Career Update from Louis Egan, Class of 2022:

‘I  started at Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys in 2015 and completed both my GCSEs and A-levels at the school. I was very committed to my studies, particularly Physics, PE, and Design & Technology and it was my passion for creating and problem solving that crowned Design and Technology as my favourite subject.

I was fortunate to have access to excellent facilities for design at TWGSB, where I experienced a unique blend of both traditional design methods, from wood carving and turning, to intricate metalwork on the lathes and more modern techniques like vacuum forming. This education coupled with learning about design theory - product development, materials, sustainability and design history fuelled my enthusiasm for my Design & Technology lessons. It was especially meaningful to be learning in the same workshops that my dad once used during his time at TWGSB, before he went on to pursue a career in engineering. The relentless enthusiasm of the Design staff created an inspiring learning environment, and their support helped me achieve an A* in both my coursework and exam. This achievement led to an offer from my first-choice university - Brunel University of London.

I am currently studying Industrial Design and am in my placement year. During my first two years, I’ve really enjoyed expanding my knowledge across a broad range of design disciplines. My modules have included Graphic Design, UX Design, CAD and manufacturing, material science, and product development projects. I’ve also had the privilege of learning from industry professionals at Habitat UK, Dyson, and 3M who provided invaluable feedback during collaborative workshops. For these projects, we designed products for each brand’s target market and values whilst aiming to disrupt the market with innovative ideas.

After many long evenings and several interviews in my second year, I was fortunate to receive three placement offers and proudly accepted the role of Junior Design Consultant at Integrity. Integrity is a design consultancy in Kent that specialises in Brand Enhancement, User Experience, and Service Design. I was drawn to the opportunity to work with a wide range of companies and excited to help them communicate their identity and values to their customers. Since joining the team, the weekly workload has been consistently varied and engaging. From building design principle-packs for Waitrose, mapping out their stores to ensure the customers shopping experience is consistent nationwide, to developing interior graphics for AXA’s Paris head office, I’ve had the chance to apply my design thinking in varied and challenging ways. I’ve also produced graphics and conducted data analysis for housing association Peabody, ideated window displays for Taylor Wimpey’s Postmark development in Central London, and supported brand development work for the Volkswagen National Learning Centre. A further highlight has been assisting with inventory and design updates across Škoda showrooms nationwide.

In addition I have expanded my skills in Service Design throughout wayfinding projects at Integrity, helping people navigate spaces more easily and intuitively. I’ve learnt that understanding how people move through environments is crucial to dictating sign design and positioning, as well as the importance of design empathy when seeing environments through the eyes of the user. I’ve been fortunate to work alongside experienced colleagues on projects for the University of Central Lancashire, Runnymede Borough Council, Cheshire College, and Centre Parcs. These projects have helped me gain experience in designing clear, user-friendly navigation systems that take into account space layout, movement patterns, and the details of sign construction.

In September, I will return to university to complete my final year of Industrial Design studies. I am most excited for my major project, where I’ll be working on my own design concept. I will be guiding it through the full design journey from early research and concept development to prototyping and final presentation.

Outside of my academic work, I’ll be back playing football for the university and enjoying campus life to the fullest.

If you would like to find out more about my school or university experiences, feel free to get in touch!

Linkedin @louis-egan-design

Instagram @louis.egan.design