Life after graduation: Interior Design with Rebecca Leivars

Posted on 25th November 2024

- By Diploma HE Applied Interior Design graduate, Rebecca Leivars

I am the Founder and Creative Director of LEIVARS Interiors Studio, I started the studio in 2007 following my one year Diploma in Interior Design course at KLC School of Design in 2006/2007. Prior to this I was in HR Management, a role that I left as I wanted to do something that I was passionate about, design and properties. It was a big leap of faith as I had no real formal education, having never really gone to secondary school. An unorthodox upbringing meant we were never around to attend school.

I eventually put myself through evening school and studied hard to get my HR qualification but the role was a thankless one, always giving bad news, over time it was apparent that I wasn't happy so I quit my career and everything I had worked for at the time to go into Interior Design. I knew nothing, had no contacts and no money at the time. I put everything I had into my studies, and I just adored the course, I lived and breathed it and whilst it was incredibly hard work, the energy and buzz I got from each and everyday was enough for me to know I had made the right choice, this was cemented on graduation day when I was awarded 'Student of the Year' with a standing ovation. It was a very special time and KLC has a very special place in my heart.

Fast forward 17 years (I can't believe it's been that long!) I have a small team, just three of us (by choice), we have 27 industry awards including several SBID International and design et al Awards. We work on high-end residential projects across the UK and Europe. The majority of our projects are repeat clients or referrals. We have been so lucky to have attracted wonderful clients, so overtime they become family and as their property portfolios grow, they take you with them or they call you back when they move home, it's a privilege and we don't lose sight of that!

We're currently working on two substantial barns in East Sussex, turning one into a leisure suite and the other their primary home. We have a stunning five storey Chelsea Townhouse we are responsible for the full interior design and refurbishment on. A breathtaking Derbyshire Riverside project which has been over three phases which we can't wait to start on phase 3 in the New Year. Two gorgeous family homes in Nottingham, one Victorian and one Edwardian both full refurbishment and interior design. There is always lots going on for us and we have some wonderful pipeline work scheduled for 2025 too, never a dull day!

What inspired your passion for interior design, and how did that influence your career path?

I think it started with my upbringing. We had very little and we moved a LOT, my Dad's job was seasonal so we went wherever the work was. A lot of time I lived in caravans or small spaces so I intuitively became creative moving items around because I got bored - I guess you could say my skill in spatial planning comes from that period.

Because we moved a lot, I love change, it's all I knew and I had a deep desire each time to make the most of the space where we were at any given time and make it home, from that I fell in love with spaces. Interior Design never crossed my mind back then, I didn't even know it was a thing. I knew I wanted to better myself which is why I put myself through evening classes whilst working full time and that road led me into HR.

I bought my first house at 18 in my home village of Draycott, Derbyshire which I couldn't wait to do up and sell. I saw it as a creative outlet and business. I continued to do this for several years. I still didn't consider a career in interior design, that was for affluent and educated / connected people (or so I thought); not a girl from a council estate in Derby with no education. Fast forward several years, and it was a then ex-boyfriend who suggested I retrain in Interior Design and the rest is well written since my KLC days.

How did your education help you set up your own interior design company?

I don't feel that it did if I am being honest. Given I rarely went to school. The skills that have helped me in business came from life skills, from all the small jobs I've held from a young child, selling hot dogs on a Sunday Market when I was 13, selling jewellery on a spanish market when I was 14, an abundance of jobs where I had to think on my feet, be proactive, interact with all walks of life, negotiating with the public, learning to sell, the math needed to work with the figures/sales, long hours.

Every small job I did gave me invaluable life experience interacting with the public and problem solving, I have a strong belief that these transferable skills are what has helped me, this experience taught me to work with all walks of life which you need to have the confidence to be dealing with clients, trades and suppliers.

Adding to this, the condensed one year Diploma which taught me so much and gave me a platform to build on after KLC, it was invaluable.

What are your biggest achievements since graduating?

Not least winning awards consistently, but in truth, I am more proud of our reputation for caring but also staying in business for 17 years. It is a tough industry and running a studio isn't easy, business isn't easy these days and you have to operate at the highest of standards and surround yourself with the best people. Always to have a positive and progressive mindset, always learning and looking at ways to improve, complacency isn't a concept I understand!

You've accumalated a number of awards over the years, what can you tell us about these?

We were shortlisted for several awards this year both the prestigious design et al International Design Awards and SBID Global Design Awards for our recently completed Nottingham Penthouse and family home, 'House of Colour' Barnes projects.

In September we were thrilled to be winners for the 2024 design et al Residential Project over £5m category for our Barnes project, and in early November, we were SBID Regional and Global winners for both our Nottingham Penthouse (Apartment Under £1m) and Barnes once more, Residential House over £1m.

To be recognised at such a high level is not least a thrill beyond words and something we never take for granted, it's also a testament to the hard work and love we put into each and every project. To be recognised by industry peers and compete against over 90 countries is always humbling, I'm so proud of what we do. We are also finalists for the ultimate awards, design et al Elite Awards 2025 held in Capri, Italy.

What are some unique aspects of KLC’s interior design course that you think stand out?

You can start the course with no experience, you don't even have to be able to draw. You just need to have that fire burning feeling in your belly and have a passion and self belief!

Being taught by actual working experienced industry professionals allows you real insight into the industry and to cut through the do's and don'ts. You're taught how to start up the business, paperwork, actual real life projects, you have a step-up into some of the best suppliers in the country, you're taught the history of styles and construction, technical CAD skills and even if like me you don't like CAD drawing, you need to learn it and to understand drawings, you have to be able to understand and connect all the dots and KLC allows that process to happen organically.

You are surrounded by support and you meet incredible friends on that journey... I would do the course again in a heartbeat, one of the best years of my life!

What advice would you give to aspiring interior designers who are looking to start their own business?

Cut your teeth in a practice first. A MUST. The only way you will ever know real life is to experience it through others first. You will learn such invaluable tools, lessons, contacts, it will allow your confidence to grow, time to witness so much. You may think you can do it alone, and yes you'll fudge by, but you'll make mistakes that will cost you dearly. Learn through others even for just 6 months, a year...so many people want to run first alone and so many just don't make it. If you've invested both the time and money to train, give yourself the best start - I did, and it was invaluable.

Learn more about our Interior Design courses here