I have always had a passion for interiors and architecture, redecorating my bedroom and moving furniture around as a teenager. I knew from a young age that I wanted to work in a creative industry and attended Art College, from this I specialised in Photography which became my career for 20 years.

The renovation of my own houses in adulthood rekindled my love for interiors and as a result I enrolled on to a Foundation Degree at KLC School of design. I was extremely naive about what this entailed and believed the role of an interior designer was simply designing schemes for rooms, I couldn’t have been more overjoyed when I realised the depth of the scope of a fully qualified interior designer. Returning to studying after so long was daunting but I’ve thoroughly enjoyed challenging myself both academically and creatively, I enjoyed the course so much, but still felt there was so much to learn, that I joined the BA top-up course, graduating in August with a First Class Honours.

My biggest disappointment about my career as a commercial photographer was the lack of creativity, designing conceptually for my degree has been refreshing and a truly creative process. Returning to studying has also given me the opportunity to indulge my teenage and young adult interest in the environment, this was unforeseen but will inevitably shape my future career as an Interior Designer. The chance to research sustainability is something I never would have made the time for in my normal life but it has featured heavily in both the academic and design aspects of the curriculum, particularly in the final year where we have had more control over our individual briefs.

My obsession with interiors, even as a teenager, were through creating an identity and an individuality. The research based approach taught by KLC ensures that interiors reflect the needs, desires and ethics of those who inhabit them. I have gained an understanding of why things work and how to create an emotional response within four walls. Sustainability and well-being are strongly connected, a technical understanding of colour theory and spatial planning allows the design of more effective spaces where people function and feel better.

My love of the outdoors has given me a keen interest in the environment, an interest that today is so relevant, it is crucial that we all consider the environmental impact of our actions in daily life and in our careers. During the BA top-up my projects were focussed on sustainability and since graduating I have been invited by KLC to present my projects to current students.

The resulting designs are ethical, my love of Art and Design creates inspirational spaces with design details that work on a conceptual level. I wish to continue to expand my sustainable journey in my future career and relish the idea of working on varied projects, both commercial and residential, where the client is central. My skills are broad and include Concept Design, Design Development, FF&E Specification and Procurement, my software skills are good, being proficient in Autocad, Sketchup, Revit, Photoshop and InDesign. On completing the course I have taught myself basic Dreamweaver and WordPress site building and am working freelance for Brooke Copp-Barton Interiors.