Ways of working: a reflection
Mia Bizard, a student at Central St Martin’s, joined New Practice for a summer placement as part of her studies. Below is her reflection on learning and experience gained working with our team:
During my placement with New Practice, I had the opportunity to step into the world of community-led design and placemaking. Supporting with various ongoing projects from in-person engagements and consultations, model making, desk-based research, mapping local areas, producing templates for workshops. Each task challenged me to think beyond the practice and connect directly with the lived experiences of others.
I was able to apply existing skills I had developed through previous experiences, while also developing new and valuable skill which is communication directly with members of the local community through engagement activities.
Some of the most valuable moments came from stepping out of my comfort zone, the in-person engagements I was able to assist the team members with, helped develop my communication skills. From learning to facilitate conversations, adapt to diverse environments, actively listening, and handle the unpredictability of working in public space, I believe these are all important aspects that will shape my approach as a practitioner.
I thoroughly enjoyed having conversations with members of New Practice, where they were able to give me access to the why behind the how, and the personal experiences that shape their approach to engagement.
Even though I was working remotely, I could still feel the team’s dynamic energy and sense of collaboration. Their openness and care for the work created an environment where I felt genuinely included and supported. Using the Civic London office as my work hub, the large, open-plan office provides various working environments such as meeting rooms, individual desks, large collaboration table made it very comfortable to work from.
My experience on this placement reminded me that: community engagement isn't a checklist but a continuous living process that needs time, patience, and a sense of care.
by Mia Bizard