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Arts University Plymouth appoints Sue Henson as Lecturer on BA (Hons) Interior Design & Styling
Thursday, 23 April, 2026 — Award-winning designer Sue Henson joins Arts University Plymouth, bringing 22 years of international interiors experience to BA (Hons) Interior Design & Styling.
Award-winning interior designer and educator Sue Henson has joined Arts University Plymouth’s BA (Hons) Interior Design & Styling course, bringing more than 22 years of international experience in hospitality and workplace design.
<p><strong>Arts University Plymouth has appointed <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/people/sue-henson">Sue Henson</a> as Lecturer on BA (Hons) Interior Design & Styling. </strong>Sue joins the university after a career spanning commercial interior projects across the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Her professional background includes senior roles delivering interiors for global brands such as <strong>Marriott</strong>, <strong>Accor</strong>, <strong>IHG</strong>, <strong>Kempinski</strong>, <strong>Jumeirah</strong> and <strong>AXA</strong>.</p>
<p>As co-founder and Design Director of <strong>Summit Interior Design</strong> in Bahrain, she led a multidisciplinary team delivering hospitality and workplace projects. One of her key projects, <strong>The Merchant House Hotel in Bahrain</strong>, received the <strong>AHEAD MEA 2019 Award for Best Lobby and Public Spaces</strong>.</p>
Sue Henson
<p>Earlier in her career, Sue worked with the international design practice <strong>Design Worldwide Partnership (DWP)</strong>, contributing to large-scale hospitality projects including <strong>InterContinental</strong>, <strong>Kempinski</strong> and <strong>Jumeirah Emirates Towers</strong> in Dubai. Her experience across concept development through to delivery now informs her teaching, particularly in helping students understand professional communication, design development and the stages of a project from start to finish.</p>
<p>“Sue brings significant professional experience in hospitality and workplace interiors, alongside a strong understanding of how industry practice can inform teaching. Her appointment strengthens the connection between BA (Hons) Interior Design & Styling and contemporary professional practice, and will give students valuable insight shaped by international commercial work,” <strong>said <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/people/cathryn-bishop">Cathryn Bishop</a>, Joint Course Leader, BA (Hons) Interior Design & Styling at Arts University Plymouth.</strong></p>
Cathryn Bishop, Joint Course Leader, BA (Hons) Interior Design & Styling
<p><strong>Sue Henson said:</strong> “Arts University Plymouth is a specialist university with a clear focus on creativity, which really appealed to me. I was particularly drawn to the variety of creative briefs and live client opportunities on the course, including projects such as magazine styling and yacht design. The course offers a strong balance between conceptual thinking and industry application. Having spent over 20 years in commercial practice, I value education that prepares students not only to think creatively, but also to understand how design operates in industry.”</p>
<p>She added: “In today’s industry, adaptability is essential. I want students to leave with the skills, confidence and awareness needed to move into practice and contribute meaningfully to the industry.”</p>
<p><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/ba-hons-interior-design"><strong>BA (Hons) Interior Design & Styling</strong> </a>at Arts University Plymouth combines live briefs, industry links and hands-on technical teaching, preparing students for careers across interior and spatial design, exhibition design, set design, visualisation and related creative roles.</p>
<p>Sue Henson is an award-winning interior designer and educator who has joined Arts University Plymouth as Lecturer on BA (Hons) Interior Design & Styling. She brings more than 22 years of international commercial experience in hospitality and workplace design.</p>
<p>Sue Henson has worked on commercial interior projects across the Middle East, Africa and Asia, including senior roles delivering interiors for brands such as Marriott, Accor, IHG, Kempinski, Jumeirah and AXA. She was also co-founder and Design Director of Summit Interior Design in Bahrain.</p>
<p>Her appointment strengthens the connection between BA (Hons) Interior Design & Styling and contemporary professional practice. Her teaching is informed by experience across concept development, design development and project delivery.</p>
<p>BA (Hons) Interior Design & Styling develops skills in interior design and styling, with a focus on colour, texture, materials, surface and ambience across a range of environments. Students explore residential and commercial spaces, the public realm and transport, with emphasis on trends, materiality, sustainability and accessibility.</p>
<p>Students study interior project management, materials and regulations in design, event planning and live design briefs. They also develop skills in technical drawing, visualisation, editorial photography and industry-standard CAD software.</p>
<p>The course is taught by industry-active academics and specialist technicians whose combined client list includes the National Trust, the BBC, Royal Caribbean Cruises and Sheraton. Students also work on live client opportunities including projects such as magazine styling and yacht design.</p>
<p>Graduates can go on to roles including Interior and Spatial Designers, Interior Stylists, Art Directors, Set Designers, Exhibition Designers, Product Stylists, Trend Forecasters, Retail Buyers, Merchandisers, Magazine Stylists, 3D Designers and Visualisers.</p>
<p>Yes. BA (Hons) Interior Design & Styling is also available as a four-year Extended BA route. The Extended BA UCAS code is B68G.</p>
