Georgie’s time at Andrew Henry Interiors

Here at the Andrew Henry Interiors family, nurturing new and emerging talent is something that we are passionate about.

One such talent who has recently passed through the doors of our Bristol based design studio is Georgie Maniglia, who has been a regular visitor here over a number of years.

Just before Georgie left her work placement with us to return to her studies at University, we decided to have a quick catch-up about her experiences with us and her future ambitions….

Which degree are you currently studying and where?

Interior Design at the University of the West of England in Bristol.

How many years have you been working with Andrew Henry Interiors?

For a total of 7 years during Summer breaks throughout my education.

What first attracted you to approach us about a work placement?

I had been passionate about interior design for a long time and a family friend suggested Andrew Henry Interiors as a possible work experience placement. I then explored the website and made contact with Andrew Henry, who agreed I could undertake my work experience with the business, as part of my year 10 secondary education.

Has your work here benefited your degree in any way?

In many ways it has given me an insight into the interior design industry and how real life schemes develop. At university, this enables me to work on my practice with first hand experience and skills learned in the field.

During my placements, I have gained an understanding of client needs and preferences as well as current trends within the design world. I have been able to transfer what I have learned into developing my own house design at uni for my major year 2 project, which I completed in May 2017.

Returning to University for my third year, I will be taking with me even more design skills which I have enhanced whilst at Andrew Henry Interiors this Summer. These skills include, floor plan layouts, In-Design for presentation boards, project budgeting costs, and following a design brief for a specific client.

Can you tell us about some of the projects that you undertook for Andrew Henry Interiors?

During my time at Andrew Henry Interiors, I have shadowed many of the designers in the team, which helped me to understand how they work to produce different outcomes.

This Summer I undertook a longer placement and I was given a project brief and a budget from which I created an entire scheme for a three bed semi-detached house. This project was challenging at times but also very exciting. I worked with my own colour way in-line with the client’s preferences. From developing the floor plans, to specifying all furniture, lighting, fabrics and wallpapers, I stayed within my budget and produced a scheme that I was proud of.

Following my presentation to Andrew and John, I received positive feedback and advice on how to improve next time. I really feel I have gained so much more knowledge and experience yet again on this placement!

What are your future career ambitions?

My ambition once I complete my degree, is to work as an Interior Designer in either the residential or commercial sectors, as at the moment I do not have a preference.

Naturally we wish Georgie the very best of luck with her final year at University, and her professional debut into the world of interior design.