2023 has been a year of continued successes and new directions for KLC School of Design. 

We celebrated the graduation of another group of successful students; from Diploma and FdA to BA Degree, we are incredibly proud to have played a part in preparing a new generation of interior and garden design students entering the industry.

Once again, the industry has been incredibly supportive of KLC School of Design. The range of industry awards; from design-focused to illustration to research and sustainability, these awards recognise both the quality of our students' work and the programmes that are offered in the school.

Our first International Design Workshop, hosting students and staff from Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV), was a tremendous success. This collaboration between KLC School of Design students and UPV students, and staff, was a wonderful example of students and staff working together to explore ideas of landscape, renovation and reuse in a unique location in West Sussex.

The 'Designer Speed Dating' event; hosted by WaterWorks, was a highlight (once again) for students and the industry. Ten designers; from a range of studios, and about 60 of our students, spent an evening discussing aspects of the industry and how to prepare for employment. This annual event, continues to be popular with both students and designers; as it provides a unique, informal, approach to industry engagement.

For our Garden Design students, the opportunity to be involved in the Chelsea Flower Show was, once again, a highlight of the year. This provides not just a chance to see some of the best designers and their work, but to be active in applying their learning through their work in supporting the planting programmes for some of the high-profile gardens in the show.

Our Open Days continue to be wonderful events. We are so grateful to our staff, students and alumni, who give their time to meet prospective students and parents, who come from all over the world, to learn more about the school and our courses. The transformation of our studios into mini-exhibitions for each of our courses gives visitors an opportunity to see the breadth and depth of the work that we do.

Geoffrey Makstutis
Head of School
KLC School of Design