Get to know the newest members of the team, Peldon Rose's 2024/5 Design Interns

Hello, and welcome to Peldon Rose! Tell us a bit about yourselves, and why you've chosen studies and careers in design?

Claudia: I was always creative growing up. I liked graphic design, but it was always two dimensional. Interior design is a good way to bring different elements of creativity together in the real world, and into a space.

Isabel: I love how the built environment is always influenced by what’s happening around you, and it’s changing constantly. In architecture and design there are so many links to history, politics and society, which is ever changing.

Ava: When I was younger, I regularly played The Sims, Minecraft as well as building and designing websites. I also enjoy exploring the architecture in new places and wanted to give people the same feeling I have when I step inside an amazing environment.

What brought you to Peldon Rose?

Isabel: I applied to lots of roles for my placement year, but when I stepped through the doors at Sterling House for my interview, I knew I wanted to join the team. I got a real feel for the company, it seemed like everyone was really positive and friendly. I knew the intern programme had been running for years, so was confident I’d be mentored well and learn lots.

Ava: Life at Peldon Rose looked really fun on social media, the ski trips, the creative workshops, and the projects are really cool too! The interview process was really well structured, and I felt confident that I’d be joining a good team.

Claudia: I was looking online for design roles and quickly realised I wanted to work for a company that prioritised people, culture and learning. I came across Peldon Rose’s website and the culture and projects here looked great. Luckily, I spotted the Design Intern job vacancy was live, so I applied.

What was your perception of office design before joining?

Ava: I didn’t realise people could have such creative offices. My memories of my Dad’s basic, white office was all I could picture. Then when I walked into Sterling House for my interview it felt like walking into a home. It’s warm and welcoming and the phone booths, coffee taps and other features opened my eyes to the possibilities in workplace design.

Claudia: I was studying interior design at university from 2020-2023. Lots of my studies took place as working habits were changing thanks to Covid. Through that period, I saw how office design was changing, and I wanted to see and experience that in real life.

Isabel: I used to think office spaces were just desks and chairs, which really isn’t true. It’s really nice coming into our office every day because it’s so nicely designed.

What are you most looking forward to over the next year?

Claudia: I’m excited to see how the different projects I’m involved in progress, so I can look back at the end of the year and see what I’ve achieved. There’s going to be lots of learning, and I want to see how I can apply the skills I learned at uni in the real world, and I might learn some new software too!

Isabel: It’s my first proper 9-5 job and I just want to throw myself at every opportunity and really make the most of it. I also want to learn about what goes on around the 9-5 so I can know what type of role I’d like to apply for after university.

Ava: I’m really looking forward to learning about new materials and ways of design. I’m excited to connect with new people inside of work and outside of work too, making a positive impact here while learning new skills.

You've all moved to London in the past few months, how are you finding it living here?

Ava: Once I’ve got my head around the tube, I’d like to explore more! It’s really great to have a place to come to each day, which means I can get to know all of the different people who work at Peldon Rose.

Claudia: I grew up in Spain and left when I was 16, so I’m used to living in different places. I used to think London was quite daunting though but came to visit some friends and decided to move here myself last September.

Isabel: I’m really enjoying it. I also grew up in different countries which has set me up well for life. I am close to my family though, so moving to London with some uni friends has given me a good community here and it’s really nice to have them down with me.

What do you do for fun?

Isabel: I love to ski but don’t get to do it very often, so I’ll definitely be signing up to the Peldon Rose ski trip! Otherwise, I love anything related to art, embroidery and textiles.

Ava: Sports, health and fitness. When I go home, I persuade my parents to join me in some personal training sessions. I love cooking too, and spending time with friends. I’m excited for my friends in Nottingham to visit me in London.

Claudia: Spin classes! Though I haven’t been to a spin class in London yet. I still have lots of friends in Spain and Edinburgh, where I went to university, so I like visiting them too.

Welcome to the team Claudia, Isabel and Ava, and we look forward to the year ahead!