<p>Students on the BA (Hons) Interior Design &amp; Styling course don’t just learn in the classroom—they tackle real-world challenges through live briefs with renowned organizations. These recent projects develop technical skills, confidence, and professional connections, ensuring graduates are equipped for success.</p><ul><li><strong>Theatre Royal Plymouth</strong> – First-year students recently presented designs for the venue’s café, bars, and seating areas to a panel of professional staff, including the <strong>Chief Operating Officer</strong>, <strong>Head of Project Development</strong>, and <strong>Head of Visitor Experience</strong>. With 42 students pitching their mood boards, renders, and concepts, this project marked an exciting first live brief.</li><li><strong>British Institute of Interior Design (BIID) Student Design Challenge 2024</strong> – A team of final-year students won first prize at this prestigious national competition, excelling against other UK universities. Their design for a multi-functional <strong>Social Media Creators House</strong> focused on sustainability, flexibility, and innovation, earning high praise from industry judges.<a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/posts/arts-university-plymouth-wins-british-institute-of-interior-design-challenge-2024" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Read more about their achievement here</a>.</li><li><strong>GP &amp; J Baker</strong> – Second-year students styled editorial adverts for this luxury brand’s <strong>Eldon Collection</strong>, drawing inspiration from V&amp;A archival prints.</li><li><strong>Trevi House</strong> – Students collaborate annually with this Plymouth-based charity, redesigning safe spaces at <strong>Sunflower House</strong> to support women in need.</li><li><strong>YesColours</strong> – Second-year students worked on designs for a flagship retail store in collaboration with this sustainability-focused lifestyle brand.</li><li><strong>Shelter</strong> – Tackling challenges around the housing crisis with this UK-based national charity, students are working on designs for <strong>Saltwater Place</strong>, a project providing temporary homes for Plymouth families. Students worked with a focus group of people who had experienced homelessness, with outcomes from the project displayed in multiple exhibitions to showcase designs and solutions.</li></ul> <p dir="ltr">These real-world opportunities empower students to graduate with a portfolio of industry experience, from community-focused design to high-profile collaborations.<br /></p>

<p dir="ltr">With a combined total of over 60 years of experience working professionally in interior design and styling, our <strong>industry-active teaching team</strong> brings real-world expertise into the classroom. With experience designing for major brands such as Royal Caribbean Cruises and Sheraton Hotels, as well as private residences in Barbados and New York, our staff help students connect their learning to professional practice.</p><ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><strong>Cathryn Bishop</strong> – Joint Course Leader and award-winning designer with over 20 years of experience in interior design.<a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/people/cathryn-bishop" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Learn more about Cathryn</a>.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><strong>Ally Turner</strong> – Joint Course Leader with a passion for creative collaboration and design innovation.<a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/people/ally-turner" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Learn more about Ally</a>.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><strong>Louise Noakes</strong> – Specialist Lecturer and sustainability expert in interior design and communication. <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/people/louise-noakes" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Learn more about Louise.</a></p></li></ul>

<p dir="ltr">Hear from students who’ve chosen Arts University Plymouth to start their creative journeys:<br /></p>

<ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><strong>Ranked 3rd in the UK</strong> for Undergraduate Interior Design (<em>Guardian University Guide 2025</em>).</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">A vibrant focus on materiality, colour, and styling, alongside technical skills like CAD and concept visualisation.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Career opportunities to become Interior &amp; Spatial Designers, Interior Stylists, Art Directors, Set Designers, Exhibition Designers, Product Stylists, Trend Forecasters, Retail Buyers, Merchandisers, Magazine Stylists, 3D Designers, Visualisers, Freelance Artists and Designers, and more.</p></li></ul> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/undefined/ba-hons-interior-design" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Meet the team and explore the course</a>.<br /></p>

<p dir="ltr">Take the first step towards an exciting career in interior design and styling. Apply now to join Arts University Plymouth’s award-winning BA (Hons) Interior Design &amp; Styling course.<br /></p>