My experience at Arts Bournemouth University, studying BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design, was transformative in many ways.
Although I had always been interested in interior design, it wasn’t until I completed my foundation degree that I realised this was the path I truly wanted to pursue. Entering the course, I expected to gain a solid understanding of interior design principles, but the journey proved to be far more expansive and eye-opening than I initially imagined.
From the very beginning, the course challenged my conventional understanding of interior spaces. I quickly realised that interior architecture and design extend far beyond aesthetics and decoration; they are fundamentally about addressing human needs, emotions, and behaviours, while also ensuring functionality and form.
This perspective deepened as I participated in various extracurricular live brief projects, which allowed me to explore and redefine my approach to design. Through these real-world assignments, I also discovered how interior design overlaps with other fields such as graphic design, branding, and way-finding. This multidisciplinary approach opened my mind to new possibilities and potential career paths I hadn’t considered before.
Engaging with clients and stakeholders in these projects allowed me to translate theoretical knowledge into practical, impactful solutions. Each project was an opportunity to push my creativity and test my skills, but more importantly, it was a learning experience that shaped me as an interior designer. Through these projects, I discovered my true passion for creating spaces that not only meet functional requirements but also inspire and evoke emotion. These projects taught me to think more holistically about design, considering not just the physical environment but also the human experience within a space.
One of these experiences was participating in the AUB design competition in collaboration with South Walks House. The project focused on designing a new way-finding strategy for South Walks House, a high-traffic outpatient clinical assessment facility in Dorchester. In partnership with NHS Dorset, the goal was to create a design that ensured smooth movement for patients and clinicians while enhancing the space’s visual identity and overall patient experience.
Collaboration was key throughout the project. From the early stages of development to the final presentation, I worked closely with colleagues, stakeholders, and clients. My proposal aimed to captivate and engage users through the use of vibrant colours and abstract shapes inspired by the Dorset landscape. Presenting this concept to a panel of NHS and South Walks House representatives was an invaluable learning experience, and it was an incredible honour when my design was selected as the winning entry for the staff facilities and quiet rooms at the facility. Attending its unveiling made the experience even more rewarding.
The collaborative nature of this and other live-brief projects taught me valuable lessons about teamwork, communication, and managing expectations. Navigating different perspectives, engaging in constructive dialogue, and balancing creativity with practicality were all crucial to my growth as a designer. These collaborative experiences also helped me build strong relationships with my peers, many of whom I continue to stay in touch with, sharing insights and supporting each other in our professional journeys.
Looking back, I would describe my time at AUB as a "trust the process" experience. There were moments of doubt and frustration, especially when the workload piled up or when I encountered particularly challenging projects. However, each of these moments contributed to my growth, pushing me to develop resilience and a deeper understanding of the design process. The journey was far from linear, but in the end, it was worth every challenge and setback. I left the program not only with a degree but with a newfound confidence in my abilities and a clear vision of where I want to take my career in interior architecture and design.
Overall, my time at AUB was an incredible experience that shaped me both personally and professionally. It deepened my passion for design, opened my eyes to the endless possibilities within the field, and provided me with the skills and confidence to embark on my career.
