Are you dreaming of turning your passion for interior design into a successful career? Meet Kelly Donougher, one of our standout graduates from The Interior Design Institute. Kelly is the founder of 13 Interiors, an award-winning interior design studio with locations in Perth and Melbourne. Her inspiring journey showcases how dedication, creativity, and the right education can lead to a thriving design business.
Since completing her studies, Kelly has grown 13 Interiors into a leading design studio, managing up to 30 projects at once and travelling between two bustling studios. With multiple nominations for the Polytec 2024 Design Awards, Kelly's story is proof that with the right tools and mindset, you can transform your passion into a flourishing career.
Read on to discover what a typical day looks like for Kelly, her design philosophy, and how studying with IDI helped her achieve her dreams.
Image Source: Graduated #IDIstudent Kelly
Donougher from @13interiors.
A typical day can vary a lot between client meetings, supplier visits and design work. Now that I have a team of designers and two studios, one in Perth and one in Melbourne we structure our weeks around the design schedule and project-managing installations. We need to be highly {organised |organized } as I travel between both studios each month and we can be working on anywhere from 20-30 projects at a time. Each week we have a design meeting to discuss the upcoming projects and timelines. We walk through the brief on each of the projects so the designers can get started on the preparation of each project with me. I also ensure we dedicate time to a supplier day, which is sourcing and selecting products for clients, meeting suppliers, and using that time to educate the designers.
My personal design style is modern contemporary. I gravitate towards dark colours , textures, and patterns. I’d describe my style as a “moody modern vibe,” something my clients tend to love as it brings boldness and depth into their spaces.
Image Source:
Graduated #IDIstudent Kelly
Donougher from @13interiors.
We have projects in every state of Australia right now, which is super exciting. Each project is different in design, and we have styles ranging from very modern and contemporary styles to traditional French provincial. Most of these homes are full home fit-outs where we have begun the design journey on the interiors of the home's hard finishes and then moved into furniture specification. I can't wait to share these projects and more.
Image Source: Graduated #IDIstudent Kelly
Donougher from @13interiors.
Photography by
@jesswinterburnmedia.
Gosh, there are probably a few…haha. Time management, prioritising
key tasks, and attention to detail is really important. We are dealing with people's homes, and for me, it's important that we take the client on the journey with us and that it's a positive experience. Listening to our client's needs is really important to ensure we stay on track and manage each and every task with attention to detail as promised.
I’ve always loved design. As a child, I would draw floor plans and design rooms for fun. The idea of creating spaces that evoke emotion and style has always been something I’ve loved. When I decided to make a career change, studying with The Interior Design Institute seemed like the perfect step to turn my passion into a professional pursuit.
Image Source: Graduated #IDIstudent Kelly
Donougher from @13interiors.
When I started researching places to study, IDI would pop up a lot. The course outline looked amazing and as I was working away in Mining at the time which meant the flexibility to study by correspondence was the key factor I needed. The price point was also really reasonable. I didn't feel like the investment was wasted if I didn't go on with a career in design. I was just so excited to get started and learn something new that I'd always dreamed about.
Image Source: Graduated #IDIstudent Kelly
Donougher from @13interiors.
Photography by
@jody_darcy
I loved so many elements, but I really did enjoy the moodboarding part. Learning key elements about colour and bringing those together in the moodboards was so creative. It was hard to believe I was “studying”; I was actually having fun!
Image Source: Graduated #IDIstudent Kelly
Donougher from @13interiors.
Take your time with the course! And don't compare it to other people's journeys. Something that I see a lot in the Facebook community is the rush to complete a module or people asking questions about the quickest way to do something or the easiest software to learn. It shouldn't be about the easiest path. There is so much to be said for trial and error and learning in stages. Just because you didn't nail something the first time doesn't mean you failed; it means you gained an opportunity to learn and do something better the second time around. I see this a lot with people and their fear of learning 3D software and module 4. Take the leap and learn it properly; this is something that you will carry into your client projects in the future, whether you start your own business or work for someone else. Take the time to learn these skills now so you have confidence down the track. Remember that every one of us brings something different to the table, which is the unique characteristic of this creative design world. Your journey is yours, and nobody else's.
Image Source: Graduated #IDIstudent Kelly
Donougher from @13interiors.
Website: 13interiors.com
Instagram: @13interiors
"What a fantastic course! I found this course to be completely practical, inspiring, and most importantly, exactly what you need to know when starting out in the design industry. The highly skilled tutors, easy-to-navigate online platform, and outstanding support and community made this course a wonderful experience. I truly can’t recommend it enough. The skills I gained gave me the confidence to start my own business and brand in this creative industry."
Image Source: Graduated #IDIstudent Kelly
Donougher from @13interiors.
Kelly Donougher’s journey from student to successful business owner is a story that fills us with immense pride. Not only has she built a thriving design business, but Kelly has also become a mentor to aspiring interior designers. She continues to give back to the design community by offering guidance and sharing her expertise with those just starting out.
Kelly also hosted one of our exclusive online workshops, where she provided valuable insights into how she runs her business, manages clients, and stays creative under pressure. Her generous sharing of knowledge and experience is helping to inspire the next generation of designers, showing them that success is within reach with hard work, determination, and the right support.
We are incredibly proud of Kelly's accomplishments and the role she continues to play in fostering talent within the interior design industry. Her story proves that with passion, education, and the right opportunities, you can achieve your dreams and create a career you truly love.
If you’re an aspiring interior designer looking to follow in Kelly’s footsteps, there’s never been a better time to take that leap. At The Interior Design Institute, we offer flexible, online courses that fit around your life, giving you the skills and confidence to launch your own successful design career.
Take the first step towards making your dream a reality. Join today and begin your journey to becoming a professional interior designer, just like Kelly.
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