Interior Design Course Tutors

Get to Know Sophie

Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got into interior design?

While my early career led me into magazine publishing and marketing, my passion for art and design was a constant. I followed my dream of opening an art gallery, and that was the true beginning of my interior design journey: from art sourcing, it then led into colour consulting and interior design. It was an organic process.

While working in the field, I am also passionate about identifying art and design commercial opportunities; leading me to develop and curate Indigenous rug ranges; a fabric range; and licence my own artwork. The art and design development means I can offer my clients bespoke pieces.

What inspired you to become an interior design tutor?

It was, and is, the perfect marriage of my writing and editing skills; and that of my art and design career. Having mentored creative interns and artists in their early stage careers, tutoring means I get to mentor and guide students every day, in my chosen field.

What are some essential skills or qualities that every interior designer should possess?

Every interior designer should possess:

• The ability to move through processes in a logical fashion; but also be resilient and flexible when challenges arise.
• Always put the client first, it’s their home, not yours.
• Be patient, a clear communicator and transparent.
• Be a problem solver.
• Be creative, thinking outside of the box.
• Be curious, the desire to learn more.

What are some favourite projects you have worked on?

• Those for friends so I get to enjoy their joy: decorating a 200-year-old stone cottage in Burgundy, France; where I paid homage to the history and environment.
• Having a two-week window to decorate a home and redesign a full bathroom and laundry while my client was overseas. (I love a challenge.)
• Design collaboration on a retail concept store. Designing a small bar.
• Developing and curating my Indigenous rug ranges which feature in Qantas Head Office, The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade; hotel and museum foyers, and public and commercial spaces.
• Developing my art prints which were licensed by Designer Boys.

What is your teaching philosophy when it comes to interior design?

My values are guiding students to feel confident in exploring a new way of thinking; honing skills; or offering them a sense of enjoyment in the process of developing their interior design skills. My goal is not to teach, but to help the students find the answers themselves i.e. equipping them with the tools.

What are some key skills and knowledge areas you focus on in your courses?

With my knowledge of art history, and being a painter, I feel I bring my eye for composition, aesthetics; and knowledge of colour into the space planning, colour ; and mood and sample board creation areas. Having previously worked in marketing, module 12 and the Advanced Module in Business and Branding is familiar to me whereby I can share my experience.

How would you describe your design style and where do you draw inspiration from?

While being familiar with trends, I don’t follow them in my design style. I like an eclectic and timeless look that is chic. I like each piece to carry a story so that the space is unique and collected. I like a touch of the unexpected, mixing styles. I am inspired by travel, and moody, brooding landscapes. My taste is: Brussels, Paris, Amsterdam, and New York chic.

Who are your biggest influences in the field of interior design?

Anyone who features in Architectural Digest - my bible. Laplace, Steven Harris Architects, Sara Story Design; Redd Kaihoi, Studio Volpe, to name a few.

What is your favourite part about being a tutor?

Being available to such a wide range of wonderful people; from diverse backgrounds, countries; and a range of ages and experiences. I am a people’s person so I get to communicate on a personal level; hopefully encouraging the students at every step of this creative journey.

What advice would you give to new students?

Be passionate, dive in… there are no rules but only challenges and learning…

Image source: Sophie Seeger from @seegerbydesign.