BA (Hons) Spatial Design
Graduated 2014
Since graduating with first-class honors from Bucks New University in 2014, I have accumulated over seven years of hands-on experience at two leading design companies in Sri Lanka. This foundation led me to establish Inside-Out Designs in 2021, a niche luxury interior design studio based in Colombo, where I serve as Founder and Creative Director.
Throughout my entrepreneurial journey, I have successfully completed over 25 bespoke projects, delivering comprehensive turnkey fit-out solutions. These include initial design concepts and mood boards through to detailed plans, 3D visualizations, elevations, and on-site execution for high-end apartments and penthouses. My specialty lies in creating highly personalized design narratives that seamlessly blend timeless elegance with modern luxury, incorporating custom furniture, artisanal finishes, and spatial flow tailored to each client'sunique lifestyle.
What are your memories of being a student at BNU?
My fondest memories include late nights in the beautiful Bucks library, immersed in research for my dissertation, brisk walks to campus through the crisp High Wycombe weather, and the exhilarating degree show where months of hard work culminated in a showcase of our collective achievements. Those moments built both resilience and a deep passion for design that continues to drive me today.
What advice could you give to recent graduates who want to get ahead?
Build a standout portfolio early by freelancing on small projects to gain real-world experience. Specialize in a niche, such as luxury residential design, to differentiate yourself in a competitive market. Most importantly, stay curious and continuously enhance your skills with industry- standard CAD and 3D visualization tools. The learning never stops in this field.
How did your degree at BNU impact on your career?
My Design degree equipped me with essential core competencies in realistic renderings, scaled model-making, and presenting design visions. These are all crucial skills for client pitches today. The program gave me the confidence to transition from employed interior designer roles to founding Inside-Out Designs, where I now transform concepts into reality on my own terms.
Why did you join the course?
What better location to study Interior and Spatial Design than High Wycombe, the historic heart of the UK's furniture manufacturing industry? After thorough research, the university's standout facilities, vibrant campus atmosphere, and on-campus resources, including the furniture workshop and 3D printing facilities, convinced me it was the perfect fit for my educational goals.
What aspects of your studies did you enjoy the most and why?
Design studio courses were my absolute favorite. I thrived on creating concepts, crafting realistic renderings, and building scaled models to pitch project visions. These courses were particularly thrilling because they authentically mirrored professional workflows, igniting creativity while simultaneously teaching precision and the art of storytelling through design.
Which parts of your student experience were the best preparation for your Career?
The studio critiques, model-building sessions, and degree show presentations were invaluable. They honed my ability to defend and articulate design ideas under pressure, which directly translates to the confidence I need in client meetings today. Learning to present and justify creative decisions in an academic setting provided the perfect foundation for professional client interactions.
What are your major careers milestones since completing your studies?
The studio critiques, model-building sessions, and degree show presentations were invaluable. They honed my ability to defend and articulate design ideas under pressure, which directly translates to the confidence I need in client meetings today. Learning to present and justify creative decisions in an academic setting provided the perfect foundation for professional client interactions.
What are your future ambitions?
The studio critiques, model-building sessions, and degree show presentations were invaluable. They honed my ability to defend and articulate design ideas under pressure, which directly translates to the confidence I need in client meetings today. Learning to present and justify creative decisions in an academic setting provided the perfect foundation for professional client interactions.
What advice would you give to a student considering the course or looking to get into a career in your sector?
For anyone considering the Interior and Spatial Design course at BNU, fully embrace the design studio classes. They will become the foundation of your professional portfolio. Invest time in mastering industry-standard digital tools for drafting and 3D visualization, and develop your client communication skills early. Most importantly, pursue this path with genuine passion. When you're truly passionate about design, that enthusiasm becomes infectious and carries you through challenges, ultimately taking you far in your career.