With London Design Festival 2018 in full flow, we caught up with three students who have just completed MA Interior & Spatial Design. Luiza Jordan, Malgorzata Jaworska and Michael Borg Millo told us about their practice and work in the recent MA Summer Show.
Tell us about your design practice and work in the recent MA Summer Show
Luiza: My practice focuses on the context of interior design, such as does art installation have a place in the temporary home? Can installation be a short-term fix for millennial’s who struggle with decorating their living space? I created a “show home” experience to showcase a proposal for the business “Your Place Decor”, along with a website prototype.
Malgorzata: At Chelsea I experienced and experimented with practical part of my research, broadening my knowledge of technical processes. My project represents the detailed specification of bending plywood into seating.
For the degree show I designed the 1:1 bend birch plywood seat, the project is a response to the relation between human body position and seat. I developed different ideas about sitting habits and translated this into furnishings.
Michael: Whilst at Chelsea I started looking at things in a different way, meaning that my work changed and evolved since my undergraduate degree, into a more conceptual approach to my design process.
Luiza: High end interior design and decoration magazines and websites, IKEA design solutions, IDEO business framework for ‘creative difference’ and various artists I have learned from in my fine art degree.
Malgorzata: My main inspiration for my furniture is the work of Charles and Ray Eames. They were the pioneers of molded plywood productions which became the beginning of wood fabrication in world. In 1940 they created the first device called The Kazam which molded sheets of plywood. Forms of their works follows human postures and function which is most important when designing furniture.
Michael: I based my project on two main recurring problems in the world right now, urbanisation and the current state of refugees.
In what ways has the workshop and studio environment informed your practice during your time at Chelsea?
Luiza: The spiral staircase located in our studios helped form the initial idea for my project and provided a different space to experiment in and create work.
Malgorzata: The wood workshop was the place where I spent most of my time, as the development and process of my bend seat was based on wood.
Michael: The studio at Chelsea was the highlight of my year. Having a space in which I could work, build models and most importantly have continuous discussions with peers, meant that I could have a friendly exchange and discussion process throughout the year. The studio environment makes you feel at home and is both a place of working and relaxing with Chelsea friends.
Tell us about any external projects you have worked on during your time at Chelsea
Luiza: I designed and installed a conceptual set design for a makeup artist’s final major project based around plastic waste and environmental damage, and installed my sculptural work into the Turner Contemporary gallery in Margate in winter 2017/18.
Malgorzata: During my time in Chelsea I also worked as a freelance interior designer. I have a breadth of experience through internships in Warsaw and London, working with Polish company NAP, Manuttone and APA Architekci. In London I worked as a freelance designer in Studio Ulanowski and Hum Design.
Who or what has been your biggest influence during your time at Chelsea?
Luiza: My tutors Julia Dywer and Amritt Flora encouraged me throughout my course, being welcoming and accepting of my knowledge of design, working with my wide experience in fine art, despite the fact my skills range was different to all my classmates. They showed me different ways to introduce design into my work and suggested new skills I may adopt and teach myself along the way.
Michael: University life and as a group of students, we kept pushing each other to our limits.
What are your ambitions following graduation?
Luiza: I hope to work for an interior design company that takes the approach of open and creative design.
Malgorzata: I would like to open an interior design studio which collaborates with different designers around the world.
Michael: I aim to open up my own design studio.
What makes your proud to be a Chelsea student?
Luiza: being part of such a well-known university in central London makes me feel successful
Malgorzata: I am proud because I met amazing people here. We have the same interests and goals for a future.
Michael: The fact that the university has such an amazing reputation worldwide.
What have you enjoyed the most about studying and living in London?
Luiza: I live on the outskirts of London and commuted to university from my family home, but it was nice to be in the center with other creatives.
Malgorzata: London is representing diversity, energy and infinite possibilities for young people. I enjoyed the studying atmosphere and close relationship with other students from abroad.
Michael: London is the perfect city for the Arts which meant that for me, research and inspiration go hand in hand.
What would you say to anyone thinking of doing your course? Any advice for new students?
Malgorzata: Be confident and be sure about your professional experience. Represent what is the best from you but work also on your weaker sides. The MA Interior and Spatial Design is a one-year course, so prepare yourself for hard work and organise your time well. Make the most of the wide variety of opportunities UAL offers. Start with the excellent variety of library resources, take part in events and use the 3D workshops.
Michael: Go into the course with an open mind, be ready for a different approach to interior and spatial design and take this opportunity as a lifetime learning process. Make sure to use of all the facilities.
What projects are you working on at the moment?
Luiza: Developing my portfolio in preparation for applying for jobs, collaborating with a business orientated individual who is looking for a series of illustrations to design a charity t-shirt for male depression and suicide, completing painting commissions.
Describe your time at Chelsea in 3 words:
Luiza: Challenging, engaging, intense
Malgorzata: Challenging, gratifying and open
Michael: Unique, unforgettable and informational
See more work by Luiza, Malgorzata and Michael
Read more about MA Interior & Spatial Design
Check out more work from MA Interior & Spatial Design students on www.chelseadegreeshow.com