Today, we’ll be talking to “P’ Pookan – Jutamas Sapthad,” a talented 4th-year Interior Design student from the Faculty of Design and Architecture at Sripatum University. She doesn’t let her free time go to waste, instead opening her own studio called Juta Studio. Most recently, she showcased her skills designing a pop-up store for the popular second-hand clothing brand, Hangles. P’ Pookan handled all the project management, design, and on-site problem-solving herself. If you want to know how studying Interior Design at SPU has opened doors to real-world work, listen to her answer!
The starting point: When opportunity knocks, seize it!
This project started with a small “connection” that a friend introduced. When I saw the opportunity, I decided to accept and immediately began working with Hangles. Even though it was a large brand, I wasn’t intimidated. I fully utilized my foundational knowledge of design, spatial analysis, and 3D software skills learned at SPU, combined with my presentation and communication skills, allowing me to communicate with clients with confidence.
A difficult but challenging task: How to design something that is both eco-friendly and budget-friendly?
Hangles’ brief was about sustainability, so I interpreted that into a design using recycled materials, emphasizing simplicity while clearly communicating its eco-friendly nature. Importantly, it had to be easy to move and cost-effective. “Before reaching the final design, we adjusted it 2-3 times based on client feedback to ensure it best met their needs.” That’s the real-world experience of working on projects you can’t find in textbooks.
Classroom vs. Real-world experience: The difference that drives growth.
In the classroom, we work on hypothetical scenarios, but in the real world, “everything has a cost.” “Real projects have limitations regarding budget, time, and constantly changing client requirements. We have to solve problems on-site in real-time and focus on practicality rather than just aesthetics.” This experience taught me about professionalism—work systems, communication, and punctuality—essential skills for those in this field.
How to Start Getting Freelance Work (Student Edition)
For students who want to earn some money while studying, I recommend “starting small.”
- Collect all your work for your portfolio: classroom assignments, practice sessions, anything!
- Open up online channels: Start with small projects, such as 3D rendering or logo design.
- Build connections: Get to know senior students and teachers, because opportunities often come from those close to you.
My next goal in design.
My next goal is to start collecting my portfolio of real projects and try working in various formats. I want to build my portfolio and gain experience to apply for jobs that better match my needs. If possible, I’d like to develop Juta Studio into a studio that handles both interior design and other creative projects. I also intend to further my knowledge of Sustainable Design because I believe that good design should be responsible towards society and the environment.
To all students interested in Interior Design at SPU:
If you’re interested in interior design, the Faculty of Design and Architecture at SPU will give you the opportunity to learn from real professionals, gain real-world experience, and work in the field. Here, you won’t just learn theory; you’ll gain experience from professors who are actual designers, and you’ll also study with leading architects in Thailand. Furthermore, you’ll have the chance to work with top architectural firms both in Thailand and abroad.
Discover your identity and create your masterpiece at the Faculty of Design and Architecture, Sripatum University.
Apply now! https://www.spu.ac.th/register.landing/
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