We caught up with them at Barrows’ light-filled Westlake office — cappuccinos in hand, overlooking the buzzing open-plan workspace and even an in-house padel court. Working here definitely looks like fun.
What they’ve learned
Q: What’s been the most exciting part of your internship at Barrows?
Desiré: Seeing how creatives collaborate has been a highlight. The internal reviews and diverse perspectives taught me the value of critique and teamwork — and made me excited to work in a studio environment after graduating.
Kirstin: Working with well-known, dynamic brands is inspiring. Knowing our projects can reach such a wide audience — and being part of such a welcoming culture — makes every day worthwhile.
Q: How did CTCA prepare you for this experience?
Desiré: My technical skills in Adobe software made tight deadlines feel manageable rather than intimidating. I’ve also learned how to make confident design decisions thanks to regular critique sessions at CTCA.
Kirstin: CTCA taught me to approach briefs strategically, even with strict brand guidelines. It trained me to turn constraints into creative opportunities.
Q: What’s surprised you most about retail design?
Desiré: I was amazed at how much thought and creativity go into every detail. Retail design is anything but simple — and that shows in the final results.
Kirstin: I didn’t realise how specialised retail design is, or how differently brands approach it. Some have very strict guidelines, others give you more freedom — which completely changes the design process.
Q: How have Makers Lab skills helped you?
Desiré: Makers Lab gave me a deeper understanding of how designs become physical displays. Even though I didn’t prototype much here, that knowledge helps me design with production in mind.
Advice for future interns
Over coffee in the Ocular Lounge on the sixth floor of the Silo building, with Table Mountain and the harbour spread out before us, we spoke with Kayla and her supervisor, Talia Naiker, about creativity, education, and growth.
Desiré: Pick a company that aligns with your goals — the right environment makes all the difference. Stay open to learning, welcome critique, and keep a strong work ethic. Your connections now might open doors later.
Kirstin: Be open-minded about the work you’re given — every task is a chance to learn. Build relationships too; networking is how I landed my second internship at Barrows.
Looking ahead
Desiré: I’m excited to dive straight into the creative industry and keep growing as a designer.
Kirstin: My goal is to secure a full-time role to build on my skills — and if not immediately, I’d consider further studies.
Why CTCA students fit right in
With degrees in Motion Design, Interaction Design, and Communication Design , CTCA students are equipped to step into a range of creative roles at Barrows Global, contributing across disciplines and driving innovation in retail design.
Barrows is particularly excited about the outcomes of CTCA’s Makers Lab elective . This unique offering equips students with design thinking, iterative prototyping, user-centred design, and sustainability knowledge — precisely the future-facing skills that retail design requires. By bridging creativity with practical application, Makers Lab ensures that CTCA graduates enter the industry with both the mindset and the tools to thrive.
CTCA’s real-world edge
At CTCA, we believe that hands-on experience is essential. Our programmes are built around internships, apprenticeships, and industry collaboration — ensuring graduates are technically skilled, professionally ready, and well-connected.
Final-year internships, like Desiré and Kirstin’s at Barrows, immerse students in real studios, helping them translate theory into practice and gain insight into what it takes to succeed in today’s creative industries.
Why internships matter
Internships like Desiré’s and Kirstin’s are more than résumé boosters; they’re career accelerators. CTCA’s curriculum is designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry expectations. Through electives like Makers Lab and partnerships with companies like Barrows, students gain practical experience, build professional networks, and develop confidence in their creative voice.
