Derek Barkas
Newcastle upon Tyne,Tyne & Wear
Summary
Now Teaching at the prestigious Northumbria University, I have over 34 years of industry experience, specialising in the strategy and conception of functional, aesthetically outstanding spaces.
Proven track record of collaborating with international clients such as Disney DCL, Forte Grande, Hilton and Radisson on many prestigious projects, demonstrating strong interior design and project management skills.
Currently teaching Interior Design at Northumbria University, I contribute to the development and mentoring of future designers.
I remain extremely Passionate about both Interior design and teaching.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
Work History
Lecturer AL- Interior Design
Northumbria University
Newcastle upon Tyne
10.2022 - Current
- Facilitate module delivery for foundation and BA level students.
- Assisted the module lead in creating engaging learning experiences in commercial interior design.
- Supported student engagement and mentoring through interactive teaching methods and pastoral care.
- Mentored students to support the achievement of target grades.
- Used diverse teaching methods, including lectures, presentations and class activities to deliver curriculum.
- Designed, planned and taught lectures based on curriculum requirements and exams.
- Assessed student assignments and examinations, providing constructive feedback to support learning outcomes.
- Created presentations to deliver lecture material in classroom and online learning environments.
- Administered examinations, graded papers and assigned fair, accurate grades based on results.
- Selected innovative teaching methods to deliver course content.
- Prepared and adapted teaching materials including handouts, booklets and assessment papers to foster and support learning progress.
- Participated in faculty meetings, contributing to policy development and strategic planning for the department.
- Responded to student enquiries and concerns to undertake action and suggest alternative avenues of support.
- Held regular student meetings to communicate strengths, weaknesses and areas for learning development.
- Advised students on career opportunities in fields of interest and required courses to achieve objectives.
- Evaluated assessments and assignments to identify areas for improvement and provide feedback to students and vocational faculty.
- Collaborated with academic colleagues to develop new courses, incorporate curriculum changes and develop research activities.
- Supervised student dissertations and projects, field trips and placements to gain insight into workplace and impart job experience.
Consultant Interior Designer
Iris Interiors
Newcastle upon Tyne
03.2023 - 05.2024
Self Employed Design Consultant
Barkas Design AS
Oslo
10.2014 - 10.2023
Senior Commercial Interior Designer
Leisure Contracts ltd
Warwickshire
01.2014 - 10.2014
Senior Designer and Project Manager
Metropolis AS
Oslo
06.2013 - 01.2014
Self-Employed Freelance Designer
Barkas Design
Oslo
07.2012 - 06.2013
Senior Interior Architect & Project Manager
YSA Design
Oslo
01.2006 - 07.2012
Senior Interior Architect
Link DC
Oslo
01.2002 - 01.2006
Senior Interior Architect
SJ Design
Oslo
01.1998 - 01.2002
Associate and Senior Interior Architect
European Design Group
Dubai
01.1994 - 01.1998
Interior Designer
KLD
Dubai
01.1992 - 01.1994
Junior Interior Designer
TCT Design
Newcastle upon Tyne
01.1990 - 01.1992
Education
Certificate of Higher Education - Interior Design and 3D Studies
South Tyneside College of Art and Design
South Shields04-2026
GCSEs - Art and Design, Physics, English and English Literature
Hebburn Comprehensive
Hebburn, Tyne and Wear01-1990
Skills
- Space planning
- Team Leader
- Pitching
- Concept design
- Sketching
- Adobe suite
- CAD
- Business Development
- Value engineering
- Urban planning
- Branding
- Project management
- FFE
- Client Facing
- Onsite and contractor liaison
- Project management
- CAD
- FFE
- Client Facing
- Onsite and contractor liaison
- Project management
- CAD
- FFE
- Client Facing
- Onsite and contractor liaison
Languages
English
Norwegian
Swedish
Danish
Timeline
Consultant Interior Designer
Iris Interiors
03.2023 - 05.2024
Lecturer AL- Interior Design
Northumbria University
10.2022 - Current
Self Employed Design Consultant
Barkas Design AS
10.2014 - 10.2023
Senior Commercial Interior Designer
Leisure Contracts ltd
01.2014 - 10.2014
Senior Designer and Project Manager
Metropolis AS
06.2013 - 01.2014
Self-Employed Freelance Designer
Barkas Design
07.2012 - 06.2013
Senior Interior Architect & Project Manager
YSA Design
01.2006 - 07.2012
Senior Interior Architect
Link DC
01.2002 - 01.2006
Senior Interior Architect
SJ Design
01.1998 - 01.2002
Associate and Senior Interior Architect
European Design Group
01.1994 - 01.1998
Interior Designer
KLD
01.1992 - 01.1994
Junior Interior Designer
TCT Design
01.1990 - 01.1992
Certificate of Higher Education - Interior Design and 3D Studies
South Tyneside College of Art and Design
GCSEs - Art and Design, Physics, English and English Literature
Hebburn Comprehensive