Kevala welcomed two talented students from Staffordshire University’s Product, Furniture & Ceramics BA (Hons) course for internship in Bali. The journey began with a live design competition at their university, where students responded to a Kevala brief to create culturally inspired tableware or teaware for the hospitality industry. From that challenge, two winners Lilly Smith and Hannah Cosnett were selected to experience Kevala firsthand.
Q: Can you tell us about the project you submitted for the Kevala competition?
Lilly: The brief set by Kevala was to design either: tableware targeted at the Middle Eastern and south Asian market, focusing on shared style plating, or to design a tea set influenced by East Asian styles, both aimed at luxury hospitality settings. I decided to focus on the tea set brief, as I found it to be an interesting topic to research into and design pieces for. I had never designed for ceramics before, so I found it to be a really engaging learning opportunity, and I wanted to take the chance to explore this new area of design further.
Hannah: Kevala set a brief for our class by asking for either, an East Asian inspired tea set in a luxury hospitality setting, or a South Asian-Middle Eastern inspired tableware set in a luxury hospitality setting. I chose the former and approached this brief firstly by researching how each East Asian country uses tea, what type of teas they use, and the meaning behind the cultural differences.
I landed on Japan as I was intrigued by their tea ceremonies and the abundance of meaning behind every aspect within them. I wanted to create a set that incorporates every detail in and during the tea ceremonies, but in a refined and subtle manner, this is how I established the idea of, ‘Bringing the tearoom to the customer.’ (My tea-set’s name/slogan). As the set is intended for travellers in luxury hotels/restaurants, they may not get the chance to experience a traditional Japanese tearoom, so the tea set would be ‘bringing’ it to the customer wherever they are.
Q: How did it feel to win and come to Bali for the internship?
Lilly: Finding out I was coming to Bali was such a shock. I hadn’t heard anything for a few weeks, so when I received the news I was just completely taken a back, I never expected to get chosen for such an incredible opportunity. I am so grateful to have been chosen for such a unique experience. The idea of coming to Kevala, alongside Hannah, who I wouldn’t have become close with if it weren’t for this internship, was definitely intimidating, but most of all I was excited.
Hannah: When I found out that I had won the internship with Kevala, I was incredibly excited and grateful, and I felt like all my hard work, early mornings, and late nights had paid off. Although having to live halfway across the world for nine weeks with only a girl I had not met yet (Lilly) seemed quite daunting at first, I was still thrilled beyond belief to be going and am extremely glad I did! We have become good friends which has made the whole internship even better as it was easier to adjust to everything alongside someone else.
Q: What has been the most valuable part of working at Kevala?
Lilly: Kevala has been amazing, I hadn’t done much wheel throwing before coming to Bali, so having the chance to develop my skill further was great. Everyone is so knowledgeable, it made learning more about ceramics so easy. I have enjoyed spending time experiencing each area of ceramics whilst at Kevala.
I found the decoration area of the ceramics process really intriguing and valuable to gain knowledge about. The hand painting and carving techniques used were amazing to see, the decoration team are truly amazing. I also loved learning more about glaze making and testing from the technical team. It was great to learn more about how glazes are made and how different components can change the firing results. These aspects of the ceramics process are definitely something I will continue to research deeper and practice more of. The knowledge I have gained at Kevala will be so valuable as I enter my career in design.
Hannah: Kevala and their talented staff have been amazing all throughout the internship. They have taught us new ways of perfecting our wheel throwing, mould making, and various glazing techniques while studying here, and I will carry these skills with me throughout my future.
All of the techniques and stages of the ceramic-making process that I have been apart of here have been extremely valuable for me and my future career as a designer-maker. The most valuable ones would be the stages we cannot learn at university – like how to do a production card, as at university we make it all ourselves, so it is not needed. For a future career in design, I think stages like that are important to experience beforehand, so you are well prepared and capable.
Q: How has this internship changed your perspective on ceramics for the hospitality industry?
Lilly: Before interning at Kevala, I never realise how big of an industry ceramics is. It has given me a great respect and gained perspective of how bespoke ceramics come to be made, and all the work that goes into designing and manufacturing for the hospitality industry. There are so many aspects of the process that need to be carefully considered, that you wouldn’t even think about until you see the process, and the incredible team it takes to make it happen.
Hannah: This internship has changed my view on how I think about ceramics for the hospitality industry as I did not know the expanse of how many people work on a collection – from the Sales team working with the clients, the designers, and the artisans in production, to all the managers running around checking and signing everything that comes their way. There are so many people involved in making a “simple plate” that it becomes complex.
Q: What moments at Kevala have stood out to you?
Lilly: It’s hard to pick a favourite moment from my time at Kevala, the whole experience has been wonderful. Everyone has been so friendly and welcoming, the atmosphere at work has been amazing. Getting to see my design be made in a professional setting by the extremely talented production team has made me so happy, I’ve loved seeing every step of the process. Even the opportunities to learn more about Balinese culture whilst at Kevala were amazing, I was able to participate in giving offerings and experience the Odalan celebration, which was so interesting. I don’t think I could pick a favourite moment from my time at Kevala if I tried.
Hannah: My favourite moments at Kevala have been seeing my tea set being professionally made at every stage, and all the staff that have been helping and producing my tea set has been incredible as well; everyone here is so talented and lovely, and have welcomed us from the beginning.
For Kevala, collaborations like this are more than internships. They are opportunities to open our doors to the next generation of designers, share knowledge, and inspire future innovators in the hospitality ceramics industry.
