Southampton Solent design students gain real world experience with housebuilder partnership
Students studying at Southampton Solent University were given a taste of what it's like to be a professional interior designer this week, as the first year BA (Hons) Interior Design Decoration students were given real industry experience as part of the on-going partnership with local housebuilder Linden Homes.
The students, who are in their first year studying interior design decoration at Southampton Solent University visited the showhomes at Crowdhill Green in Fair Oak to experience what life could be like as a fully-fledged interior designer.
The students are following in the footsteps of their predecessors who enjoyed the same experience last year and found the opportunity fundamental to their learning. One of those students was Abigail Burden (22), who finished the three-year course at Solent University last year. In her final year, she was awarded the Linden Homes Interior Design prize and is now seeing her wallpaper design come to life as its set to take pride of place in the master bedroom of the showhome at a new Linden Homes development, Morgan’s Field in Broughton.
Lydia Southwell, Southampton Solent University Course Leader, said: “Our partnership with Linden Homes is so important for our students to gain real industry experiences. It can be hard to convey real world situations in the classroom, so experiencing what it’s like to be a professional interior designer really gives the students a flavour of what their careers could look like in the future.
“The journey that Abigail has taken since winning the Linden Homes award is evidence of how important these experiences are and the benefits they can have for the students.”
Lydia added: “We’ve worked with Linden Homes for over three years now and it’s been extremely beneficial for our students. We hope to continue the partnership for many years to come.”
Following the visit to the showhome, the students will be tasked with designing their own showhome as part of their first-year project, following which students will be given the opportunity to present their final designs to Linden Homes South marketing manager, Jo Dixon simulating a live pitch.
Linden Homes South marketing manager, Jo Dixon, took the students on a tour of the showhome to help give the students an insight into the project and an understanding of what it’s like to work with a client such as Linden Homes.
Jo commented: “It’s great to be able to support these students as they embark on their careers into the world of interior design. Seeing their enthusiasm and passion for the industry was really encouraging and wonderful to see.
“We were so pleased to be able to offer the students some real world experiences for the third year running! It’s an excellent opportunity for them to work with a client and really understand how to interpret a brief.
“We hope the students enjoyed the visit and got as much out of the experience as possible. We’ve really loved working with Solent University over the years.”
Situated in the semi-rural village of Fair Oak, Crowdhill Green is a new development of two, three, four and five-bedroom homes.
To find out more about Crowdhill Green at Fair Oak call 02380 082 669 for more details.
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Media can contact Fotini Efstathiou or Alice Cannell at Remarkable Group on 01962 893862 for more information, images and interviews with Linden Homes.
