Today we caught up with Chelsea student Owain Caruana-Davies, currently studying MA Interior & Spatial Design.
Describe your experience at Chelsea in 3 words.
Challenging, supportive and stimulating.
What do you enjoy most about studying at Chelsea?
Chelsea is a delightful place to study because it’s a fairly small college and you get to know students and staff quickly. There is a great atmosphere at Chelsea and I feel part of a creative energy whilst producing work here!
The staff are approachable and have a depth of knowledge in their fields of practice. The workshop facilities are some of the best in the UK and are run by a team of knowledgeable technicians (all practicing artists) that help with all aspects of making.
Furthermore, the college has many spaces to exhibit student work and is next door to Tate Britain.
Where do you live at the moment and what do you enjoy most about being in London?
I currently live at one of the UAL halls in North Acton (West London) where I work as a Student Welfare Mentor to help student residents at halls.
I am located across the road from the Central Line with easy access to central London. I mostly enjoy visiting galleries and exhibitions across London as well as exploring new places and getting lost!
What has been your greatest challenge so far on the course and how have you overcome it?
The greatest challenge is balancing study and work time. I enjoy taking part in lots of events and extra activities alongside multiple jobs, which requires a strict timetabling system to fit everything in. I am currently managing my time well and enjoy the creative opportunities that Chelsea and UAL have to offer, however keeping my timetable updated and planning in advance is crucial.
What have been your greatest achievements during your time at Chelsea?
I have been a student at Chelsea for 2 months and I’m already looking forward to planning the end of year exhibitions. In the meantime I hope to enter some art and design competitions in London.
My greatest achievement was being awarded a scholarship which helped significantly in pursuing my goal to study at Chelsea. Other than this, my work has been exhibited in Southbank and in Clerkenwell for London Design Festival (2015). Recently one of my works was selected to be exhibited as part of the launch of the new Resonance FM website.
I have recently applied to work on a live project collaboration with my course leader and selected peers from my course at Chelsea. The opportunity will allow us to gain valuable experience working on-site with real clients.
I am also a course representative and student ambassador at Chelsea. This gives me an understanding of students needs to help the college maintain and improve its competitive status in art and design education globally.
What do you see yourself doing after you graduate?
I am currently making the most of my time at Chelsea and allowing the development and experimentation of my work to influence thoughts towards my future practice. However I often think about my future career ambitions and steps that need to be taken in advance. I plan to work in practice after my MA to gain further industry experience, with the potential for progression for future study at Chelsea.
I believe collaboration with interdisciplinary practices in a global context is key for design development in the future and I hope to be part of a diverse team to improve life.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about doing your course?
Be prepared to; work hard, think hard, read, question everything, be questioned, get lost, understand how people feel or want to feel, make things and enjoy your time at Chelsea!
You can see more of Owain’s work on his website www.ocdarchitecture.co.uk