Rebecca Groves from Cardiff, graduated from the BA (Hons) InteriorDesign degree in 2011. She is an Associate Director and Interior Designer at Design Management Partnership (DMP) based in Cardiff.

Tell us about your job

Essentially, I design and project manage. We are quite a small team of ten but work nationwide from Skegness to St Ives, predominantly in the leisure and hospitality industry, but also do healthcare. The majority of our work is for breweries, such as S A Brains, St Austell Brewery, Greene King to name a few, who we do pub and hotel refurbishments for. 

What do you love about it?

I love that I get to be involved with all aspects of the project, particularly working on site and seeing the teams designs turned into a reality. Projects are a really quick turn around and we work on so many at any given time which means you are constantly on your toes and never get bogged down in a project. 

Best project this year?

I’ve done so many this year it’s hard to choose! I enjoyed working on the Cambrian Tap for Brains which is on the corner of Caroline Street in Cardiff as this was a new craft beer pub concept for them - and also it means I get to visit often! Also the Crab & Boar in Chieveley for Cirrus Inns which is a quirky country gastro pub with hotel rooms. But I have also designed an American Diner for Butlins, and an army truck which turns into a pub!

How did USW's interior degree prepare you for this job?

The best part was the placement year I did at a branding and design agency in Birmingham. It gave me so much experience that I could then apply in my final year of Uni and gave me that all-important experience which the industry looks for. I also went on a few course trips to Berlin and Venice which were a great experience. Travel is so important when working in the design sector as it opens you up to what is out there and to see what everyone else is doing. 

What was it like being a design student living in Cardiff?

Over recent years Cardiff has been constantly developing and there is always new architecture, interiors, restaurants, bars, cafes popping up. We are really lucky that we have such a fantastic location which attracts these businesses as well as attracting creative like-minded people. Cardiff is such an exciting city and I feel lucky to have found a career in the sector I wanted, right on my doorstep! 

Twitter: @dmp_cardiff and @beccagroves