Project Experience
Education and Skills
2021 - 2022
THE BISCUIT TIN
Final Major Project
The Biscuit Factory, Leith
John L Paterson Award
Longlisted - Interior Educators Social Justice Award
Longlisted - Interior Educators Interior Futures Award
Surrounding the idea of food poverty and waste in Edinburgh, The Biscuit Tin is a community centre including a supermarket and kitchen, designed in a way that helps to alleviate the stigma associated with poverty as well as food waste. The project involved in-depth research, including interviews, site visits, development of a briefing document and conservation report, as well as creating a unique design and construction details for a space that could be realised in Edinburgh.
2021
FASHION LIBRARY
Library Design
Tron Kirk, Edinburgh
Developed a unique design for a fashion library, including bespoke in-built seating, situated within a 400 year old church. The project involved designing the full scheme as well as in depth material and construction research resulting in technical detail drawings and material specification.
2020
FIKA
Food Retail Design
Leith Tram Depot, Leith
Designed a boutique cake shop inspired by the Swedish concept of taking a break with friends for cake and coffee - fika. The design reflects the Scandinavian concept behind the shop in terms of minimalism and materiality.
2020
AVIATOR HOTEL
Boutique Hotel Design
The Fruitmarket Gallery, Edinburgh
​Designed a boutique hotel based on the film, 'The Aviator' (2004), taking inspiration from iconic scenes, the cinematography, and key locations within the film to create a unique hotel experience.
CV
Work Experience
Project Experience
2020 - Present
TRADING ASSISTANT
Sainsbury's
Edinburgh
I am currently working as a trading assistant at Sainsbury's in Edinburgh. I really enjoy the customer facing aspect of this role, as well as working as a team with my colleagues. Since working at Sainsbury’s, I have involved myself in many learning opportunities, now taking on various responsibilities and assisting managers during my shift.
2021 - 2022
ONLINE BUSINESS OWNER
Tara Whitaker Design
Online - Etsy
I set up my own Etsy business in 2021, where I sold hand-painted terracotta plant pots. I learned to be extremely efficient at managing my time, as this was something I did alongside my part-time job and full-time university studies. Having my own business has also gave me experience of dealing with customer issues independently and managing finances and stock.
2019 - 2020
WAITRESS
The Refinery - Drake & Morgan
Edinburgh
In this role I was given the responsibility of a section of the restaurant, which I really enjoyed, dealing with all the customers in this area from arrival to when they left. It was vital to provide the best customer service in this role as the restaurant was located in an extremely busy part of Edinburgh and would turn over many covers during a shift.
2017 - 2019
FRONT OF HOUSE
Assembly Restaurant - Rickerby Retreat
Carlisle
My role at Assembly Restaurant was as front of house staff, involving greeting, taking orders and serving food. I really enjoyed working as part of a team at Assembly, which was crucial to making sure food went out on time and service ran smoothly. My role also involved time-management skills, high levels of customer service, as well as proficiency in serving and describing a 6-course tasting menu.
2017
WORK EXPERIENCE
Story Homes Ltd.
Carlisle
I completed a week of work experience with the design team at Story Homes Ltd in 2017, which gave me an insight into how a design team works. I was introduced to AutoCAD, Adobe Illustrator and Sketchup, and participated in a CV masterclass.
Education and Skills
2018 - 2022
BA (HONS) INTERIOR DESIGN
First Class
Edinburgh College of Art
University of Edinburgh
During my degree, I have worked on a wide range of projects across all industries. I was also able to take elective courses alongside my main degree, including beginners Italian, degree-level Spanish, Materials Reimagined, Computer-Aided Design and Design Identities. I have also written essays surrounding the topics of modernism, design for disability, and design for ageing. During my final year, I completed a dissertation on the topic of architecture and poverty, focusing on humanitarian architecture and the design of social housing.
2011 - 2018
FINE ART, SPANISH AND BUSINESS
A Levels - A*, B, B
Austin Friars School
During my secondary education, I involved myself in lots of extra-curricular activities. I played hockey throughout my school career, and in my final year, I was captain of the 2nd team. In my final year, I was selected as Deputy Head Girl, a role which involved public speaking, organising subject prefects and coordinating the year book. I really enjoyed my studies at Austin Friars and found here I had a particular interest in languages and art, subjects which I have carried on further into my university studies and professional practice.
Hard Skills
Technical Drawing
InDesign
Model Making
Sketchup
Hand Drawn Visuals
MS Office
AutoCAD
Illustrator
Photoshop
3DS Max
Soft Skills
Organisation
Teamwork
Communication
Ambitious
Hardworking
Personable
Adaptability
English (Native)
Spanish (Upper Intermediate)
Full UK Driving License
Awards
John L Paterson Award 2022 - Highest achieving student within Interior Design
Longlisted for Interior Educators Social Justice and Interior Futures Awards 2022