Designing interiors

Stephen Kamau, 28, is an interior product designer and supplier. SHIRLEY GENGA finds out more about his job

What do you do for a living?

I am an interior product supplier at PG Bison Kenya Ltd. Some of our products include fibreboards, particle chipboards, hinges and screws. Apart from that, I also do interior design sketches and interpret designs for clients.

What did you study?

After high school, I joined Buru Buru Institute of Fine Art in 2001 to do Interior Design and graduated in 2003.

What was your childhood dream?

I have always been good at drawing so I knew from a young age that I wanted to do something that involved drawing. I am doing my dream job.

Why do you think it was important to get training despite being talented?

College was a great learning experience for me because I got the technical know-how of design. It also exposed me to the different sides of art. It is easy for an artist to get so engrossed in his/her way of thinking that he/she fails to grow because of lack of exposure to other people’s views.

What gives you the greatest joy in your job?

The best part of my job is the creative process involved. I love the process of coming up with an idea and seeing it come to life just like I pictured it. The best part of my job is creating. Seeing a customer happy is also great.

What are some of the challenges?

A customer may want you to replicate the exact thing he or she saw at a friend’s or family member’s house even though the feature may not work in their setup. They sometimes want a good design, but are not willing to spend the amount required. Others don’t know exactly what they want and will introduce numerous changes along the way. With time, you learn to navigate the different situations.

A day in your work life…

No day is the same. I usually get to work by 8am. Most days I spend in the office doing sketches or reviewing the ones I have done. I attend to customers in the office or make site visits. I am currently redesigning?PG Bison offices. My day ends by 5pm, but I often carry home some work. What I do is an art and many things inspire me. I sometimes get up at 2am to put down a creative inspiration that has occurred to me.

Tell as a little bit about the sketching process?

A customer comes with a description of what they want, which I interpret into a sketch. We use CAD computer software to help generate a visual image where the customer can see the sketch in 3D. They can then suggest desired changes. Once I am done with the sketch, the CNC machine interprets the visual and cuts out boards to my sketch specification and measurements.

How can one be successful as an interior designer or in design in general?

Be disciplined and ready to work hard. My job also requires one to be on their toes and to constantly conduct research. You have to know the trends and the changing technology.

What is your favourite room to design?

I like doing interior designs for kitchens, wardrobes and other furniture in general, but my favourite is partitions because I can be very creative.

Where do you see yourself in the next ten years?

I like where I am currently and hope to still be around in the coming years.

What do you do for fun?

I love dancing and making jewellery. I basically enjoy anything that allows me to employ my creativity.