Becoming an interior designer

The most valuable asset at Studio Hopwood  are the people that work here. There is great trust put in us by our clients to give the best service, meaning we have to be both very exacting,  empathetic, creative and most of all passionate in what we do. Finding the right talent for the studio is not easy as a combination of these attributes is rare.

The people here are different ages and nationalities, each contributing differing quality and abilities, yet everyone has some form of qualification related to design. Some have an MA in interior design, others a BA in architecture or attended the design schools such as KLC, Inchbald or The Interior Design School. Everyone is well versed in CAD and Excel and understands that professional design is a process not just intuition. Most of all though we are an affable lot and look for the same.

It is difficult for a student to find their first position and start gaining experience. The best first step is to move in the same circles as designers and that’s easier than you think, just join our professional body the BIID as a student, it is free. Use your membership though, attend the conference, take part in the competitions and enrol for CPD courses. Designers will get to know you, so when applying for positions seen on the BIID Jobs board, you are not just another applicant.

Do send  speculative applications through email, they are welcome but you will have to stand out,  generic letters especially those addressed “To whom it may concern” don’t. Tell us why you want to work with us. Highlight the skills that you can bring, maybe even the life experience that might contribute to you being a good designer. Portray yourself as a real person, a special person, who could enhance what we do here.