Sandra Dunne and Karen Armitage

We had always had a great interest in interior design and had experimented with occasional success in our own homes.  However it wasn’t until we reached our 40’s and reassessed our lives (as you do!) that we decided it was time to study to obtain a formal interior design qualification.  With children, family and work commitments we both needed to find an internationally recognised course which offered flexibility and a home study option.  After much research we came across The Design Ecademy and signed up for their Diploma in Interior Design. 

The course was structured into 20 assignments each one building on knowledge and skills learned from the lesson before.  Home study has its challenges, however as we were studying together we were able to stay motivated running ideas past each other – we actually found this essential particularly when an assignment appeared overwhelming.  The tutors were always available however we felt it was more realistic to try and come up with solutions ourselves.

It took us 16 months to complete the course excluding the final assignment which took 2 months to complete.  This was an all-inclusive showhouse project bringing together everything we had learned – very challenging but very satisfying.  Shortly after qualifying we set up Aura Interiors and started work on some domestic projects and a bar re-fit in Berlin.  We bravely applied for the ‘Showhouse’ programme on RTE 1 and after pitching a design idea for a bedroom we were chosen from over 200 applicants.  Everything we had learned, particularly in the final assignment, has stood to us and made us realise how much knowledge we gained from The Design Ecademy.  We would highly recommend this course as it is very comprehensive, professionally run and while at times it was very demanding, it has been well worth it for the opportunities and satisfaction it has brought us.