Since 2019, I am working as a Showroom Coordinator at Reform, a Danish kitchen design and production company. My job includes scouting for new showroom locations within Germany and Europe, working in close relation with the in-house design team from establishing the design layout to implementing the planned materials and furniture, to overseeing the building process and keeping every stakeholder of the project up to date. I would not describe it as the “typical” profession in the field of interior design but it closely touches a mix of various areas that are relevant in a design process, which makes it a very dynamic and interesting job.
No day is actually the same. Some more unique tasks include for example filing paperwork for the authorities to get the facade signage approved for our showrooms. This can get very tricky when monument protection is involved. A more routinely day would encompass ordering furniture, getting in touch with suppliers, checking on orders, reporting on order status and organizing all sorts of things to get a project rolling.
I think the Covid pandemic has been especially challenging for most people, no matter which sector.
It has brought a lot of uncertainty and has required me to step into a different role for a little while. What I took from this time was, that it is good to have a diverse set of skills that can be adapted to different requirements or work situations.
Communication, especially in an environment with people trom different nationalities, languages and cultures are very essential. I am trying to always keep that in mind when talking with co-workers, clients or suppliers.
I had the chance to plan and design the layout and interior for the new back office for Reform in Berlin and at the moment we are in the last phase of establishing a new showroom in Frankfurt am Main.
My advice for any student is not to overthink it and limit yourself to specific professions or certain companies when applying for jobs. It is important to start somewhere and once you have a foot in the door, a lot more opportunities will arise.
