The Apprentice Experience - Interview with Amy Rowlands

"There was a steep learning curve in the beginning,” Amy says, “figuring out how to use the software, talk to suppliers, and starting to understand the technical, architectural side of interior design. I’m now confident in Sketchup, the Adobe Creative Cloud Suite, Microsoft Office, and I’ve had exposure to both AutoCad and Revit."

Associate Director Ben Horobin has been working with Amy throughout her apprenticeship; “She’s come a long way and now knows and understands not just the software but the materials and how to use them. She’s been a credit to the team as the first design apprentice at AFL.”

Apprenticeships are oftentimes associated with small tasks or the shadowing of a more senior team member, but Amy from the start was expected to get involved in every aspect of the design process. She played an integral part of the design of Morson Offices and the Stepping Hill Hospital CT scanner reception space, from the initial concept designs and mood boards to the presentation, delivery and completion of the project.

An apprenticeship creates a solid practical foundation, allowing space for Amy and other future apprentices to focus on design theory.

AFL’s approach is the same for our apprentices and graduates alike; through exposure to real clients and briefs, we instil a commonsense approach that is carried with them throughout their careers.