The Paisley Dining Room which has remained relatively unchanged for the best part of a decade was in need of some TLC. Curriculum and Quality Leader Carol Gaffney explained, ‘ It was time for a freshen up and with the hospitality students serving up their culinary delights to approximately 80 people a week, we were keen to create a bright welcoming environment for our guests and a fit for purpose area for our students to work in.’ 

The College’s Interior Design department were keen to take up the challenge as a live client brief, and in less than 6 weeks 25 students had put forward their concepts to the judging panel, with the hope of securing a place in the final shortlist.

The external judges who consisted of the Daily Record’s Interiors Feature Writer and No:1 Magazine’s Humble Abode columnist, Robyn Lang-Shankland and Gayle Murrison, Business Development Manager  at Claremont Office Furniture were so impressed with the standard of concepts submitted they struggled to shortlist!

Gayle said:

Both Robyn and I were absolutely blown away by the level of creative talent displayed by all the students involved in this competition. On first sight of the student's creative we were totally hooked, the visual diversity of the concepts were truly inspiring, making the judging process a joy to be involved in.

Robyn added, ‘There was some fabulous ideas from layouts to lighting and from colour selections to material choices, the students should be so proud of themselves. Pitching is not for the faint hearted, even with years of experience it can be a daunting task. It was a privilege to watch these young creatives bravely stand up and pitch their concepts. The students then fielded questions which they handled admirably and proved they had thoroughly explored the practical applications of their ideas. It was a wonderful experience to be part of and I wish them all the very best in the future.’

After two days of back to back concept pitches the judges were delighted to award a first place to Laleh Eskandari from the Clydebank Campus and Highly Commended to Gemma McNally from the Paisley Campus for their innovative and fresh concepts.

(Above: Laleh's Winning Concept)

Knightswood student Laleh who took first place, scooped not only a college prize, but a £100 voucher donated by Design Direct said, ‘I’m just so delighted to have been awarded first place and to see my designs actually be put into practice - it’s so exciting. I really enjoyed sourcing ideas and analyse existing restaurant interiors to give me inspiration for my own concept. I’m hoping to move onto the Glasgow School of Architecture in September.’

Highly Commended Paisley Campus student Gemma (pictured below) said, ‘I loved the whole project, it was fun to do a live client brief for the College. Pitching my concept was my favourite part of the whole process. However, being recognised and receiving feedback for my work was extremely rewarding too. I plan to complete my HND at West College Scotland before going onto university.’

Debbie Johnston, Interior Architecture Lecturer and Client Liaison said, ‘This has been a fantastic opportunity for our Interior Architecture students across both Clydebank and Paisley Campus to work together for a real client on a live project. From day one the students threw themselves into the project, worked tirelessly with passion, enthusiasm and professionalism which were recognised by industry professionals. Well done to all students who took part and special congratulations to Laleh, who will very shortly see her concept become a reality. What a fabulous addition to her CV.’

The Training Dining Room will close at the end of March for 2 weeks whilst the estimated 30K refurbishment works are scheduled.

Jim McAllister, Head of the Hospitality, Travel, Tourism and Languages commented, ‘The College has literally put its money where its mouth is, supporting and believing in their students enough to execute a high profile commercial venture. It's so unique for young creatives to have a chance work on an exciting live project like this, students know this is more than just a theoretical project so have to incorporate real world practicality, commerciality and budget into their thought process which is an invaluable experience”

Weavers, which will be the restaurants new name when it reopens, will serve throughout the lunch hour daily. The final phase of the project will see NC Graphic Design students submit proposals for the restaurant logo.

(Pictured below: (L-R) Judges Robyn Lang-Shankland & Gayle Murrison, Jim McAllister, Debbie Johnston and Carol Gaffney)