SARA ISLIM TOMCZAK 

ABOUT ME

 

I am a final year student studying Interior Architecture And Design at Nottingham Trent University. Prior to my undergraduate course I studied A-Levels at St. Dominic's Sixth Form College and an Art Foundation at University Of The Arts London, Camberwell  which is said to be “London's leading art and design school”

 

My undergraduate course embodies a Placement year. This is a year working in industry with like minded professionals facing real situations, and seeing design’s come to life. 

 

I started my first placement at Design Clarity  who were at the time based in London Bridge’s famous borough markets in June 2013.  Design Clarity are a Australian design firm with offices in Melbourne, Sydney and London.  They specialise in retail and hospitality design, with many projects within Westfield.  Normally Design Clarity keep interns on for 3monts however I was there for 6 months. During my time there I was able to design and work with a small group of individuals meaning my position was very hands on. I learnt a great deal during my time working for the company, including proficiency in Vectorworks and  all Adobe Suite programmes.

 

In mid November I started working for  SSG London. I worked within a small multi-faceted team of designers and was able to apply the skill set I learnt at my previous placement to make me a valuable and indispensible part of the team.  SSG London are based in Shad Thames and specialise in Event Design.  During my time at SSG I worked directly with the Head Of Design and the Managing Partners, this taught me how to present and communicate ideas to senior members and how to be confident in my deigns. In May the Head Of Design left and I worked directly with the Managing Partner’s in developing design ideas and concepts. By this time I was able to comprehensively draw tender packs and construction drawings as well as manage my time and attend client meetings where the correct etiquette was essential.  I was on placement here for 10months with the offer of going back post graduation.

 

During my time in education and whist being on placement I have always worked in the retail sector. I believe it is vital to have a varied skill set as this moulds the person you are and allows you to become a strategic thinker who can adapt to many business situations.