contributed by Angela Voelker [interior architecture student @ University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point / all-purpose planner / control freak]
It’s hard to summarize my amazing eight-week internship experience in London. The 30-minute morning walk to work, afternoon tea time, and even a Friday mid-day visit to the
pub became apart of my daily routine. I was able to submerge myself in the history-rich city as a student intern, and before I knew it, people were asking me for directions. And I could actually answer.
I received my internship placement through University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point International Programs office. Every semester and summer, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point [UWSP] has students participate in the program, and participants are set up with a company based on a very descriptive cover letter of what the applicant hopes to gain from the experience.
Bluu Skies
I was matched with bluu solutions, a design/build firm in central London specializing in fast turnaround projects for modern office environments. Since the firm had hosted five previous interns from UWSP, I knew that they found the program to be mutually beneficial: the student gains, and the company gains.
Luckily for me there was not a major language barrier. However, the first week sometimes I thought: "Are they really speaking English”" With all of the "quite", "bits and bobs" and "brilliants!" being tossed around the office I could hardly understand a word at first.
Toto, We’re Not In Kansas…
The international style that bluu solutions projected was the daily reminder that I was no longer in central Wisconsin. They want clients from around the globe to be able to walk into a space and feel welcome. This was accomplished using sleek lines and timeless features while adding a little fun through pops of bright color.
Another consideration when planning interiors on bluu solutions projects is the view. During site visits I would examine the surroundings and try to evaluate suggested placement for the office depending on the way the company was structured. I remember writing notes regarding landmarks visible through the windows. Does the executive want the corner office overlooking the River Thames and Tower Bridge or Parliament and Hyde Park” Tough choice!
Fast Company
Due to the time constraints, designers at bluu have to balance the time spent on design development with the ultimate project timeline (which can run 6-8 weeks start to finish!) One of the tactics used to communicate design ideas early on in meetings with the client is to show various solutions from past projects, and other visual images so the client can identify the style, feel and color palette they may want to display or in some cases are not interested in.
I really enjoyed working within the strict time constraints. Sometimes it felt like the "fast forward" button was stuck during the whole design process, and other times it was exhilarating. At the end, I was always amazed with the end product and the strong designer / client relationship.
Intern-al Perspective
Working 40 hours a week I was able to become an integral part of the office team at bluu solutions. I worked closely with all the designers and visualizers on staff and was able to gain different insight and advice from each of them. It has influenced my creative energy and introduced me to a new type of work environment where the business aspect drives the design conceptualization forward at a very fast pace.
I learned a lot about myself, my design strengths and weaknesses and feel like I have an advantage heading into my senior year of college knowing my abilities. I plan to use some of the presentation techniques in my final project and hope that my portfolio reflects a little bit of the style I was exposed to in London.
I encourage any student with the opportunity to travel to do so – especially if you can intern abroad. It gives you an edge on the ever-evolving field of interior design that really expands your understanding. It also teaches you a lot a lot about yourself and where your interests lie. So, if you haven’t already done so, get thee to the passport office!
