − Commitment to & understanding of the imperative of professional practice I am highly committed and eager to learn more about interior design. I have remained that way and even grown as a student in terms of establishing professional practice. I intend to continue on this path and further develop my skills. − Understanding & practice of ethical business standards I have no knowledge in this but I intend to gather research and bring it into my projects. − Awareness & appreciation of key design futures & innovation trends Last year I completed a project where I had to design a seat for an outdoor nature trail. I applied the research gathered and was able to use materials that suited the outdoors. However, my knowledge in this area is minimal so I intend to research further and include that in future projects. − Subscription to policies & standards of ethical design I have no knowledge in this but I intend to gather research and bring it into my projects. − Commitment to the advancement of design knowledge, expertise & value I am a very committed interior designer. I attend webinars, exhibitions; read ArtReview magazine, and visit parks and musems. I am also a student member of Chattered Society of Designers. I intent to broaden my knowledge in other areas of design − Awareness & practice of user centered design An important part of being a designer is that we constantly have to grow and standout. I do this by practicing and making sure I do not fall behind in anything.