Since coming to London Met from the Czech Republic, Nikol Pechova has really flourished and has finally found her passion in life. Having studied Diplomatic Services at college in her home country of Czech Republic under the advice of her parents, Nikol decided to follow her own initiative and enrolled onto a Foundation Year in Architecture at London Metropolitan University.
Nikol had always been interested in creative activities and she knew this was an area that she wanted to explore. Having come to London before, she found that this city was a creative hotspot, full of new and exciting concepts and a perfect place for budding young artists.
What was the most important aspect of the Foundation Year?
“The great thing about the foundation year is that it gives students a chance to explore different forms of art and find their creative expression before taking this further onto degree level”.
Soon after the first semester, Nikol was picked up by her teachers as a very talented student and she soon realised that instead of studying art restoration she had found her passion in Interior Architecture.
Nikol found all the teachers and staff very professional and friendly and willing to help in any way that they could.
Can you describe your time at London Met?
“At London Met there is a very friendly atmosphere. Everyone wants to help you succeed and this is really different from universities in my home country. In Czech Republic, as education is free, it is very oversubscribed and there is no way you can be treated in the same way.”
Did you gain any industry experience?
“Here at London Met, you are given so many opportunities to showcase your work to expose you to industry professionals. This contributes enormously to helping you launch your career”.
In Nikol’s final year, she won Best Overall Presentation Prize at the Interior Educators (IE) exhibition at London’s Free Range event. The IE exhibition is the national showcase for Interior Architecture and Interior Design students with over 30 courses and 430 exhibiting graduates.
In her final year project showcase, where industry professionals are invited to give feedback on their work, she was offered a short-term job opportunity with a view to extending her contract thereafter, not only due to the way she presented her product but for her explanation as to the purpose of it.
Nikol has also been featured in Blueprint magazine, one of architecture’s most influential UK magazines. With all these achievements since coming to London Met, her parents are so proud and pleased that she decided to follow her heart and study something that she knew she had the skills for.
Find out more about the the School of Art, Architecture and Design.
