Being a student and learning skills
in the classroom setting is essential before entering the design field.
Applying those skills into an actual job setting is a skill I learned one must
develop while job shadowing at JAS Design in Seattle, WA. This company ran by
married couple; Joe and Kim, focuses mainly on residential design; including
remodels, custom cabinetry, small additions, and single rooms all the way to
full home renovations. This year celebrates their 20th anniversary
of business, and fortunately I was able to view previous projects, projects in
the works, and visited an actual home that was being worked on. A highlight of
the day was job shadowing a Washington State University graduate. It was
rewarding getting to work with someone who was once in my shoes, and today is
successfully following her dream.
Arriving
on site, I was quite nervous as to what tasks I would be introduced to through
the day. With a warm welcome by interior designer, Kaitlin, she quickly gave us
a tour of the office building and then into the conference room where
introduced the company and some tasks that she was in charge of. Having one on
one discussion with Kaitlin, I was able to ask her questions about the design
profession, getting a foot in the door, and her role in the company. Kaitlin
described when she first joined this company, she was very overwhelmed with her
tasks of projects, but soon got the hang of her duties as time progressed, and
of course with the help of her co- workers. Some of her tasks include working
in a design team including herself as the interior designer, a project manager,
architect, and work crew. As the
interior designer, she puts together a spec binder full of all the requirements
of the project that need to be approved (plumbing, electrical, dates), all the
lighting fixtures, materials, and plans of the project. Having everything
together, she meets with Kim (owner) and reviews all the elements she has put
together. In a meeting, they review all the choices and will gather all things
needed to present to the client. After a meeting with the client, they get the
okay to continue on the project with the spec binder.
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| Notes I took while sitting in on details discussed between Kim and Kaitlin. |
Continuing on the day, I asked
Kaitlin what would be some advice she could give me as a student entering the
design field. She responded that networking, making good connections with
people, and try to gain some internship experience. Easier said than done. Even
living in Pullman and Spokane, she said there may not be a lot of design firms
to intern, but go to as many events as possible, help out any way possible, and
just be involved in the design community as possible. Also, she suggests working on having a
portfolio that demonstrates your skills you have, as that is what many
employers will see first. And apply everywhere. I am now informed that there
are many directions I can take with this field. Some of her former classmates
range in jobs from military, hospitality, corporate and residential.
Another important part of being an
interior designer I realized is having the ability to work well with others.
Team collaboration is crucial because there are so many elements and
specialties that go into one project and everyone needs to be able to
communicate and relay their ideas effectively to continue the project. Luckily
we job shadowed on the third Friday of the month because at JAS Design, Kim
makes a home cooked lunch for everyone. It was neat to see everyone in the
company to be able to relax and enjoy each others company. I could feel warmth
within their company, and that is a main reason they all work so well together,
and why their company is truly amazing.
Not only is communication key
within your design team, but communication with the client is essential as
well. An interesting technique I found this company used is the way their
designs are inspired. An effective tool they use is to find a picture to gain
inspiration off of. The inspiration picture is not always a “picture” of a room
or piece of furniture, but rather an abstract picture, where the client can gain
the idea of a color scheme or pull out an idea as a whole rather than focusing
on one piece of a picture. This tactic gives clients more than one direction to
go with their project. Kim also explains that with time and experience, an
interior designer can start to get a sense of a person’s style just by talking
with them.
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| Sketch of a bathroom and bedroom under construction in one of the companies current design projects. |
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