EverySpace Design Mentorship role description

EverySpace Design Mentee

Purpose of the role

To assist and support either Cambridge Central or March libraries in the delivery of the EverySpace project, alongside library staff and the design team Jan Kattein Architects.

Your commitment

• If you are shortlisted, you will need to be available for an informal chat at your chosen library (date to be confirmed).
• The EverySpace project is now live.
• Mentees are asked for a minimum of 4 hours a month for the duration of the project (excluding any holiday you have planned, please let us know in advance).
• Participation will be a mixture of face-to-face and virtual sessions.
• Mentees will be invited to the official launch of the EverySpace project at their chosen library (date to be confirmed).

Key elements of the role

With guidance and instructions from the project team, the mentee will be asked to participate in the following tasks.

• Spend one day at Jan Kattein Architects’ London based studio and participate in design work led by an award-winning, professional team. Travel and lunch will be paid for.
• Join in face-to-face public consultation sessions and promotional events alongside library staff and the design team. This will include talking to members of the public about the project and encouraging feedback on the design, and giving out promotional and evaluation material, as appropriate. You may also be asked to assist in the delivery of interactive craft workshops for young people.
• Review different versions of the design with library staff and focus groups, both in person and virtually. Provide insight and feedback, sharing your knowledge and experience to help produce a final design.
• Visit your chosen library with library staff during the installation period and provide assistance, as appropriate. For example, clearing furniture, tidying, inspecting the works alongside the project team looking for any problems.

What you may gain from being an EverySpace Design Mentee

• Receive insight and ambition to pursue a profession in design, architecture and/or a built environment.
• Receive advice on university admission, design portfolios and career paths.
• The satisfaction of being involved in a design project that will benefit your community, seeing the design become a reality.
• Add the Design Mentorship to your personal statement or CV.
• The opportunity to develop your confidence, self-esteem, social skills and feel part of a team and the community.
• Improve your communication skills, time management, teamwork and organisation skills.
• The opportunity to find out how else you can be involved with your library – ask about our volunteering roles

What we want from you

• Enthusiastic about a career in design.
• Passionate about working with the community.
• Reliable team member, keen to work with staff, and members of the public.
• Friendly, patient and polite.
• Good time keeping.
• Smart appearance.
• Willingness and ability to follow instructions.
• You may have other skills you can add!

How to apply

Applications closed at midnight on Sunday 30 October 2022.

After applying

Applications will be shortlisted by a panel. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to either Cambridge Central or March Library for an informal chat.

If you are offered an EverySpace Design Mentee role, you will be assigned a library staff mentor. Your mentor will be your main point of contact. Your mentor will introduce you to the library staff and design team involved in the EverySpace Project.

Please note that mentees will be accepted on a 4-week trial basis.

Code of conduct

Mentees must keep within the boundaries of their role, and follow directions as given by the project team.