Design was always there
Anna Kioufi was always meant to be an interior designer. Beginning her career in property management, Anna spent many years renovating and maintaining rental properties. This would not only give her a taste for aesthetics, but also an insight into designing for clients in a competitive market. Through these experiences and her work in home furnishings, she found her passion for design.
“I worked in Ralph Lauren Home Furnishings, where my love for interiors truly began. I was inspired by the attention to detail, the layering of textures and materials, and the way thoughtfully designed spaces could create a particular mood and atmosphere. It was there I realised how much I enjoyed the creative side of interiors.”
It can be difficult, both logistically but also personally, to take a leap and follow your heart. For Anna, even though she always had an interest in interiors, she also knew that if she was going to make it work, she needed to educate herself and tool-up on her skills. But as often happens, life can make it hard to find the right time.
The truth is, there really is no right time, the right time is the time you start! There is no perfect formula for embarking on something new. All you need is a willingness to commit and a curiosity to know more.
“After extensive online research, I discovered the British Academy of Interior Design and felt it was the ideal course for me. The subjects covered aligned perfectly with my interests and career aspirations, offering the knowledge and practical skills I wanted to develop for the future. It provided the opportunity to gain a strong foundation in interior design while allowing me to study at my own pace and build confidence in a field I had always been passionate about.”
Fears are meant to be conquered
Enrolling in a course and pursuing a goal takes both courage and focus, and it can also be a little daunting at first. Some students struggle to adapt to the world of studying and the introduction to new tools and skills. Everyone feels like this at some point, but the trick is to trust the process. Time will often reveal that the things you fear most, are the very thing you will later excel at. Anna has years of experience in the professional world, but her new challenge was the world of design and everything that comes with it.
“One aspect I found challenging was learning to use the design software, I had little experience in this area, therefore I was navigating new programs while completing coursework at the same time. The other was producing floor plans, this was particularly challenging at first, however with the support of the tutors, both in class and online, along with additional research and tutorial videos, I gradually built my confidence and achieved results I was proud of.”
But it’s important to be aware that in the wake of some of the more confronting challenges, is the fun stuff. Learning new things can feel like an awakening. It will not only tap into parts of the brain that previously lay dormant, but it also has a ripple effect that ignites new curiosities.
“The most fascinating part of the course has been exploring the history of interior design and understanding how interiors have evolved over time. I enjoyed learning how design has adapted to reflect changing lifestyles and how art, culture, technology and economic influences have shaped the spaces people live in. It was particularly interesting to see how designers responded to the needs of society in different periods, creating interiors that reflected both function and style.”
And with a mind and body armed with new skills and knowledge, new choices will follow. Anna knew she was interested in interior design and was certain it was a path she wished to follow, but what she didn’t know was what her newfound knowledge would unlock.
“When I first embarked on the course, my goal was simply to expand my knowledge of interior design and gain a deeper understanding of the industry. As the course progressed, my ambitions grew. The more I learned, the more I wanted to become involved in the profession and gain hands-on experience within the field.”
Unexpected lessons along the way
Students and graduates are often surprised by how much of an impact their learning has had. While skills and confidence are important, many leave with a whole new outlook on life and an injection of enthusiasm that they did not expect. It is inside us all and sometimes we just need the right key to unlock that inner door.
“One of the most valuable things I learned from the course is, I am capable of taking on an interior design project and seeing it through successfully from concept to completion. I have developed the skills and assurance needed to approach a project and understand how to work closely with clients to identify their needs and achieve the best possible outcome. The course has also strengthened my ability to research products, materials and suppliers, enabling me to present well-considered options and create design solutions that are both practical and visually appealing.”
And of course, it doesn’t stop there. For many students and graduates like Anna, it becomes clear that Interior Design is such a multi-faceted discipline that their creative tentacles can also reach further afield. Designers will often call upon a number of creative skills including photography, to capture and communicate a plan, drawing and sketching designs, presentation skills, and general communication and management abilities. This means that the role of an interior designer is not limited to one area but can cover countless other fields.
“I have been actively seeking opportunities within the interiors industry, including roles in interior styling. Breaking into the industry can be challenging, but the course has encouraged me to explore a range of career paths and gain valuable experience wherever possible.
One area that particularly interests me is working within a luxury interior showroom that supports clients with the design and furnishing of their homes.
I feel I can combine my existing customer service and sales skills with my interior design knowledge, creating a strong foundation for building a successful career in interiors.”
Are you ready to explore your own Creative Future?
Whether you’re looking to change careers, develop your creative skills, or turn a passion for design into something more, the Interior Design Courses are designed to help you build practical, industry-ready skills from home with personalised tutor feedback and flexible online learning.
Explore now and discover where your creativity could take you.
