Alumni Spotlight – MA in Design (Interior Architecture)

In this month’s Alumni Spotlight Nadim Devlin, an MA in Design graduate, discusses the job opportunities available to interior architects in the Irish design industry and how a postgraduate qualification gave him the edge in the job market.

Name: Nadim Devlin

Course: BA (Hons) in Interior Architecture / MA in Design (Interior Architecture)   

Year of graduation: 2013

Nationality: Irish

Home Town / Country: Doha, Qatar

Tell Us About Yourself …

I was born and raised in Qatar, with an Irish father and a Palestinian mother, I think my diverse cultural background provides me with a unusual perspective. I have always been interested in both design and technology and the MA in Design (Interior Architecture) programme at Griffith College provided me with a unique direction as the course is a fusion of architecture, interior design, and industrial design.

What are you doing now?

I am currently working as a designer for a design consultancy group in Dublin. Prior to that, I was freelancing for several architectural practices in Ireland, Toronto, and Qatar. Freelancing gave me an insight to the business side of creativity. It also allowed me to dip a toe into a variety of design jobs including graphics and 3D design - and not just interiors. The skills I learnt during Master’s study helped me to become more confident working with design teams to effectively address technical challenges, develop design proposals, whilst also embracing criticism (which helps to open up new perspectives, opportunities, and ideas that one may not have considered), and appreciating the business’ need to work efficiently towards deadlines.

What is it like to work in the design industry in Ireland?

Initially it was challenging as I did not have any connections in the design industry in Ireland. Perseverance is really the key here. I continuously fine-tuned my portfolio whilst learning about a number of companies and recruitment firms specialising in the design and construction industry.

What do you foresee as the main challenges for interior architects over the next 5 – 10 years?

I think that the bulk of future construction here will involve work on existing buildings, so repurposing is one area likely to offer interesting new opportunities in the sector.

Do you feel there are many job opportunities in the sector at the moment?

I believe there are opportunities out there for ambitious and motivated candidates. It’s a very competitive field and obtaining the desired qualifications is only half the battle. Standing out from other applicants requires perseverance and uniqueness. Keep learning and don’t forget to build your portfolio with various forms of designs and jobs to prove that you’re willing to take on a project.

How has your postgraduate MA qualification from Griffith College helped you in your career?

The MA in Interior Architecture at Griffith has definitely set me apart from other job-seeking graduates. This postgraduate design qualification enhanced a solid foundation of skills and experience with different software platforms, and that gave me the confidence to enter the design industry as a freelancer. Before starting the MA I already knew the importance of working with numerous design and graphical software packages on different platforms to expand my knowledge and I loved the challenge this posed.

Why did you choose Griffith?

Design is a very broad subject and the course appealed to me because Interior Architecture seemed like the right combination of design and technology. The unique structure of the course is unmatched by other colleges and from my perspective it appeared to strike the right balance between theoretical teaching and practical work.

What was the highlight of your course?

I thoroughly enjoyed the research that I undertook. The level of detail in each module, particularly the advanced technical skills 3D Architectural Graphics module, is tailored to industry standards, and the Business Management module opened my eyes especially to the business side and the actual aspects as to how to go about establishing a business.

What’s the most useful thing you learnt whilst studying at Griffith?

The absolute value of networking in the design industry. The friends and connections you develop in college can be instrumental in kick-starting your career.

Can you tell us a little about your dissertation subject?

I chose to investigate how elements of vernacular architecture in the Arabian Gulf can be applied to contemporary buildings responding to harsh climatic conditions. I was particularly focused on examining vernacular passive cooling strategies and methods of protection that have worked for centuries, against dense solar radiation, high humidity, and dust-laden winds, all with minimal impact on the environment. More information on my Master’s project can be found on the Behance Network.

Image: Nadim's final project for the MA in Design. It is a contemporary re-interpretation of traditional elements of Arab vernacular architecture providing solutions for the transforming and cultural environment of Qatar. The proposal is a mixed use residential development including segregated recreational facilities such as fitness rooms, creche, prayer room, and separate majlis' - one public, the other private.

Image: Apartment entrance

Image: Semi-private courtyard and seating

Would you recommend the course, the college and Dublin to other students?

I would highly recommend Griffith’s MA in Design to anyone considering higher education opportunities in the design field. The MA equipped me with valuable thinking and practical skills that are relevant in today’s workplace and in tune with what employers are looking for in a graduate.

Best thing about Dublin ...

Dublin is a cosmopolitan city in touch with the world. While it has a strong sense of tradition and respect for history and culture, it is simultaneously a city with a predominantly youthful, confident population dynamically embracing modernity and eager to innovate and improve. It is definitely a welcoming and comfortable place to live and study in.

What are your tips for new Griffith interior architecture postgraduate students?

Take advantage of the knowledge and extensive professional networks the College has to offer. Keep up to date with current and emerging trends in the profession and in the overall industrial and technological environment.

What are your plans for the future?

It is my ambition to develop a career in a creative environment that utilises my knowledge in design and 3D visualisation skills and involves me in the decision-making process throughout the value chain of computer graphics, movies, animations, and architectural visualisation.

Interview by Lydia Casey