Design CoLAB is a collaborative partnership between West College Scotland, Neat Living and Janine Getty Art. Together, the three partners have created this unique project to foster outcomes between education and enterprise.
Being a part of Design CoLAB has been a great experience, and it has given me an idea of what it’s like to work with a live client.
Taylor McGee knew that she would build her knowledge and skills when she applied to study HND Interior Archtecture at West College Scotland. But she never imagined having the chance to network with industry professionals as part of her course and, even better, being awarded first place in the Design CoLAB project in conjunction with Neat Living and Janine Getty Art.
The project was aimed at generating new concepts and creating design solutions for a new Flex 96 home. Each student was allocated a seasonal theme (spring/summer/autumn/winter), and had to install a design feature of an Art Panel or Contemporary Fabric. Students looked at the different ways that they could design an interior solution for their own selected customers.
Following on from the 12-week Design CoLAB project, students and staff from West College Scotland were joined by staff from Neat Living and Janine Getty Art to announce the project’s winners. This event, which took place on Friday 24th January 2019, allowed our students’ work to be celebrated and was another opportunity for them to network with those from Neat Living and Janine Getty Art.
With students putting their all into their projects, it is no surprise that our industry partners were delighted with the results. Colin Taylor, Director of Neat Living, says of the project:
This year has seen a further step up in the work of the students and has been a fantastic experience for us to be a part of!
Janine Getty agrees, saying:
The quality of work produced by students this year has been nothing short of inspirational, and I have enjoyed every moment of working with Neat Living and West College Scotland.
Inviting former West College Scotland students along to judge the entries was the idea of Interior/Graphic Design lecturer Lola Paterson, and this gave our current students a further opportunity to network with those who have gone into the industry. Lola has worked collaboratively with Neat Living and Janine Getty for a number of years, and is delighted to be able to provide such an opportunity to her students:
This experience contributes greatly to our students articulating on to university or future employment.
Liz Connolly, Chief Executive and Principle of West College Scotland, attended the event alongside many other senior members of staff.
The event to mark the completion of the project was a fabulous celebration of the creativity being demonstrated by our students every day. It was particularly pleasing to have so many former students, who have gone on to achieve great success in their careers, coming back to support the event both by judging and being involved in the project management of the event itself. Their support of our current students is tremendous and demonstrates their on-going commitment to the WCS family.
With these students now on the home stretch of their HND Interior Architecture course, it is clear to see that they have been provided an invaluable opportunity. Whether being noticed by industry professionals or simply gaining some real-life work experience, the project has been a great success for all involved, and Maria Morgan sums this up perfectly:
I have gained so much experience during this project, which I will take with me into my working life!
Kike Pawlik, wild card winner and 2nd place in award ceremony: "This has been such amazing achievement for me".
Angela Pignatelli, Assistant Principal Creative Industries: "We are immensely proud that our former students, many in employment and some at University continuing their studies, have returned to form the judging panel with industry representatives. We are building something quite special and unique here and hope to continue to lead in the Sector on this contemporary model for curriculum delivery.”
Mhairi-Claire Wilkies, judge and former WCS student, who has since graduated from Edinburgh College of Art with 1st class degree with distinction: "The standard of work this year was exceptional and it was evident to see the hours of hard work and dedication by the students."
Sam Courtney, judge and former WCS student who is currently studying Architecture at Glasgow School of Art: " It was such a privilege to return to West College Scotland as a judge. I had a great experience there and manged to participate on a student trip to Paris and New York and create lifelong memories.”
Prize-winners
1st place: Taylor McGee
2nd place (and people’s choice wildcard): Kike Pawlik
3rd place: Maria Morgan
Shortlisted
Greg Marshall
Valentina Lubcenko
Megan Hutchison
In order to find out more about, or apply for, our Interior Architecture courses, click here.