We speak exclusively to Tom Flood, who tells us about the career path to his current role of design manager for London Projects.
Tell us a bit about yourself and the duties of your role.
I am working as part of the London Projects team with my primary focus being one of clarifying design detail, and improving ‘buildability’ for our site-based teams. The process of creating a ‘super prime’ home remains fascinating, exciting and mentally stimulating.
What got you to your current position?
After graduating from Central St. Martins I moved straight into exhibition and event management. Three-dimensional design was always in my blood. Moving into a more classic above-the-line advertising role left me eventually frustrated that nothing I created or worked on had any true longevity. After a stint client side for an American mobile operator, again feeling creatively claustrophobic I moved into a family business running a bespoke joinery, supplying furniture and cabinetry to the market I am now passionately engaged in. Onsite building practical experience better prepared me for my current ‘dream’ role.
What first interested you in design, and especially within the property sector?
Always loved inventing, have been using design to solve problems my whole life. Specifically within construction, building beautiful houses and building what will exist for years after we have all gone, has a certain ‘legacy feel’, which remains highly attractive and at the core of London Projects’ design values.
Is the property sector well promoted and received as a careers option for designers?
I really do not know, but in my opinion a good designer will often design their own job and find somewhere to work to deliver their passion.
Have there been some especially influential people on your career path?
I have gained experience from literally everyone I have worked with. Every day is a learning curve: you never stop learning how to solve problems, you just get better at it, saying that the work Heatherwick Studio is delivering seems stunning.
In terms of challenges and achievements, what do you find most rewarding about your job?
Finishing on time, as part of an amazing London Projects team, to a standard that truly shocks (in a good way), our clients and the talented architects and interior designers London Projects are fortunate enough to work with.
Among the skills you deal with, is there one you find most admirable?
Trust.
Did you have useful advice about applying for jobs?
Spell correctly. Also, as a designer, communicate in a well-designed manner on your CV. This does not mean make your CV look pretty, but design the contents – ie the words – well. Seeing visually ‘over-designed’ CVs smacks of style over substance. Your portfolio of work will do that part.
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