STUDENTS have designed interiors for a top end Knightsbridge hotel chain

Art and Design students at South Essex College’s Southend Campus created menu boards, coasters, embroidery gifts and bespoke bags for Novotel’s Tower Bridge hotel.

The group visited the chain to showcase their ideas and hand over their final designs to hotel bosses, who originally approached the group after being amazed by their end of year exhibition in the summer.

We asked the students what it has been like working with the hotel and following the brief with this project.

Student Jake Pascoe, 18, from Great Wakering created new menu boards which are now being used in the restaurant.

He said: “To have a real life design brief to work with has been a big eye opener. To know that my designs are now being used is amazing. It has really given us a great insight into what it will be like to work in the industry and work with clients.

“The whole process has really boosted my personal development as well as understanding of the industry.”

Chloe Quiben, 19, from Canvey Island created embroidery pieces designed to be given as gifts to guests.

She said: “I wanted to create something different and really test my skills so I decided on embroidery. Some of the pieces were really tricky and intricate but I’m really pleased with the end product. It’s been great to have the opportunity to add my flair to something that could be enjoyed by people from all over the world.”

Alice Gough, 19, from Benfleet, has put her interior design skills to the test and created a new look for the hotel chain’s suites.

She said: “I loved the idea of interior design so decided to create a new look for the hotel’s suites. It was an interesting task because I had to bear in mind the hotel’s current branding when deciding on colour and style. I had to adapt some of my ideas to fulfil the client’s needs so it was a great way to experience what it will be like to work in the industry.”

Sophie-Anne Yasruddin, 18, from Chelmsford designed and made coasters to be used in the hotel’s restaurant.

She said: “This project has been a really good eye opener because you have to really work with the client to meet their needs. My idea was initially for tiles to be used in the lift lobby, but after meeting with the managers, it was suggested my design would work better as coasters. It’s quite a change from wall tiles, but it was a great way to experience how things can be developed into other ideas. It’s been a great project to be involved with.”

Tabitha Baker, 18, from Shoeburyness designed a set of branded bags showcasing the icons of London.

She said: “I’ve really enjoyed this project and am pleased with my designs. I wanted to create something simple but effective. Visitors to the hotel come from all over the world and London is a very iconic city so I wanted to find a way of using this to create a sense of identity for the chain. It’s been a great project to work with and learn from.”