More About Episode 23 - The Workplace Expert

In this episode of "Bring Your Kid to Work," we meet Lauren Adams, a workplace expert and national account manager for Amicus, a fit out company specialising in creating incredible workspaces for organizations. Lauren's role involves strategising, designing, and constructing new and improved workspaces for businesses, schools, shops, and laboratories. Her pint-sized sidekick, Franco, joins the conversation and shares his aspirations.

Franco was our youngest ever BYKTW guest and he was a delight. Telling us with great seriousness, his desire to become a chicken farmer when he gets big. We chatted for a while before he became totally bored of the lady in the computer and we got down to what this ‘workplace expert’ business really means!

Lauren's role as a workplace expert involves working closely with clients and real estate professionals to create workspaces that inspire productivity and foster connection among employees. The process begins with understanding the organisation's culture and leadership, which informs the design decisions. Lauren's team at Amicus focuses on creating spaces that enable collaboration, serendipity, and connection. They prioritise large social spaces and well-designed kitchens where teams can gather and interact. The goal is to create an environment that supports the best work and attracts and retains top talent.

Lauren emphasises the importance of creating spaces that are not only visually appealing but also functional. The design of office spaces has evolved significantly in recent years. Gone are the days of cramped cubicles and pokey little kitchens. Instead, organisations are investing in spacious, well-designed offices that prioritise employee well-being and productivity. Lauren's team at Amicus considers factors such as acoustics, lighting, and furniture to create immersive and inspiring workspaces.

One of the most exciting aspects of Lauren's job is pitching ideas to clients. While she admits to feeling nervous before a pitch, she finds the process exhilarating. Pitching involves presenting the team's creative solutions to clients, showcasing visualisations and technology integrations. Lauren's team collaborates with designers, tech experts, and project managers to create an integrated solution that meets the client's needs. The pitch is the final opportunity to convey their vision for the space and secure the client's approval.

Franco, Lauren's four-year-old son, dreams of becoming a chicken farmer. He envisions a farm with numerous chickens, cows, horses, goats, and sheep. Franco's love for animals is evident, and he enjoys spending time with them. While Lauren supports his passion, she acknowledges the challenges of owning chickens in their current living situation. However, she encourages Franco's love for animals and believes that travel and exposure to different cultures will shape his future aspirations. 

Lauren knows how important workplace culture is in shaping employees' experiences. She tells us about a previous job where the culture was toxic, highlighting the negative impact it had on her work and well-being. Lauren believes that workplace culture plays a significant role in employee satisfaction and productivity. When designing workspaces, she considers the organisation's culture and aims to create environments that promote collaboration, connection, and well-being.

Lauren's passion for interior design led her to pursue a career in the field. From a young age, she knew she wanted to work in a creative space. Having the support of her parents, she left school in year ten to study interior design full-time. She began her career at Ikea. Over the years, Lauren's roles evolved, and she eventually found her niche in the commercial space. She enjoys working with clients, solving their problems, and creating spaces that make a positive impact on their work and well-being.

Lauren considers herself fortunate to have found a career she loves. She believes that loving what you do is essential for personal and professional fulfillment. As a working mother, she acknowledges the challenges of balancing work and family life. However, her passion for her job positively impacts her life at home.

She’s not sure she’d be brave enough to let Franco leave school at year 10 to pursue his passion but thinks that teenagers should explore their passions and pursue careers that bring them joy – but only after they’ve travelled. She really values the way travel can broaden one's perspective and foster personal growth.

If you’re keen on a career in interior design, there are a few ways to go about it. Here are some of the basics:

Becoming an interior designer in Australia typically involves a combination of education, experience, and possibly certification or registration depending on the state or territory. Here's a general overview of the steps involved:

Education

Most interior designers in Australia have formal education in interior design or a related field. You can pursue a diploma, bachelor's degree, or even a master's degree in interior design from a recognized institution. Make sure the program is accredited by relevant professional bodies such as the Design Institute of Australia (DIA) or the Interior Design/Interior Architecture Educators Association (IDEA).

Gain Experience

While still studying or after completing your education, gaining practical experience through internships or entry-level positions is essential. This helps you build a portfolio and develop valuable skills in the field.

Develop your portfolio

As you gain experience, start building a strong portfolio showcasing your design projects. This portfolio will be crucial when applying for jobs or projects in the future.

Certification/Registration

While certification or registration isn't always mandatory, it can enhance your credibility and open up more opportunities. Some states or territories in Australia may require interior designers to be certified or registered. For example, in New South Wales, interior designers can register with the NSW Architects Registration Board. Make sure to check the specific requirements in your area.

Always Be Learning

Interior design is a dynamic field, and staying updated with the latest trends, technologies, and regulations is important. Consider participating in continuing education programs or workshops to enhance your skills and knowledge.

 Network like crazy!

Building a strong professional network is beneficial for finding job opportunities, collaborating with other professionals, and staying informed about industry developments. Attend industry events, join professional organizations like the Design Institute of Australia (DIA), and connect with fellow designers and industry professionals.

 Pick a specialty

As you gain experience, you may choose to specialize in specific areas of interior design such as residential, commercial, hospitality, or healthcare design. Specialising can help you differentiate yourself in the market and cater to specific client needs.