I’ve been busy with lots of teaching activities recently including schools outreach workshops, and a teacher training session alongside my main teaching on the BA Textile Design course at Norwich University of the Arts. Last term was full of varied teaching projects and a highlight for me was to work again with two of my graduates from the last institution I worked at, Birmingham City University, in their design roles at Sainsbury’s / Habitat, leading an industry brief for my current BA3 group. One of my absolute passions is to bring industry together with education, for everyone to learn from each other.

Tasha and Charlotte graduated in 2018 and within a few months secured roles that have led them to where they are now. Having kept in touch with them both over the last few years I applied for the opportunity to participate in this industry project with the brand. Good conversations were had to shape the brief, and ensure it worked for both parties. Habitat were incredibly generous with the project offer, with three visits to Norwich: the briefing, a mid-project review and a judging / awards event. The students worked hard, asked great questions and proved their ability to respond to the briefs, demonstrating keen awareness of sustainable and innovative material solutions and textiles pattern outcomes for kids’ interiors. The students were able to pitch their projects during the seven weeks and gain feedback to consider as they developed ideas and sampling. There was certainly a sense of competition, and everyone wanted to do well in front of the judges. They made us all very proud. 

It was brilliant to see Tasha and Charlotte in their professional roles supporting the students in a kind and compassionate manner, sharing industry insights and recalling their own worries and excitement of the final year, graduation and beyond. The benefit for the students was a consideration of professional opportunity and ambition, passion and skill, and most importantly – industry feedback. They were listened to those who were working in roles they may aspire to have, and to have their work reviewed made this feel more possible.

For the academic staff and Habitat designers it was humbling to see the commitment the students made, and how valuable the journey of personal growth is at any stage of a career. I’m sure Tasha and Charlotte had no idea they would, five years on, be leading a design project with degree students, and I am delighted to be able to participate in this experience with them, reminding them of how unsure they had been back during their final year of degree study, but how far they’ve come since then. I was reminded how valuable these opportunities are. They take a lot of organising and planning, but the pay off will be long-lasting. A huge thank you to Tasha and Charlotte!

There is a university blog post here for more information, pictures and feedback.