Tasnime Jennings' work experience with Virgin Atlantic
Read about Tasnime's experience at Virgin Atlantic
First Day - Heathrow Airport
After battling with traffic, I finally arrived at an overcast Heathrow Airport and made my way to Terminal 3 to meet Jeremy Brown, who is Virgin Atlantic’s Senior Design Manager for Architectural and Interior Design projects.
Before I had the opportunity to see anything I needed to get an airside pass and I was then shown all the projects Virgin Atlantic have recently completed, including the new Check-In area with subtle lighting distinguishing check-in for Economy, Premium Economy and Upper Class, and the cool artwork of concentric circles hanging from the ceiling, designed by Freestate, those of Channel 4’s morphing logo fame.
I first went to the Revivals lounge where arriving passengers can freshen up with shower facilities, breakfast or even a spa treatment before leaving in a limo.
I then went to the Upper Class Wing, a new terminal building built for passengers arriving by limo. I was shown all its unique features such as the contemporary metal panelling which lines the curving driveway towards the drop-off point, the integrated baggage scales set into the pavement and the dedicated security channel. Passengers are through security and into the Clubhouse within minutes.
We then went to The Clubhouse, which was phenomenal. I and the rest of the Venue Design class had spent five months looking at photos of the lounge, so I felt I knew it inside out, but actually being there was incredible. We sat and had a bite to eat, while Jeremy told me about the facilities the Clubhouse has to offer.
During the afternoon, Jeremy took me to The Base in Crawley which is Virgin Atlantic’s new training facility for all operational staff. He showed me around and pointed out all the quirky design features such as the indoor gardens, and a town square with its own salon, and scrolling LED personal message boards, and a simulated evacuation from part of a plane’s fuselage.
Second day - In-house Design Team
The next day was spent at Heathrow again, this time with Emma Lally, one of Virgin Atlantic’s Design Managers. She had a very busy day of secret squirrel meetings. I sat in four different meetings for a couple of projects and I did have some input into the meetings, which I was extremely grateful for and it was very interesting to see another part of what Virgin Atlantic’s in-house Design team do.
It was also a good insight into the many different parties involved in complex projects; everything needed approval to meet the specific Airport Terminal regulations. All the parties had to resolve certain design issues, making sure they were cost effective and timely.
Third day - Office HQ
The following day I was in The Office, Virgin Atlantic’s HQ where the Design team is based. I was introduced to the rest of the team, who cover all the other design disciplines, including Service Design, Aircraft Interiors and Product Design, Graphic Design and Branding.
I was particularly looking forward to this day, as I was to be involved in pitch presentations given by two Architectural practices for a possible new project. It reminded me of the day when we had to present our designs to Virgin Atlantic’s Head of Design Joe Ferry, and how nervous we all were.
All the Designers, Joe and I sat in on these two presentations. It was really interesting to be on the other side of the table, seeing these two very different ideas presented by two very different Architects.
Fourth day - Gatwick Airport
I spent the next day with Callie Tedder-Hares, Senior Designer of VA at Gatwick Airport. I got to go in one of the Virgin Atlantic aircraft hangars, which I later found out few people at Virgin had experienced. I then had a guided tour around one of the aircraft that was in for routine maintenance and for the first time in my life I turned left as I boarded the plane.
We got to see all the areas of the plane, including the crew rest area and even the cockpit. We spoke to one of the engineers about the different areas of the plane, the maintenance schedules and all the necessary checks that are carried out every so-many-thousand miles.
We then went into Gatwick’s South Terminal and visited the old Sports Bar, the area in which we based our designs on. It’s now been transformed into the VRoom, a lounge for Virgin Holidays passengers and is more family orientated with such a cool design.
Fifth day - Design Manager
On my last day I was back in The Office and spent time with Bjorn Welter, another of VA’s Design Managers. He talked me through the Design Team’s Red Book, showcasing all the Clubhouses that Virgin Atlantic have completed all over the world. Each one is completely different and incorporate local influences. He also showed me drawings and sample boards of the Clubhouses, and talked through the concepts of each lounge, the inspiration behind them and ultimately the many awards the Design Team have won.
At the end of the day I said goodbye and thanked everyone for an amazing week and I was very sad to leave.
I want to thank everyone at Virgin Atlantic who made this Work Placement possible and for including me in some really exciting projects. Also, for giving the Architectural Venue Design students an amazing project to work on. And if you ever need a Junior Designer, you have my details……!
