Jonathan Baker MA

This seven-day course is aimed at designers who wish to work in, or who are new to, the retail sector and who need to improve their knowledge and creativity in their approach to store layout, interior design and point of sale. You will complete realistic briefs based on some key landmark London stores, both large department stores and smaller boutique shops. You will improve your drawing, modelmaking and presentation skills, and develop your critical awareness of retail spaces as you experience them on visits to places of interest. You will learn about the history of retail design in relation to fashion, homewares, and be introduced to brand awareness and the visual communication languages that have been developed in contemporary stores. Upon conclusion you will have a keen understanding of retail design in London and a portfolio of research, concepts and finished design work that will become a valuable tool in future work or studies. The course will comprise lectures, group discussions, critiques, visits and guest lectures, as well as work in the studio on projects that may be on your own or in teams of designers. (NB. Classes run 10.00-16.00 on Thursday 21 and 28 April)

Jonathan Baker teaches several design courses across UK academic institutions. He is a senior lecturer at the London College of Fashion (a sister college of Central St. Martins) and a visiting lecturer at the Instituto Marangoni lecturing in Commercial environments and visual merchandising. His is also a regular guest speaker at commercial events and a freelance Industry consultant. His research interests include journeys from places to spaces and early 20th Century use of figures within retail, reflecting the self-image. More information is available from Jonathan's blog: http://www.retailstorewindows.com/