Designed with care

For her final-year project, recent BA (Hons) Interior Design graduate Agnieszka Stolarczyk designed a childcare and respite centre. She received SBID’s (Society of British and International Design) special recognition award for her work from interior designer and Solent’s Honorary Doctorate Vanessa Brady.

We caught up with Agnieszka at this year’s degree shows, to talk about her work and what she’s planning next.

Tell us a bit about your final project 

Located in a quiet and green area of Southampton, my concept, the ‘Daffodil Childcare Centre’, would offer short-break professional childcare, allowing children with a disability, chronic and life-limiting conditions to embrace positive thinking and temper stress, providing suitable care and entertainment in healing environment.

It would work to provide relatives whose life involves round-the-clock care, with a little respite and restore their energy. Socialising with other people that are going through similar issues is very important, and can be soothing for both patients and their families.

The concept behind the building composition is a parent holding a child in their arms; the front building, which contains all the facilities for taking care of the children’s health and wellbeing, embraces the central accommodation block.

What have you enjoyed most about your time at Solent?  

I enjoyed all the live briefs we had a chance to undertake during the course, and being a part of sport and social clubs.

What’s next for you? What do you have lined up?

I will be undertaking a work placement in the hotel design department of [tourism giant] Carnival group in Southampton, which I hope will give me the necessary experience to apply for an interior design job in hospitality.

I also have a wonderful mentor found through the mentorship program at Solent, and tutors who support me while I am looking for my first professional job.

Do you have any advice for other students or potential students?

Use your time spent at the University efficiently, and when Solent gives you opportunities to meet professionals and potential employers, do not be afraid to network with them and ask questions. On top of that, help others and make friends!

Find out more about the art and design courses offered at Solent.