As part of our series on graduate life at Woods Bagot, Perth grad Kayla Powell talks about following a project from design development to site completion, working across sectors and learning how material choices shape the way a space feels.
Much of design happens in drawings and models, long before anyone walks through the finished space. For Woods Bagot graduates, following a project from design development through to completion is a chance to see how those early decisions play out in the built result.
Kayla studied a Bachelor of Interior Architecture at Curtin University. During the program she worked across workplace, residential aged care and other project types, at different stages of the design process.
The highlight for Kayla was watching an idea become a finished space.
“I’ve really enjoyed working across a variety of project sectors and different stages of the design process,” she says. “It’s been particularly rewarding to see how an initial design concept develops and translates into the final built outcome.”
London House, a workplace interiors project, is the clearest example. Kayla was involved from design development until site completion.
“Working on London House with Angela Kuriowa and Melanie Porrins was a great example of this, as I was able to experience the project from the design development stage through to the end of the site phase,” she says.
“Seeing the design become a reality and now seeing people move through, enjoy and experience the completed space has been particularly rewarding.”
Alongside London House, Kayla has been involved in the design development of various projects from workplace interiors to residential aged care. Across them, she built a better understanding of materials.
“Working across a range of projects has really expanded my knowledge of design and materiality, and given me a better understanding of how material choices can influence the overall look, feel and experience of a space,” she says.
The technical side grew too. “I’ve also developed my technical skills, particularly in Revit and documentation, and gained a stronger understanding of how design ideas are developed and resolved through the technical stages of a project.”
Kayla worked with several principals and project leaders during the program, and each brought something different.
“Being part of the team at Woods Bagot has given me the opportunity to learn from the wealth of knowledge and experience within the studio,” she says. Working with different leaders exposed her to “different perspectives and approaches to design”, and their “guidance and willingness to share their experience has helped me grow in confidence and continue to develop my own approach to design.”
Kayla’s interest in how people experience a space started well before she joined. Her graduate project was a hospitality space designed for people with higher sensory needs.
“The design explored how elements such as lighting, acoustics, texture and wayfinding can be thoughtfully considered to create a space that is welcoming and enjoyable for a wider range of people,” she says. “The project was inspired by a gap I identified in sensory-friendly hospitality spaces and aimed to explore how design can help make our city’s vibrant dining culture more accessible.”
That focus still shapes the sectors she’s drawn to, including hospitality, retail, aviation, workplace interiors and mixed use.
“I’m particularly drawn to how design can influence the way a space feels and the experience people have within it, while also creating environments that are functional, engaging and memorable.”
At Woods Bagot, we are committed to creating an environment where difference is celebrated, valued and respected, practices are equitable, and our people feel like they belong. We accept that none of us is smarter than all of us. We believe building a diverse workforce is the foundation to creativity and innovative design – it is only by working together that we can realise the potential of our people, clients and communities around us.
Through our inclusive leadership and our truly global studio network, you will find your voice and have the support and flexibility required to bring your whole self to work and build an exceptional career.
Learn more about the Graduate Program.
12 Oct 26