- By Certificate in Residential Interior Design graduate, Courtney Devine

I completed the Certificate in Residential Interior Design at KLC School of Design in 2023. Today, I run my own interior design studio, Room Service Interiors, creating bold, creative, and thoughtfully curated spaces that reflect personality and function. My business is based in London and Edinburgh, and I work with clients across the UK and internationally.

Room Service Interiors was born from my desire to create spaces that feel as good as they look. My approach is personal and considered, always balancing aesthetics with functionality to ensure that homes work seamlessly for the people who live in them. I take inspiration from fashion, culture, and my background in property development to curate spaces that are layered and full of personality.

Currently, I’m finishing a renovation project in Islington and about to start work on a Victorian flat in the West End of Edinburgh as well as a five-bedroom new build home in Edinburgh. It’s an exciting time as my portfolio continues to expand with a diverse range of projects. In addition to my project work, I share insights into my journey, design process, and behind-the-scenes content on social media, steadily building an engaged online community.

What did you do before studying at KLC? Did you change careers?

Before embarking on my interior design career, I had an established career in fashion, but my connection to interiors and construction was always present. I studied at Leeds College of Art & Design, where I completed a UAL Foundation Diploma in Art & Design, specialising in textiles, fashion, and costume. From there, I went on to study Fashion Design and Marketing at Northumbria University.

After graduating, I built a career in luxury fashion sales and brand management, eventually becoming a global sales manager for multi-million-pound luxury brands, helping to expand their presence on an international scale. While I worked hard to achieve success in these roles and thrived in the fast-paced, dynamic industry, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing—the creativity that had always been at the core of who I am. I wanted to work in a space where I could design, create, and shape environments in a way that felt more personal and fulfilling. My family background in property development had already given me a deep appreciation for architecture and interiors. Growing up, I spent time on building sites, watching self-build projects take shape from the ground up. This experience, combined with my creative background, made interior design a natural next step.

After years of feeling unfulfilled in my career, I decided to take the leap and formalise my passion through KLC’s Certificate in Residential Interior Design. It was the perfect bridge between my experience in fashion, branding, and sales and my long-held interest in interiors. The course gave me the confidence, technical skills, and industry insight to make a successful career change.

What are your biggest achievements and journey since graduating?

Since graduating from KLC, my biggest achievement has been launching Room Service Interiors. My business has steadily grown, and I’ve had the opportunity to work on a variety of residential projects, collaborating with skilled suppliers and tradespeople. Seeing my ideas come to life in real homes has been incredibly rewarding.

Beyond client projects, I’ve been expanding my online presence, using social media to showcase my work, share my expertise, and connect with potential clients. This has helped establish Room Service Interiors as a recognisable brand.

How did your education help you set up your own Interior Design Studio?

KLC played an instrumental role in my transition into interior design. The course not only covered essential design principles—space planning, lighting, materials, technical drawing, and colour theory—but also focused on the practical and business side of the industry. Learning how to work with clients, manage budgets, and oversee workflows has been invaluable in setting up and running my studio.

The hands-on approach at KLC, combined with experienced tutors from the industry, meant I graduated with real-world skills that I could immediately apply to my business. The emphasis on creating a professional portfolio and presenting concepts to clients helped prepare me for the realities of working in the field.

What inspired your passion for Interior Design, and how did that influence your career path?

My passion for interiors is rooted in my belief that spaces should be both beautiful and functional. I love the challenge of problem-solving—figuring out how people really use their homes and designing spaces that enhance their everyday lives. My early exposure to construction and property development also gave me a strong foundation in understanding the process behind renovations and builds, which has been a great advantage in my career.

I’ve always been drawn to design in all its forms—fashion, interiors, and architecture. Over time, I realised that interiors allowed me to merge my love of aesthetics with my problem-solving nature, creating spaces that tell a story and bring joy to the people who live in them.

What are some unique aspects of KLC’s Interior Design course that you think stand out?

KLC’s Certificate in Residential Interior Design is unique in its industry-led, hands-on approach. The course is designed to give students a real-world experience, from pitching concepts to creating technical drawings. KLC ensures that graduates leave with not just theoretical knowledge but practical, applicable skills that are essential in the industry.

The opportunity to work on projects that mimic real client briefs helped me gain confidence, while access to a strong network of tutors, mentors, and industry professionals made the transition from student to business owner much smoother.

What advice would you give to aspiring Interior Designers who are looking to start their own business?

If you’re thinking about launching your own design studio or transitioning into the industry, here are my top tips:

• Get Hands-On Experience – Start by working on small projects, whether for friends and family or freelance. If possible, gain experience at a smaller studio—this way, you will get exposed to more areas of the business, not just design!
• Define Your Style and Brand – Find what sets you apart and build a strong visual identity that reflects your design ethos. Clients are drawn to designers with a clear aesthetic and perspective.
• Network and Build Industry Relationships – Attend industry events, connect with suppliers and contractors, and engage with other designers. The design world is highly collaborative, and relationships can open doors.
• Leverage Social Media and Online Presence – Platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok can be powerful marketing tools. Share your work, behind-the-scenes content, and insights to attract potential clients and collaborations.
• Stay Positive, Adaptable, and Helpful – The industry can be challenging, and no two projects are the same. Having a positive attitude, problem-solving mindset, and willingness to learn will take you far.

Studying at KLC was a transformative step in making my dream a reality. It gave me the skills, confidence, and network to start Room Service Interiors and carve out a career I love. If you’re considering a career in interior design, I encourage you to take the leap—because when you’re passionate about what you do, the journey is always worth it