Stefanie Partington sees International Women’s Day as a time to celebrate women’s achievements – and she herself has come a long way since graduating in Interior Design.
“Today I work as part of large multi-disciplinary design team, leading the Interior Design team within the business, working predominately on capital, new-build, education projects,” she explains.
“Throughout my career I’ve been fortunate enough to design across a wide range of sectors, including residential, leisure, care, community, civic, hospitality and commercial.”
She admits there can be unconscious bias towards women within the construction industry but says she has largely had a very positive experience.
“The construction industry can be a largely male-orientated arena, but the companies we work with are fantastic,” she says.
Working with Norse Consulting has given Stefanie the ability to develop a successful career and she now also lectures at Norwich University of the Arts. She says Norse has encouraged and supported her to become a lecturer as a way of giving back.
“I am delighted to be able to forge links between education and industry and help develop the next generation of interior designers,” she says.
“Working with a new generation of students has taught me a lot and I can see that bias is no longer such an issue and the students do not tend to differentiate between genders as previous generations unconsciously have.”
She adds: “I try to encourage all my students, whether female or male, to be as creative as possible and push the boundaries of what is possible – it’s the one chance in your design career that you can be truly free of constraint.”
Stefanie sees Interior Design as an opportunity to Break the Bias in lots of areas.
“People have a misconception – conscious or unconscious – about what an interior designer is, and I try to break that bias in my role at Norse,” she says.
“My role is about creating inspiring and inclusive interior environments in which users can have the best experience possible.
“Every project is different – they can range from ensuring a patient who has dementia is able to remain independent in a specially design care home to ensuring a special education needs school is designed to allow it students to feel safe and secure.”
Laura Kidd has held her current role for two and a half years now and is responsible for assisting with the provision of Interior Design services to meet client requirements.
“I have never felt there is any bias at all in my department,” she acknowledges.
“Everyone is very approachable; I can give my opinion and people respond with respect.”
When Laura studied at NUA, all the tutors were male, but she has vivid memories of attending a guest lecture from Stef.
“I remember her for being so professional, warm and knowledgeable about the construction industry.
“I also remember wishing we had someone like her to turn to on the course; someone to permanently guide us as she provided a completely different perspective and opened our eyes to how the industry really operated.
“I think it’s important for all students to have female lecturers as role models as it demonstrates the fact that women have access to exactly the same learning opportunities as men and provides different perspectives for the younger generation to aspire to.”
Raised in an all-female household, Laura says has been empowered to Break the Bias by ensuring she is following the career path of her choice and is heard for who she is, not for her gender.
“I have always had admiration for my mum’s ability to remain unfalteringly strong, resilient, and optimistic, despite the challenges she faced raising us alone and the sacrifices she made,” Laura says.
“She taught us that no dream was too big and always actively encouraged our ambitions, whether in education, career changes or general life.”
Q: Is there a woman you particularly admire?
Stefanie: Many of the women that inspire me most are those I have a personal connection with – family members, friends or colleagues. No matter what battles they face – with careers or personal situations – they always seem to be cheering each other on. As women, I sometimes think this is our biggest strength.
Laura: I wouldn’t be who I am today without the support of my mum and two sisters. Not once have I ever felt like I’ve missed out on having a father because my mum was everything I could hope for, not just as a parent, but as best friend too. If I become half the woman my mum is with everything she has been through, then that would be the greatest achievement of all.
Q: What advice would you give to a young woman just starting out on her career?
Stefanie: Never lose focus in striving for what you want. It is only with a positive attitude and commitment that you will succeed.
Laura: Have self-belief that you’ve been chosen for a reason and that you deserve to be in the role that you are in. Be proactive, eager to learn and show your enthusiasm. Don’t be afraid to ask too many questions and don’t be afraid to make mistakes or misunderstand – this will ultimately help you grow.
