West Herts student claims Shanly Homes prize

Jessica Gregory, winner of an interior design competition set by award-winning housebuilder Shanly Homes, recently participated in two days’ work experience with interior design company Micasa.

Jessica, a student at West Herts College in Watford, joined Micasa’s team on 10^th and 11^th January as they installed the luxury show home at Fern Acre Gardens, Shanly Homes’ newest development in Northwood, just six miles from the college.

Learning the ropes of what it takes to become an interior designer, Jessica worked alongside the designers, dressing and installation teams the dressers and fitting team, overseeing the logistics and helping to dress the new five-bedroom show home, which opened on 12^th January.

Last November, the second-year design students at West Herts College were put to the test being challenged to design a children’s bedroom as part of the competition.

The entries were judged by Brett Clarke, head of department from West Herts College, Paula Sardo, sales manager at Shanly Homes, and Neha Mehta, senior showhome designer at Micasa.

After long deliberation due to the high quality of work produced by the students, they decided Jessica’s entry exhibited consideration for the brief in the context of the family homes at Fern Acre Gardens, while showing a creative design flair.

Speaking of her time working with Micasa, Jessica said:

“It feels amazing to win Shanly Homes’ interior design competition. Designing rooms and developing my own decorating style is something I’ve wanted to do ever since I was a child, so this work experience has really helped me progress that. Working with the team at Micasa has seen me develop my own skills and allow me to see expert interior designers at work; my passion and excitement for the career path has only strengthened.” 

Paula Sardo, sales manager at Shanly Homes, comments:

“We’re thrilled to have been able to offer Jessica time with the Micasa team as they fit our new show home at Fern Acre Gardens. Working with the next generation of interior designers and being able to help them develop their future career goals is something that Shanly Homes is very proud of being involved with.”

Neha Mehta from Micasa, who managed Jessica during her work experience, said:

“Jessica showed real enthusiasm during her two days at Fern Acre Gardens. She was involved with various aspects of the installation from setting up the living room furniture through to dressing the beds and accessorising the bathrooms. The team at Micasa enjoy working with passionate students and hope that the experience will drive Jessica forward to pursuing her career in interior design.”