Class of 2020
Interior Design
Country: United Kingdom
Job: Senior Designer – Hunters Contracts
IF YOU STUDIED YOUR UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME AT YORK ST JOHN UNIVERSITY OR FOUNDER COLLEGES, DID YOU GO ON TO POSTGRADAUTE STUDY?
No.
WHY HAVE YOU CHOSEN THIS PHOTO AS YOUR YSJ SNAPSHOT?
I have chosen this photo, as it was my first professional headshot! It reminded me of how far I’ve come after graduating, even though it was the path I didn’t think I was going to take in the interiors world but one I fell into and now absolutely love.
WHY WOULD YOU RECOMMEND YSJ TO SOMEONE?
I would recommend YSJ due to its smaller, community feel especially on my course. Having only 15 students in the class made all sessions feel intimate and encouraged hands-on learning, allowing space for questions and discussion, which isn’t always something you get in larger classes when speaking to peers the same age who went to different universities. Everyone at the university was always so friendly, and I made some friends for life that I’m still in touch with today. I miss the historic and quaint feel of York! Now working in London, I miss the quieter streets, especially my walks through the city centre and getting to wander through the Shambles most days, even though it got busier with tourists at certain times.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE YORK ST JOHN UNIVERSITY OR FOUNDER COLLEGES?
I chose YSJ one due to it’s location in the beautiful city of York and the community feel I got when coming to my interview! It felt like a place I could fit into and really thrive whilst completing my course but also having many cultural things on my doorstep for inspiration and being able to have fun, it was good to have that balance.
WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN DOING SINCE COMPLETING YOUR STUDIES?
Whilst completing my studies, it was unfortunately during the first wave of lockdown, so finishing my degree in the midst of a pandemic was not for the faint-hearted. I graduated in 2020, with my ceremony postponed until 2021 which wasn’t the end to my degree that I imagined.
Finding a job in the industry was challenging; however, in 2022 an opportunity came up to do some freelance work with an interior design studio in London, which was sent to me by a former lecturer, someone I will always thank for helping me get my foot in the door. I freelanced for just over three months before being offered a permanent position as a Junior Designer, a role I really enjoyed.
In 2023, I moved on after realising I had more of a passion for the furniture side of the industry. I’ve now been working at Hunters for three years as an FF&E Designer, where I’ve had so many opportunities to work on exciting projects alongside my peers. I was recently promoted to Senior Designer, and I can’t wait to see what’s ahead!
I had the pleasure of hosting some current YSJ Interior Design students at our offices in February 2026. It was wonderful to share my experience and knowledge with them, and I hope it inspired the students by giving them a glimpse of what opportunities exist in the industry.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR SPECIFIC COURSE?
I chose Interior Design because I’ve always had a passion for expressing my creativity and wanted to create spaces that feel experiential for people. This interest began in secondary school, where I had the opportunity to build 3D models in my graphics class for our Sixth Form projects. It then developed into a love for interiors after watching a cheesy Christmas film about creating a themed window display very cliché, I know…
WHAT WERE THE BEST FEATURES OF YOUR COURSE?
– Having a small class
– Learning AutoCAD – this is one skill that I now use everyday in my role
– Having Lecturers who are as passionate as you are
– An abundance of resources from a 3D printer and Laser Cutter to Fabrics and Finishes that would help inspire and create a project
– Abundance of extra curricular activities from Life Drawing to going on a trip to Berlin to appreciate the Architecture and history.
HOW DID STUDYING AT YSJ HELP IN YOUR CAREER SEARCH/SUCCESS/CURRENT ROLE?
My lecturer gave me the golden opportunity to a freelance job, which ultimately led to my first role in the industry, and I will be forever grateful for that. The course itself also equipped me with all the skills I needed to confidently step into a real-life role.
WHAT ONE PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A CURRENT STUDENT, OR ONE ABOUT TO GRADUATE?
Participate in anything you can! Building relationships and exposing yourself to as much inspiration and as many skills as possible will help you move forward and stand out when trying to get into the industry