Interior Design, Styling and Decoration

About The School of Art, Design & Digital-Creative / Leonardo Creative House

We hope you apply and join one of our courses. You will belong to the biggest curriculum area at West Suffolk College - The School of Art, Design and Digital-Creative. We are thriving, fun and ambitious. Studying ONE subject that you truly connect with (with no exams) is a liberating joy. You will love it!

This year we have over 500 students studying a broad range of creative courses across different levels. We are fortunate to have our own purpose-built building - 'Leonardo House' - on the main campus. Over many years we have all worked hard to be considered one of the very best Further Education creative centres in the UK. We care about what we do and strive to develop the next generation of professionals for the UK and global Creative Industries. Our culture is one of very high standards and freedom of individual expression. You will be working with like-minded individuals and professional specialist staff. Being part of Leonardo Creative House is a great thing. With hard work you will thrive and progress to a rewarding future.

Derek Johnson - Director of The School of Art & Design / Leonardo Creative House

The course - what is it all about?

• UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design & Communication (internal pathway: Interior Design, Styling and Decoration) (2 years)

An interior designer is someone who plans, researches, coordinates, and manages client-based projects. As designers, we have the power to shape the places and spaces we call our own - combining the art and science of enhancing the interior of a building to achieve an innovative, creative, healthier or comforting environment for contemporary life.

On this course you’ll be given the skills, experience and guidance, to develop and progress as an interior designer or stylist. You will respond to creative project briefs, hear from guest speakers, go on relevant studio visits and trips offsite, with trend-focused workshops and more. You will be immersed in a highly creative environment, with access to professional resources to assist you in fully realising your interior design ideas.

What will I do?

In the first year, you will be introduced to the core skills and fundamental practices within interior design such as; proportion, floor planning, colour selection, creative lighting, interior styling, upcycling and textile sourcing.

In year two, you will have the encouragement to develop your personal and professional aesthetic as a designer. With projects on green spaces and 'slow living', print design for interiors, budget management, interpreting client briefs, designing for commercial spaces and presenting your ideas to clients. Preparing you for industry, with the aim of discovering the most suitable route post-study.

How will I be assessed?

All courses and levels are assessed against submitted coursework by a deadline - work with NO sat exams. All are assessed at Pass, Merit, Distinction levels against the qualification unit criteria.

We are proud to be a University of the Arts London (UAL) accredited college. This is the largest creative awarding body in Europe.

NOTE: All level 3 courses carry the required UCAS points for university applications.

Where will it take me?

At the end of the course, you will have built an impressive industry-standard portfolio of your very best work, which you may want to use to apply for a university degree or an entry-level job within the interior design industry.

"As an interior designer, you have the power to evoke emotion through personally tailored, artistic and innovative spaces. A privilege earned through dedication, perseverance and great communication".
- Anna Giles, Course Director

The first step is to make an application for the area you are interested in. You will have the opportunity to discuss the different course options available during the interview stage and staff will confirm which course is suitable for your future plans.