Rowena Edwards

We caught up with Rowena Edwards who graduated from the Building Crafts College’s 2 Year Fine Woodwork Diploma course in July 2017.

What did you enjoy most about studying at the BCC?

The most enjoyable aspect of the course was the freedom to design within the environment that the college offers. I had previously finished a Fine Art degree. My aim when starting the course was to combine my art school experience with the woodworking skills I was going to learn at the BCC.  The support I had from the BCC tutors meant that I was able to push myself even further in the creative field. Having input from visiting tutors who are established makers and designers themselves meant that my methods and processes were correct which  was an integral part of my development. Being able to experience all of this within a wonderful workshop environment with creative people, made the Fine Woodwork – Furniture Making course an incredible two years.

What have you achieved since graduating?

At the end of the college year I exhibited at New Designers with the BCC, it was an incredible experience and I was awarded the MADE.COM prize for outstanding design as well as a John Lewis Loves recognition. I am currently working at a furniture workshop called Unto This Last and run the workshop and showroom at weekends. I am also working on commissions, which developed from networking at New Designers. In addition, I have been shortlisted in the Student Designer category of the Wood Awards 2017.

What are your plans for the future?

I plan to keep designing, developing and transforming my ideas into successful pieces of unique furniture for everyday homes. I would like to to be in an environment where I can continue learning and growing as a designer, and to join the lines between technology based furniture making and traditional methods.