Spotlight On ...
This issue our staff spotlight falls on Rebecca Payne
Name: Rebecca Payne 
Job title: Strategic Assets Graduate Intern
Background: After I left school in the West of Glasgow, I spent a couple of years studying and working to find a career path that balanced both the art and technical skills that I was keen to pursue. After completing an NC in advanced art and a 2 year HND in Interior Design, I moved to Edinburgh where I graduated in July 2018 with a first class honours in Interior Design from The University of Edinburgh. My university course was very much a combination of creative concept and artistic skills blended with structured and technical skills that are central to interior architecture and building renovation. During my studies I worked on live projects and was employed as a design consultant for Danish design company BoConcept which allowed me to develop my design skills in a professional environment.
How long have you been with the council? I’ve been with the council since the end of July so just over 6 months.
Who do you work with? I work in the Strategic Asset & Capital Plan Management department with a team of interior designers, architects, quantity surveyors and engineering services.
What is your typical day to day routine? Every day is very different because we work on such a broad range of projects from new-build schools or school extensions to council offices, collaborative projects with the police and every day moves and changes within council owned buildings. I spend quite a lot of time out of office meeting people across the council and community to discuss projects or on building sites which is something I really enjoy about working with East Lothian Council.
Any interesting projects you are working on? I’m currently working with my colleague, Helen Campbell on the interior for the new Wallyford Primary School. I’ve also been working recently on the redesign of the Outdoor Centre in Innerwick and various council offices to implement new ways of working concepts. I find the diversity within the projects really interesting, as a graduate it allows me to experience a wide range of work and develop skills in a lot of different areas.
Plans for the future? I plan to embrace opportunities within the industry to expand on my skills and experience. I’d love to find work that allowed me to continue working on a wide range of projects, as this internship has allowed me to.
What do you enjoy outside of the office? Outside of work I like to go for long walks with my partner and our Romanian rescue dog Teddy. I enjoy going to the gym, spending time with family and friends, visiting restaurants, markets and local events.