Originally from Forde, in Norway, Heidi, 24, has graduated with a MA Future Design and is now embarking on a DigitalCity Fellowship at the University.
She said: ‘I was studying multi-media design at a University in Bergen which has links with Teesside and I was able to come to Teesside University to complete my degree.
‘I wanted to come here as Teesside has a really good reputation and it's not too far from home.
‘I didn't really know much about the Teesside area before I came, but I instantly had a good impression and decided to continue studying here.’
Showing desire and determination Heidi completed a BA (Hons) Graphic Arts at Teesside in 2009 and went on to complete the MA Future Design.
She said: ‘I devised a business plan based on my interest in vintage furniture. By taking something and adding something new, the pieces gain value.
‘I buy furniture from furniture dealers, at auctions and charity shops. I also get pieces that people donate as they are no longer wanted and would otherwise be thrown away. I paint the furniture and design and print the fabric used for the upholstery.’
Recent pieces created by Heidi were inspired by elements of nature, with the designs based on spider webs, the rings inside tree trunks and layers of sand stone. She is now aiming to set up in business focusing on renewing second hand furniture.
Heidi added: ‘The ideology is to give new life to old pieces of furniture. The idea is sustainability, with links to consumerism and the use and throw society.’
She calls her company Alt which in Norwegian means everything. She chose Alt as it also has reference to English words such as alternative and alteration.