Meet Piers Thurston, a recent graduate of the MA Interior Design course at the National Design Academy. After initially studying film, Piers realised his passion for interior design when he had the opportunity to design his own space. Throughout his studies, he successfully balanced part-time work and freelance projects, taking full advantage of the NDA’s flexible, remote study format. Now a graduate, Piers is working with a BIID-registered design studio while preparing to transition into full-time freelance work. . Discover more about his journey below!
What first sparked your passion for design?
Relocating with my family every few years first introduced me to residential design as a child, but it wasn’t until graduating with a degree in film and falling into a career I didn’t enjoy, that I began to seriously consider returning to education and pursuing a career in Interior Design, only reinforced when I moved out of home and had the opportunity to design my own space. I started with returning to colleague during the evenings, but wanted to pursue my interest further, so enrolled on the Interior Design software course with the NDA, and then the Interior Design MA.
Who is your biggest design inspiration?
If we’re talking design styles, at the moment I’m loving Steve Cordony, Emma Sims Hilditch, Emma Wood, and Tom Cox of Ham Interiors, predominantly because their designs tend to resonate most with me and my own preferences. On the whole though, I’m usually inspired by those who have built their businesses from the ground-up to establish themselves as a strong and respected studio in the industry, and pro-actively work to maintain their knowledge of the ever-evolving design industry, achieving a great deal in a relatively short time.
How would you describe your design style/taste in 3 words?
- Comfortable
- Considered
- Trend-agnostic
- … & Fun!
What made you apply to the National Design Academy?
To pursue a career in Interior Design and be a strong competitor or candidate in the industry, I knew I needed a higher-education qualification in Interior Design, but did not want to return to university full-time. The NDA offered a rare opportunity for me to study an MA in Interior Design remotely, and on a part-time basis, allowing me to continue working throughout my degree, whilst juggling both with voluntary or freelance design-related work.
What’s the most unexpected thing you have learned from the course?
Trend forecasting. I hadn’t expected this to be included in the course content, but I’m glad it was, as I think it’s very important for designers to have an understanding of not only “what’s trending” but also of how these trends come about.
What has been your favourite course module and why?
Overall, it would have to be the final module. Whilst I was pleasantly surprised by how broad each brief was, the final module was particularly advantageous in allowing me to develop my own interests. In this case, I focused on heritage design, devising a scheme sympathetic to a Grade II* listed Queen-Anne manor house in Kent, but updated to serve a 21st century wedding party as an intimate events venue with guest accommodation, also combining my interests in both residential and commercial interiors.
What’s your favourite project that you’ve worked on?
Every project I work on becomes my favourite! But at the moment, I’m working on bedrooms for two young girls, and the brief involves some ethnic touches from India, so it’s a great opportunity to be colourful, playful and bold with pattern and texture!
What advice would you give to potential National Design Academy students?
Utilise the opportunity! Especially for those studying on a part-time basis, you have to be prepared to be disciplined enough to study in your free time, to get the most of what your course has to offer. (This isn’t particularly a hardship, as the course content is quite enjoyable!)
Now/when you’ve just finished your course, what are you doing next?
Since graduating, I have been working on a part-time basis with an established BIID-Registered design studio in Sussex, assisting with the delivery of residential and commercial interiors both locally and internationally. I am also in the process of working with a brand designer so that I am equipped to transition to full-time freelance work in the future, and connect with further design studios and prospective Clients, assisting them in the delivery of their schemes and providing 3D models and photorealistic renders.
Piers’ journey from film to interior design highlights his dedication and passion for creating thoughtful, comfortable spaces. Now a graduate of the MA Interior Design course at the National Design Academy, he is preparing to launch his freelance career while working with a BIID-registered studio. We’re excited to see where his talents take him next. To explore his work, you can view his portfolio, follow him on Instagram, or connect with him on LinkedIn.
