At IDI, we believe internships are more than just work experience. They are opportunities for growth, learning, and discovering one’s creative potential. Recently, we sat down with our talented Design Interns, Jia Qian and Thaqif, to learn more about their journeys, inspirations, and what they have gained from their time with us.
🌿 Introducing Jia Qian
1. What drew you to design?
“I have always loved figuring out how things fit together and creating spaces with different vibes and uses. Design felt like the perfect balance between imagination and logic. I enjoy both the process and the outcome, transforming something simple into a space people can experience.”
2. What do you hope to learn from this internship?
“I hope to gain a deeper understanding of the industry and the complete design journey, from the first client meeting to the final built space. I am excited to see how creative ideas evolve, how designers deal with constraints, and how they solve real-world problems.”
3. How do you stay focused when working independently?
“I like listening to music while I work. It helps me block out distractions and stay in the zone. Music might seem like a distraction to some, but for me, it actually helps me focus better.”
4. What is something new you have learned at IDI?
“I have learned to adapt to the design process in a real-world setting, and I have also picked up useful shortcuts in AutoCAD and Photoshop along the way!”
5. What aspects of design are you most excited to explore?
“I am looking forward to learning more about how design ideas become real, built spaces, especially the detailing, material choices, and coordination that bring everything together.”
🎨 Introducing Thaqif
1. Why did you apply for this internship?
“IDI’s background in commercial projects really stood out to me. I have previously worked on residential projects, so I wanted to explore a different side of interior design and expand my skills and knowledge.”
2. What do you hope to learn from this internship?
“I want to understand the time, effort, and skills that go into commercial projects. I am eager to learn from my colleagues, to see how they approach their work and to challenge myself to grow in the same direction.”
3. Can you share a project you are proud of?
“There was a project was especially meaningful to me. I had some creative freedom in the design process and also learned a new rendering software, D5 Render. I had been using the same software for three years, so stepping out of my comfort zone was challenging. It reminded me that before things get easy, they are supposed to be hard.”
4. What kind of mentorship helps you most?
“I appreciate when mentors demonstrate something first, then let me try it on my own. It helps me truly understand what needs to be done, while still allowing space for creativity.”
5. What skills are you most excited to develop at IDI?
“I am eager to absorb all the knowledge I can from everyone around me. Every bit of guidance helps me prepare for the future, and I am especially excited to work closely alongside my colleagues.”
At IDI, we encourage our interns to grow both personally and professionally, to experiment, explore, and embrace every challenge as a learning opportunity.
We are proud to have passionate individuals like Jia Qian and Thaqif on our team, and we cannot wait to see how they continue to shine in their design journeys.
