“Studying interior design has shown me that it is never too late to pursue a passion.”
Laura Holmes, RTO Diploma student at The Australian Academy of Interior Design
Natural Born Designer
If Laura Holmes could speak at birth, she would probably have asked for some colour samples to redesign her crib. Some people truly are natural born designers but that doesn’t always mean that they took a direct route to a life of design. Even though an early memory of Laura’s is “at 7 years old, complimenting my parents' friends' home on its architectural timber mouldings - my parents still laugh about this!” It was not until she was approaching 40 that she got serious about interior design. But do not mistake this so-called delay for hesitation, as with most people, life had other plans for Laura, and she simply had not found the right time.
By the time Laura was 25 years old, she had two children and had relocated across the globe from the UK to Australia. There she worked on events and found her design eye drawn to the design of weddings and social functions.
“Around the same time, we built our family home, which allowed me to explore interior styling on a more personal level. Before transitioning further into the design industry, we welcomed our third child. At that stage, I looked into studying interior design, but traditional full-time and part-time study options were not financially feasible for our family, so I put that dream on hold and returned to work.”
Timing is key
Laura went on to work for the architectural & lighting manufacturer Unios, which was another step towards her true calling in interiors. But perhaps the seven-year itch cliché is true because although she enjoyed working within the realm of lighting, it was seven years later that she decided it was time. Through a conversation with a colleague, Laura discovered the flexibility of the Australian Academy of Interior Design and indeed, the option of online studying.
“After researching several courses, I felt the Academy offered the ideal combination of flexibility, industry relevance and support. It gave me the opportunity to continue working full-time while finally pursuing a dream I had held for many years.”
But nothing goes to waste in a creative mind. Everything that happens and everything we experience along the road of life will eventually contribute to some means of expression and creativity. As though all roads were leading to interior design, Laura too can see the benefits of what came before. Now deep into her coursework, Laura can reflect on her path to the Academy.
“My experience in events, styling our family home, and working in architectural lighting all reinforced how much I enjoyed creating and improving spaces. Over time, I realised that interior design had been the common thread throughout my career and personal life.”
And as it all comes together, the challenges and indeed the rewards begin to make themselves known. It can be difficult to balance work, parenting and studying and while the academy offers great flexibility, it also provides a high standard of learning. This means that there are no half measures with the courses.
“The most challenging aspect has been balancing study with a full-time career and family life. Like many mature-age students, finding time to complete assignments and stay motivated requires discipline and commitment.
“The most interesting part has been learning how all the elements of design work together—from space planning and colour theory to materials, lighting and technical documentation.”
Life lessons
There will always be some level of expectation when embarking on a new endeavour but the beauty of learning is that you can’t have expectations for something you don’t yet know. It is therefore an eye-opening and enlightening experience to witness your mind filling up with new knowledge and fresh skills. And there are always unforeseen lessons that are picked up along the way.
“When I began the course, my goal was to formalise the knowledge I had gained through years of working in the design and construction industry and to build the confidence to pursue interior design professionally. That objective remains the same, but the course has broadened my ambitions. I now see opportunities in both residential and commercial design, and I am increasingly confident about building my own business.”
Laura is a mother, a partner and a woman turning 40; and all of these things are challenging enough alone but adding a new career path and studies, it is not an easy feat. But Laura has found it both a rewarding and humbling experience so far.
“As someone turning 40, balancing work, family and study has strengthened my confidence and resilience. It has reminded me that with determination and the right support, you can achieve goals you once thought were out of reach.”
And it seems there is no stopping her. With her own brand already up and running, Laura’s Design Nook is in place for a bright future. She plans to utilise her previous experience with lighting and architectural product specifications to design both commercial and residential spaces. And as a natural born interior designer, it is written in the stars.
Are you ready to explore your own Creative Future?
Whether you’re looking to change careers, develop your creative skills, or turn a passion for design into something more, the Academy’s Interior Design courses are designed to help you build practical, industry-ready skills from home with personalised tutor feedback and flexible online learning.
Explore now and discover where your creativity could take you.
