Karen O

I was working as an admin/quality manager in the city. I found it difficult working so far away and trying to fit in the hours of the commute with picking up my children from school. I had always dreamt of having my own business, working around school hours and doing something I love. I decided that I would study by correspondence while I worked and once I graduated, I would leave my job.

Unfortunately, I ended up having to give up work for entirely different reason. My dad fell very ill and I took care of him with along with my mum in our house for many years. During this time, I found The Interior Design Academy and the Professional Design Course became my pillar of strength. I loved the knowledge I was obtaining from the course. The more I studied and read, the more I decorated. I found I had such a passion for interior design. I was also so happy that I could complete the course via correspondence and the assignments could be completed in my own time. My house was what got me through these difficult times and I found myself in such a happy place when I decorated. I have just about done up every room in my house, thanks to The Interior Design Academy who provided me with the inspiration to do so.

We bought another piece of land and built a house for my dad and mum just a few metres down the road from us. I decorated & designed their house too while taking into consideration specific design aspects for a person with a disability (my dad) and the house has turned out beautiful.

When friends and visitors see my house, they praise me so much. My friends are amazed at the transformation. I have had many people ask me to help with their houses and a few of my course assignments turned into actual commissioned projects which were very successful.

Completing my studies with The Interior Design Academy has given me such confidence and a great sense of satisfaction. I have already made a name for myself and now that I am a qualified professional interior designer I can get my business going.  A big thank you to The Interior Design Academy for making my dream of being an interior designer possible.

EXAMPLES OF KAREN’S WORK