Continuing our Life After Chelsea series, we interview alumni about their experiences at Chelsea and how the workshop, studio and gallery environment shaped their practice and led to new opportunities.
We caught up with Athina Leontiou alumni from MA Interior and Spatial Design.
What have you been working on since graduating?
Since graduating from Chelsea, I started working at PRP Architects, I have been involved mainly in the development of large residential schemes from initial concept design to planning.
How has your practice developed since graduating?
I would say that my work experience so far has given me the opportunity to understand how to approach and apply my knowledge into a real project.
What work/projects/exhibitions have you got coming up?
At the moment, my team and I have been working on a residential development in a low density suburban area outside of London. Our inspiration is to create a unique, characterful project that will promote social cohesion and will add value to people’s daily lives.
How did your time at Chelsea push your practice? Did it challenge your ways in thinking in anyway?
Chelsea has been a great experience for me as it gave me the opportunity to develop new methodologies for design and research. It challenged the way I approached a project and allowed me to take more risks.
What projects did you collaborate on whilst at Chelsea and with whom? Did this lead to any further projects?
During my academic year at Chelsea I participated in a series of live projects organized by UAL such as the Wayward Project and the summer workshop LT Ranch where I had the opportunity to collaborate with creative professionals and my fellow students from MA Interior and Spatial Design.
What was unique about studying at Chelsea College of Arts?
I really enjoyed studying at Chelsea College of Arts due to its inspiring and motivational environment that enables students to take risks and challenge themselves. I also consider Chelsea unique because it has outstanding workshop facilities and the staff are always willing to support the development of your work.
What was the most valuable thing you learned on the course?
I learnt how to be critical of my own work.
In what ways did your summer shows enhance your practice? Did they lead to any new opportunities?
The summer show was a great experience and taught me to understand the amount of work and time that needs to be committed in order to present a project that reflects meaning back to the public.
What advice would you give to our graduating students?
Take the knowledge and memories with you and use them to enhance your career.
Describe Chelsea in 3 words…
Fun, inspiring, challenging.
Explore work by more students at ChelseaDegreeShow.com
Find out more about MA Interior & Spatial Design