In conversation with Alan Jobson, Senior Designer at DAKOTA

1. How long have you worked at DAKOTA?

3.5 years

2. Can you tell us a little bit about your background and what made you pursue a career in interior design?

My parents worked in factories when I was growing up and I didn’t want to go down that route. I wanted to do something different and I was always creative.

When I was 18 I got the opportunity to start work as a junior working in a design office and I worked my way up from there. Over the course of my career, I have worked for two hospitality and leisure lead firms within the North East.

I ran my own business for 12 years in the domestic sector before I decided I wanted to get back into the commercial side of the industry – which is when I joined the DAKOTA team.

3. What does a typical day entail as an interior designer?

A typical day would entail liaising with clients on multiple projects from a technical viewpoint. Designing spaces and creating drawing packages using Revit or CAD.

4. What three words would you use to describe life at DAKOTA?

Diverse, creative and friendly.

5. What has been your favourite project to work on at DAKOTA and why?

Malmaison flagship hotel in Edinburgh has been my favourite project to date. This project was a challenge because half of the building was listed and the other half was a 60’s office block and we then added a contemporary glass extension. It was very rewarding seeing all these different styles of architecture come together and work in harmony.

6. What advice would you give anyone wanting to get into the industry?

Have a good work ethic, be keen to learn and utilise the knowledge of people around you. Most companies will have a vast wealth of experience to draw from.

7. And finally, what would your career plan B have been?

There wasn’t a plan B and thankfully I haven’t had to consider any industry other than design. But if I had to pick a plan B it would probably be a Medical Specialist. I like to know how things work from a construction or design viewpoint. How things are built interests me, so I guess the ultimate machine is the human body.