Interior Designer
What were you doing before studying and why did you decide to study here?
I was working as a PA to a Headteacher
How do you think studying at KLC School of Design prepared you for what you do now?
I enrolled onto the course with a passion for Interior Design, but I didn't have any technical design knowledge or skill. The course provided all the foundational knowledge and essential skills in order for this to become a viable career path for me. Learning what is involved at each stage of the design process and developing skills such as how to do a measured survey, draw 2D floor plans, elevations and create 3D models were absolutely invaluable and I secured a job as a Junior Designer very soon after I graduated.
Can you identify some of the highlights and challenges of your time with us?
I still message my tutor 3 years on to thank her for her enormous impact in my life! I think having a tutor who is in industry is hugely beneficial as she was able to provide very relevant context for all aspects of the design process. Some highlights were sourcing and doing research for Project 2! I loved learning CAD and that was probably the most challenging aspect as well for me. I found perspective drawing quite difficult but I still practice regularly. I also experienced personal struggles with imposter syndrome and managing my other family and personal responsibilities whilst we went from in-person to online learning due to the lockdown guidelines during COVID.
How has your career evolved since graduating?
It has been a wonderful transition from my dream unfolding from seed form into lots of blossoming experiences. A year after I graduated I won a competition run by United in Design with House and Garden & Calico Club, I worked as a Junior Designer for nearly two years, then started freelancing for other Interior Designers. In 2023, I won The Big Interiors Battle on Channel 4 and launched my own design studio last year.
What projects are you currently working on?
I've got 1 residential project and 1 commercial project. I'm also co-founding a community project called Healing Homes West, doing room makeovers for children of single parent families experiencing severe financial hardship, where the home is the major factor affecting the quality of life.
What do you consider your biggest achievement to date?
Winning The Big Interiors Battle on Channel 4 was a tremendous turning point in my professional life and also my personal life, as a single parent - winning a 2 bed flat mortgage free was life changing.
Do you have any tips for recent graduates?
I sought alot of advice and support from the KLC Careers Team and worked hard on my portfolio until I was proud of it. Don't knock once, or twice, keep going until you are through the door of where you want to be!!
