Skip to content
Adam Wolstenholme, BA (Hons) Product Design

Adam
Wolstenholme

United Kingdom
I am currently living and working in Stockholm, Sweden, as part of my placement year. I work for Modernity Gallery which specialises in the curation and sale of iconic mid-century Nordic designs, from lighting and furniture, to textiles and ceramics.

More about Adam

Video Icon
Adam shares his experience studying Product Design at NTU and spending his placement year in Sweden working for major gallery, Modernity Stockholm.

Quickfire questions...

Why did you choose NTU and your course?

BA Product Design at NTU has a fantastic track record in the national rankings, so it was natural to apply. The city has a lot to offer socially, whilst the course itself was the perfect balance between art direction and design theory – so it was never going to restrict me creatively.

What is the best thing about your course?

The guidance offered by the tutors – they are clearly driven and passionate about the subject and their enthusiasm is infectious! You will graduate and move into working life feeling incredibly qualified as you jump into the industry you specialise in.

Have you been involved in any live projects or exciting briefs? What has stood out to you?

Design consultancy Matter came to assist us in one of our many collaborative projects, one I enjoyed was Mobile Communications. This was a group task, so much like design consultancies do, we had to tackle the brief as a unit and ideate together to product a selection of three designs that looked to the future of mobile communication devices beyond 2020.

Have you completed any work placements on your course? If so, tell us about your experience – where did you go, what did you do, what skills have you gained and what have you enjoyed most?

I am currently living and working in Stockholm, Sweden, as part of my placement year. I work for Modernity Gallery which specialises in the curation and sale of iconic mid-century Nordic designs, from lighting and furniture, to textiles and ceramics.

I have gained invaluable business knowledge regarding logistics, communication with high profile clients and interior designers. I particularly have enjoyed assisting and marketing of the sought-after pieces we present. I was responsible for assisting the creation of our latest collaborative online exhibition at the London House of Modernity, my design skills tested to a professional capacity to produce an immersive catalogue, alongside a virtual tour and video.

How did you source your placement? Did you get support from the NTU Employability Team?

The job was listed on InPlace. Before I applied, I visited the amazing Employability Team at the City campus who gave me invaluable tips to tailor my CV and cover letter.

What marks out of 10 would you give for course facilities and why?

Without a doubt, 10. I consider myself to be very privileged to be working where I am now, and I put this down to the encouragement given by the tutors and mentors who run my course.

Does the “real” NTU match what you’d imagined? How does it compare with your friends’ experience at other universities?

My friends at other universities do not seem to receive the same level of engagement from staff on their respective courses, and I can say with confidence that the course description online absolutely matches the experience I have had so far.

Have you been on any trips with your course? Tell us about one you particularly enjoyed and why?

In February 2020, I visited Stockholm for Stockholm Design Week, a world-renowned event that showcases the very best of European but specifically Scandinavian design hosted across the City in various locations.

This is in fact when I dropped by Modernity gallery to meet the directors, where I received my job offer the same week. The trip led to a project called ‘Global Contexts’, my favourite project to date, that I used to study the Scandinavian concept of Hygge and design a set of tableware as a result of the invaluable primary research I got to carry out in the vibrant City of Stockholm.

What would you say to someone thinking of applying to NTU?

Don’t hesitate to apply, your questions or uncertainties will be always be answered and you will feel a sense of pride in everything you do if you throw yourself at everything the University and city has to offer.

How would you promote NTU to potential students in 10 words or fewer?

Prepare to have your mind opened to unimaginable possibilities.

What three words would you use to describe Nottingham?

Alive, Creative, Friendly.

Find out more about BA (Hons) Product Design at NTU.

Main image credit: Åsa Liffner.

Still need help?

+44 (0)115 941 8418
Related student profiles
  • Profile icon

    STUDENT PROFILE

    Abi Emmerson

    Fashion Management

    United Kingdom

    https://www.ntu.ac.uk/study-and-courses/courses/our-students-stories/art-design/abi-emmerson

  • Profile icon

    STUDENT PROFILE

    Abigail Coop

    Fashion Knitwear Design and Knitted Textiles

    United Kingdom

    https://www.ntu.ac.uk/study-and-courses/courses/our-students-stories/art-design/abigail-coop

  • Profile icon

    STUDENT PROFILE

    Agil Abdullayev

    Fine Art

    Azerbaijan

    https://www.ntu.ac.uk/study-and-courses/courses/our-students-stories/art-design/agil-abdullayev