December 18, 2016

FREE Mini Course #RockYourDegree

December 18, 2016/ Sonia Nicolson

It's almost a year since I left my role as Senior Lecturer back in the UK to move to Iceland. In that time I've achieved so many goals that were on my To-Do list but there was a 'Student Advice'. I wanted to form an output, a way of offering my answers to all those questions previously asked to me and pass on the same advice to other students. So I got typing and created my first email course.

It simple. You sign up for the FREE emails and you will immediately be sent Day 1 of the 5 Day email course. The course runs over 5 days so you'll get an email each day. Each email focuses on a different topic and they're packed with information and useful links. I hope you get loads out of this email course so let's get started and #RockYourDegree

DAY 1 - Clear Your Space, Clear Your Mind

How to be organized and focussed
How to best storage equipment and materials
How to store stock for online shops, i.e. Etsy
The importance of storing and keeping all student project work
What to do with physical models, saving and backing up digital work
Online Portfolio

DAY 2 - Inspiration + Motivation

How to stay focussed, inspired, and motivated
How to create moods boards and sketchbooks
The importance of evidencing your design process within the sketchbook
How to get in the habit of using the Library
Sorting your Instagram feed to reflect you as a designer
Pinterest
The benefits of teamwork and a study group
How to look after number 1

DAY 3 - Plan + Prepare + Present

How to be organized so stress doesn't get the better of you
Staying onto of dates and deadlines
The Library
Apps to help you stay organized in project management
How to prep your mind, space, supplies, and food ready for any project or challenge
Presentation tips for before, during, and after your presentation
What is professionalism
What to do if you fail

DAY 4 - Communication, Connections, Collaborations

Communication and note-taking
How to contact faculty (your lecturers)
Writing academic work
LinkedIn
Your online presence
Networking
How to get the most out of Uni social events
How to approach an office for help, internship, or employment

DAY 5 - Let’s Get Real

The course finishes with a bit of perspective on studying and graduating
And...ideas on how to show off your skills and stand out from the crowd

April 26, 2016

5 Reasons to Pursue a Career in Design: Insights from an Architect and Interior Designer

April 26, 2016/ Sonia Nicolson

5 reasons to become a designer

If you’re considering a career in design, whether it’s in architecture, interior design, or related fields, you’ve come to the right place. As an architect and interior designer with years of experience, I’m thrilled to share with you the top five reasons why embracing a career in design can be immensely rewarding and fulfilling.

Design is more than just aesthetics—it’s about problem-solving, creativity, and shaping environments that improve lives. I have always had an interest in design and the arts - drawing and making things so naturally, I took Art & Design at school, and my path to becoming a designer started.

Here are five compelling reasons why diving into the world of design might be your perfect fit:

1/ Do what you love

I love design, it’s that simple. It’s who I am, it’s what I think about. I see, analyze and critic it all the time. I surrounded myself with things that inspired me, and I found new ideas and projects everywhere.

2/ Think outside the box

I get to express my creativity in my work and what I do. I work with other like-minded, creative people. We collaborate, we problem-solve, we encourage and push each other, but most importantly, we think outside the box.

3/ Never stop learning

I am constantly learning. I design, redesign, test, redesign…It’s not easy, and it’s never 9-5 but I design things that are made, or built, and will hopefully be there for a very long time.

4/ Designing for the world around us, the spaces we live and work in

My job involves a lot of critical thinking and an understanding of psychology. I design for the end-user so it’s not about colour or fluffy decor but I design out spaces; homes and workplaces. It directly affects people’s daily lives.

5/ Give back with a passion for Design

I’m an Architect but I teach too so I get to give back. I’m truly passionate about what I do and love working with students and young designers in their studies and projects.

Join us on Pinterest

Do you want to become a Designer, if so, why?

October 12, 2015

The General Design & Inspiration Booklist

October 12, 2015/ Sonia Nicolson

This is my 'coffee table' selection of books that I love to sit down and have a flick through with a hot cup of coffee under a cozy blanket on the sofa. When I have a new project or are looking for inspiration, I love to sit and flick through books, get ideas and it always helps me feel re-motivated. Some of the lists below are books from my university days and others more recent, some you might have read or heard of, and others are well worth looking up.