University News Last updated 16 January 2013
A University design think-tank will be launching a collection of inspiring student collections at a national exhibition later this month.
INTERIORS UK 2013, will showcase innovative design trends from students at Birmingham City University and will include a range of concepts including a sneak preview of how our homes may look next winter.
The annual showcase of new student talent has already launched a number of award-winning designers in previous years, including Suzi McLaughlin, who exhibited the first paper garden at the Gardeners World Live Show, Gemma Smith who won the Tektura Innovation Design Award at INTERIORS UK 2012 and Jasmine Gilhooly who launched her own fashion range J D’Cruz.
Birmingham City University graduate and previous Interiors UK exhibitor Suzi McLaughlin described the show as a fantastic opportunity for budding designers to showcase their designs. She said: “Exhibiting at the Interiors Show was a fantastic platform to promote my work to a huge audience of industry professionals. I've been able to meet buyers from large companies face to face, show them my products and designs and talk about ideas. Being at the show is a great networking opportunity which is key when running a business or working as a designer.”
Joanna Birch, Head of External Development at Birmingham City University added: “The Trends Exhibition, now in its sixth year, continues to unleash the power of student innovation to look at the future in the context of interiors.
“Featuring the work of 60 students the stand highlights 20 new designs, working in partnership with interiors manufacturers with a range of commercial partners(2) including Tektura and Brintons Carpets. The work is based around inspiration for walls, floors and furniture based around concepts – ‘flint’ and ‘clash’ identified by international trend experts Global Color Research Mix Publications.
“The industry collaborations highlight the practical applications of the student’s work, highlighting the benefits of student collaboration with industry partners interested in exploring innovative concepts. This year the stand will also feature a programme of enlightening talks, delivered by students, specifically addressing the challenges of interiors and product design for the future.
“Integrating student design teams in the real world of business is an imbedded element of the way Birmingham City University works – Our Trends showcase often makes interior designers and manufacturers realise the power of students to stimulate their product innovation.”
The exhibition will run from 20-23 January as part of an innovative design trends programme partnered with industry experts.
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