Nicole Stuart

I really enjoy hospitality design as I like to create a space that the public can enjoy and forget about the working week but also consider how the practical side of the design can cohesively work to create functional designs. I understand and am interested in the principles and psychology behind a space to create a specific atmosphere. I am heavily inspired by Mediterranean design, I have found that it is something that I am drawn back to and influences my design in either form, colour or overall style.

I was a Home-educated student during my senior school years, in this time I learnt how to be an independent learner and enjoy learning new skills. I also learnt how to adapt my communication skills to the situation and people that I am conversing with, I learnt how to create environments in which the other parties feel comfortable and can converse with me in the way they need me to, whether that be avoiding eye contact or focusing on an activity or visual.

I studied Level 3 National Extended Diploma Art and Design (3D Design), during this I learnt a rounded view on many industries including: Architecture, Furniture design, and Product design. I also learnt skills in drawing in perspective, detailed technical drawings, model making, and using large machinery to create the models such as bandsaws, pillar drills, and vacuum formers.

I am currently studying Interior Design BA (HONS), this course has taught me new skills such as:

AutoCAD 

SketchUp 

InDesign 

Photoshop

Hand sketching

Perspective drawing

Detailed

Bespoke Joinery Technical drawings

How to create a full technical package to industry standard

I have enjoyed exploring the design process, researching into the history of design and psychology of colour and how this impacts a person’s perception of a space, while also pushing my own boundaries of creativity.

I have worked on projects that address social issues such as Homelessness, shop closures, and bringing communities back together. I created the idea of recycling old London buses to create a transportable shelter for rough sleepers to have a safe space to sleep and access helplines. With all this in mind jn the design, the main aim was to create a steppingstone out of the situation.

In April 2023, I worked for KAI Interiors as a work placement for 80 hours, in which I was able to learn and understand the industry and the process of working in a studio in a team in more depth.