Our students

Why did you choose an interior design course?

I’ve always been interested in interior design, mostly with my own projects at home. I used to own a painting and decorating business and worked alone, so I've always been in that kind of industry. When the opportunity came along three years ago to attend university, I decided it was the right time.

Why Teesside?

It’s local and has a good reputation for design courses. I have three children and a partner, so I didn’t want to study away from home.

Tell us about the facilities.

They were fantastic. I studied in the Cook building, where the workshop is huge. The design studio was great and the computer studio had everything you need to put a mood board together.

What software did you get to use?

When I started, I barely knew how to turn the computer on. Now I'm using software such as SketchUp, AutoCAD and Lumion, amongst others.

What has been a highlight of your course?

Being involved in Robson Green’s show: Robson and Jim's Fly-Fishing Adventure. A group of students and I got to design the interior of a caravan that featured on the show, which was exciting and obviously great for the CV.

What advice would you give to another mature student?

Do it. I put it off for a lot of years. It was something that I always wanted to do but thought it was too late for me. When I realised it wasn’t, I absolutely loved it. I didn't realise how much fun I’d have and how much I’d learn. It's amazing how much I've been able to do.

I did have some hang-ups about my age. I'm 44, so I was a bit concerned about competition with younger students coming up through the same industry. Once I got onto my course and met my fellow students, I realised that I wasn't the only mature student and it was a lot easier than I thought it was going to be. I don't mean the work – obviously that’s challenging – but I think I’d anticipated being a mature student would be harder than it was. Once I got into it, I realised I had just as good a chance as everybody else.

What are you doing now?

I work at a company called the Sustainable Design Studio, which is more architectural than interior. The architect I work with designs sustainable buildings, including structural insulated panels, solar and wind energy – anything that’s sustainable or set up for net zero.

What’s next for you?

I plan on doing a master's degree at Teesside University. I'm doing Advanced Home Futures, which is a course that's run by George Clarke.