Carolina Manríquez Poblete
Profession
MA Narrative Environments student
College
Central Saint Martins
Person Type
Student
Biography
Carolina Manríquez Poblete is a spatial designer and second-year MA Narrative Environments student at Central Saint Martins. With a background in architecture and exhibition design, her work explores storytelling through physical and digital environments.
Interview
Please can you tell me a little bit about yourself.
My name is Carolina, and I’m from Chile. I’m in my second year, and I worked in exhibition design for a few years before coming to this Master’s. I was constantly involved in every stage of a design project, from the brainstorm to the installation. That gave me a strong set of practical skills, but it also left me wanting to find a space where I could bring all of them together in a more integrated way.
Why did you choose to study your course and why CSM?
I wanted to specialise in something connected to my architectural background, where I could apply the skills I’d already developed, but with more variety and flexibility in the outputs. The idea of telling stories through space – whether physical or digital – immediately resonated with me. I have a restless mind, and this programme not only embraces my technical background but also encourages forward-thinking, speculative work. On top of that, the mix of disciplines and the diverse backgrounds of the people here is brilliant – it creates a really stimulating environment to grow in.
What’s the most interesting project you’ve worked on so far? What made it so interesting to work on?
Before moving to London, I worked on a graphic intervention at the International Airport in Santiago, Chile. We translated Chilean landscapes into large-scale visuals inside the terminal. Airports are very interesting spaces - physically crowded, but mentally people are elsewhere. As a liminal space it raised many questions for me. I think that experience was a big part of what led me to this Master’s.
Have you completed any work placements / internships whilst being on the course? If so, can you tell me a little bit about your role?
Yes. I worked with Sculptivate on luxury retail and event projects where the clients and briefs were really diverse. I supported them with 3D modelling and site styling. Later, I worked as a 3D Designer at Museum Studio, where I contributed to a pitch for a sci-fi exhibition at a Science Centre. That experience was mind-expanding. The brief came from physicists, and we had to translate complex scientific ideas into spatial design. It was challenging in the best way, and working alongside such talented people was an honour.
What important piece of advice would you give to students thinking of studying this course?
Train your self-discipline. I think of this course like a fertile soil. It's rich with possibility and has the potential to grow amazing things. It's multidisciplinary and open-ended. But soil alone isn't enough. You have to plant the seeds yourself. That means taking ownership of your learning, every step of the way. If you come here, you should be hungry to explore and proactive about feeding that curiosity.
What has been the highlight of your CSM experience so far?
CSM is the kind of place that fuels me when I’m there and keeps me thinking and making when I’m not. The building perspectives, the constant exposure to other people's work and thinking – it’s incredibly inspiring. The library. And the canteen’s soup is also really good.
What are your career aspirations? Where would you like to be in five years time?
Honestly, it's hard to project myself too far ahead right now. This fulfilling experience includes lots of uncertainty - in a positive way - the possibilities are hard to fully grasp. I hope to find stability in projects that genuinely inspire me, especially the ones with a meaningful impact. I'd love to continue working with people I've met here, and to find a balance between practical projects and more research-led work.
What is the most important thing you've learnt on the course so far?
I think the most important thing has been reconfirming the power of collaboration - how much we learn and consolidate our own ideas just by sharing thoughts. Sharing knowledge generously can be a very powerful way of learning. I've also learned to push myself beyond my usual boundaries and to actually enjoy the process. Just trying that new idea and seeing how it goes. This course is such a supportive space to explore the unknown and to do it with grace and playfulness.