Innovative designs by Herts students to help transform The Galleria Shopping Centre

Students studying BA Interior Architecture and Design (IAD) at the University were tasked by the Shopping Centre’s new investors, to help the team refresh the mall’s interiors. A seven-week live project to develop some new concepts was created with compelling results.

Herts tutors then shortlisted the five strongest designs created by Iryna Gavryliuk, Biju Pournami, Macy Porch, Lorena Cama and Cerys Jane Hills, for them to present to their client. The Galleria’s management team were so impressed with all the students’ work, they committed to implementing shortlisted designs in The Galleria, with modifications to suit construction requirements.

Iryna, who was named the overall winner of the design project, impressed The Galleria management so much with her innovative proposal [pictured above] that they offered her a full-time apprenticeship with the company. She will also receive a £500 shopping voucher as the project winner.

All of the shortlisted students will continue working with the clients as their concepts move toward reality, gaining invaluable real-world experience and the rare opportunity to see their designs built at full scale.

Programme Leader BA (Hons) Interior Architecture & Design, Dr Erica Liu said:

“We are incredibly proud of the professionalism and creativity of our students. Seeing local Hertfordshire industry partners respond so enthusiastically to their designs is a testament to their talent and work ethic. This is exactly the kind of experience that prepares our students for successful long-term careers in design and architecture.”

Winner Iryna Gavryliuk said: “I’m so grateful for the opportunity to work on a live project - it was an amazing experience from the beginning. Presenting my design to real clients was the height of my student experience at Herts and one that has had a huge impact on me and my future career. Being offered a job and support to continue my studies was beyond anything I expected.”

Find out more about studying architecture at the University of Hertfordshire.