With over twenty years in both large-scale hospitality and corporate projects, Helen Morrow is a highly experienced interior designer with a lifelong passion for design and a unique international perspective. Originally from the United States, she has worked both in Philadelphia, New York City and Sydney.
With a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design from Drexel University, Helen’s professional focus has been in the commercial interior design industry, both in workplace and hospitality design, and she has worked with many large well-known clients, casino operators and restaurant owners in bespoke interior projects across the world. She is proficient in best practice industry design and construction methodologies across numerous CAD and graphic programs.
A natural mentor and teacher with a Certificate in Training and Assessment, she has also taught interior design in certificate, diploma and Bachelor of Design courses in various educational centres and is currently practising design within a large multi-discipline architectural firm. Helen’s professional commitments extends to promoting diversity and inclusion in the architectural community, actively attending industry events and participating in sustainability initiatives within her firm.
A firm believer in a healthy work and life balance, Helen is an avid surf ski paddler and spends most weekends paddling, as well as spending social time with close friends and family.
I'm an interior designer specialising in commercial interiors, I have worked both in the USA and Australia with over 20 years of professional experience. I loved creative arts and making things as a child and would often spend many hours in various craft making activities. Interior Design combines creative expression with the application of materials and forms and I was drawn to the technical challenge of creating built design.
Being in a studio environment is a big part of the interior design profession and the collaboration and mentoring of other designers in that space is a very rewarding experience for me. Teaching is a natural extension for me of the design studio dialogue and mutual exploration and discussion of design. I am often inspired and rejuvenated by my student's passion, talent and delight in their work.
Constant delight in the visual expression. Technical knowledge married to creativity.
We are all students in design and collaboration, and design dialogue is key to successful designers. Imparting my knowledge while being inspired and impressed by young designers is a mutually beneficial process.
Professional standards. Concept development. Technical essentials.
Good design is a language, not a style! I am inspired by many styles and constantly draw inspiration from movies, graphic design, history, fashion, nature, etc. Whatever catches and delights the eyes.
Seeing students develop skills throughout the course. Design submittals that make me say "wow!".
You never stop learning. Interior design is a lifelong journey. Design enhances the spaces that we all use and can change lives.
The modules are in consecutive order and this made it feel like a real-life design project. The last three modules in this course are also very important as they gave me the information on how to start my career.
Johannesburg
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