The National Design Academy are always proud to hear what our students go on to do once they’ve graduated. We are lucky enough to have such talented students, who have gone on to achieve a range of diverse roles both in the UK and Internationally. We hear from BA Hons Interior Design Degree graduate, Gemma Drake.
Hi Gemma, please tell us what you were doing before you started BA Hons Interior Design degree?
Before I started my BA Hons Interior Design degree with the NDA, I had been away at university full-time, but due to a number of reasons has to give up my course. Part of me felt I had failed by not getting through my course and after leaving university my confidence, pride and motivation on a subject I was once passionate about quickly deteriorated.
Why did you choose to study with the National Design Academy?
When I found your course there was hope that I could still go on to achieve what I set out to do. The idea I could still work full time seemed fantastic. I did find managing my time a huge challenge but with the support given it was easily doable. I also feel that if I had been given the same support from my previous university, things may have been different. I would have probably graduated there.
In your opinion what were the most valuable skills you learnt whilst on the course?
The course supported me in finding my own approach to interior design, as each module focuses on different aspects of design practice and theory. I really developed my technical skills which is an area I struggled with. By the end of the course I felt much more confident to apply this alongside creative design thinking.
What have you gone on to do since graduating your BA Hons Interior Design degree?
Since graduating, I have been lucky enough to have opened my own small interiors & gift shop in a little town called Bewdley in Worcestershire where I grew up. It has always been my dream to have my own business and I feel incredibly lucky to have achieved this at the age of 24. I sell unique home ware and gifts for all occasions.
What are your plans for the rest of this year/ 2016?
I am currently in the process of launching my website for online shopping, which will be launching just in time for Christmas next week as well as focusing on stocking some personalised products and home-made products. Within the next year, I also plan to use my interior design skills from my interior design degree to also offer an interior design service.
Your plans for 2016 sound great Gemma. For those wanting to develop their interior design skills in the year, why would you recommend studying Interior Design with the NDA?
I felt the support I had from the NDA was fantastic. If I ever had an issue or was struggling with anything at all, I was given a response quickly. The feedback given after each project was really helpful and I always used the advice given in my next project. The NDA helped regain my confidence in the subject which motivated me through the course. I am really proud of what I have managed to achieve and would highly recommend the course to anybody.
Make sure to check out the Hidden Gems Website or check out the Hidden Gems Facebook page to see what lovely Christmas gifts are available.
If you are interested in developing new qualifications or are thinking about starting a course in Interior Design in the new year, we offer a range of flexible, part-time Interior Design courses from diploma to MA level that are designed to be studied around work, family and personal commitments. To see the full range of courses we offer please visit our course overview page or for further details contact us on: +44(0)1159 123 412 or email us at: enquiries@nda.ac.uk.
