One of the unique benefits of studying with the academy is the internship (or as we call it, work placement) opportunity that is offered to many of our students. This is a golden opportunity to take a step into the real world of design and put your newfound skills to use.
And while we can bring the proverbial horse to water, we cannot make it drink. But students like Kelly Leung, well, she drank it all in.
Kelly Leung
Kelly Before the Interior Design Internship
Kelly Leung was an Interior Design student who, upon graduation, was ready to step into the professional realm. Less than one month into her internship with Dear Modern studio, Kelly was offered a permanent job. Just a few weeks later, the studio launched a new initiative and Kelly has since been entrusted with the responsibility of directly advising clients on how to use space more effectively.
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Dear Modern
But her road to design was far from a straight line.
It all began with music, singing to be precise. When Kelly was a young girl with a creative instinct and a passion for art, she always enjoyed drawing and singing but when it came to pursuing a career as a singer, she was either too shy, or what would later become apparent, she is possibly too much of a perfectionist. But what may very well be a loss to music is now a gain to the world of Interior Design.
When the time came to leave school and make some grown-up choices, Kelly wasn’t sure where to aim her life path, so she responded to her natural abilities and studied maths and engineering. But soon Kelly would find herself in terrain that any creative person who has ever denied themselves an outlet will always find themselves, she felt understimulated. The formulaic checklist nature of engineering grew tiresome, and Kelly needed somewhere to channel all her pent-up creativity. But where was she going to put it?
Design for Wellbeing
Again and again, she found herself thinking of how she could help others. How could she fulfil her own creative needs while simultaneously contributing to other people’s wellbeing? So, with a clear head and inescapable urge for change, Kelly took a fearless leap and quit her engineering job.
First, she tried fashion and although the marketing department for a fashion brand has many creative opportunities, it just didn’t feel like the right fit for her. But what she did learn and learn fast was that she knew for sure she wanted to continue working in this kind of vibrant, dynamic environment. She wanted to be in the thick of it, where ideas were currency and creativity thrived.
Her thoughts then turned to Interior Design and architecture but decided interiors would have more of a personal impact on people’s emotional health and mental wellbeing. And this is where she found the British Academy of Interior Design.
The first thing that would surprise Kelly when she enrolled on the course was the level of technical skills that are needed for Interior Design. It is so much more than colour and cushions, Interior Design is a range of problem solving and communication skills that all come together creatively. Kelly found the intertwining of tech including lighting, appliances, materials and design, an unexpected area of Interior Design. This would wind up being a happy marriage of her technical engineering skills, and creativity.
Kelly Leung
Interior Design Work Placement Offers the Way
The driving force behind Kelly’s desire to design is the joy she derives from watching the alteration of a space aligning with a person’s needs. The functionality and beauty can enrich a home therefore providing a space where people can thrive. Kelly is an empath who wants to offer the world a better way to live. She is a harbinger of joy and the more she learned, the more she felt she could positively impact people’s lives.
So once this generous soul graduated, the next step was the real world. The final modules of the course prepare students for the industry, the business of design, and Kelly was ready to dive in.
She had applied for a few jobs but wasn’t feeling confident, but she had made a point of connecting and reaching out to her tutors and fellow students and through these connections she found herself considering an internship. The academy provides work placement opportunities with a variety of companies and studios, but it was Dear Modern that was drawn to Kelly.
Kelly Leung
Graphic Design Portfolio Stands Out
Kelly’s portfolio layout and attention to detail, from notes to sample boards to renders and sketches, stood out to the company. Less than one month into her internship, Kelly was asked to help them with a new initiative – they were going to trial a new online idea for clients who need spatial advice on small spaces or single rooms.
Kelly embraced the offer and has been running this new department since!
As a new employee, Kelly is still learning but spatial planning was something that excited her and now in this new niche, she is soaking it all up. Everything you do and every part of you informs creative choices and for Kelly, her engineering background coupled with her innate creativity is an ideal combination for this path.
Kelly is not sure where it will take her as yet but, in the meantime, she is adopting new skills, and new experiences with the knowledge that it will all benefit her future design mind for years to come.
Kelly Leung
British Academy of Interior Design and Internships
Kelly’s story demonstrates how the British Academy of Interior Design’s work placement programme can transform classroom learning into a real career. Her path from music to engineering to interior design shows that creativity and technical skill can come together in powerful ways, especially when paired with hands-on experience.
By seizing the internship opportunity, building a strong portfolio, and embracing every challenge, Kelly turned uncertainty into a rewarding career. Ultimately, her journey highlights that with the right training and support, students can step confidently into the world of interior design and make a meaningful impact on people’s lives.
Are you interested in getting interior design experience? Take a look at one of our courses now.
Kelly Leung
FAQs
How to Get an Internship in Interior Design?
To get an internship in interior design, you’ll likely need to build a strong portfolio, network with tutors and peers, and apply to studios that offer work placement opportunities. At the British Academy of Interior Design, we can help you with all of that!
How to Start an Interior Design Business with no Experience?
To start an interior design business with no experience you’ll need to start with some short courses and practice on small projects. This way, you can showcase your work and slowly build credibility. We would always recommend you seek proper training too, through one of our online courses focused on Interior Design.
How to Get Interior Design Experience?
To get interior design experience, you will need to take internships, volunteer for design projects, and create personal or portfolio projects to demonstrate your skills.