<p dir="ltr">The annual BIID Student Drawing Competition celebrates student talent from across the UK. The awards are chosen by a judging panel of BIID Registered Interior Designers, which in 2024 comprised May Fawzy, BIID President and owner of MF Design Studio; Lester Bennett, BIID Past President and design consultant; Verity Coleman, Chair of the BIID Diversity &amp; Inclusion Committee and owner of Rascals &amp; Roses; Chris Dezile, Member of the BIID Membership Committee and owner of Honky Design; and Dee Gibson, Member of the BIID Sustainability Committee and owner of Velvet Orange. The judges assessed entries on creativity and originality, technical ability, and the ability to communicate a design idea or concept.</p> <p dir="ltr">Alexa said: “I was shocked and thrilled to receive a Highly Commended award in the BIID Drawing Competition 2024. The wonderful feedback from the judges has significantly boosted my confidence in my practice and has encouraged me to enter my drawings and visuals in future competitions. I worked very hard on the project, so receiving this recognition felt incredibly rewarding and motivating.”<br /></p>

<p dir="ltr">Alexa won Highly Commended in the Digital category of the awards for her design ‘Florist Fusion’, part of a series of concepts designed to portray a florist’s retail space inspired by Scandinavian simplicity and Mediterranean textures and hues. ‘Florist Fusion’ was rendered using SketchUp and Lumion.<br /></p>

<p dir="ltr">Speaking of her creative journey, Alexa said: “I am dedicated to designing spaces that leave a lasting, positive impact on my clients. I firmly believe in the transformative power of thoughtful and well-considered design to enhance the well-being and overall experiences of individuals and groups. Looking ahead, my vision is to delve into a mixture of residential and commercial design opportunities. My goal is to leave a lasting impression by designing environments that evoke emotion, foster productivity, and ultimately improve the overall quality of life for those who inhabit them.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I've known I wanted to be in interior design for as long as I can remember. My passion for interior design was largely inspired by my grandad. Growing up, I watched him work as an architect in his own company. We used to design our own floor plans out of cardboard boxes and create little furniture pieces, memories that have stayed with me. I chose Arts University Plymouth to study interior design further because styling is a key component of the course here, which was unique compared to other universities I considered. This skill is crucial in the industry, and having it taught in-depth has been fundamental to my development. Arts University Plymouth’s practical approach was also highly appealing, offering workshops in every aspect of design that are open to all students. This hands-on experience has been invaluable, allowing me to explore and experiment extensively, enhancing my creative practice.”<br /></p>

<p>BA (Hons) Interior Design &amp; Styling students at Arts University Plymouth develop skills in interior design and styling, emphasising the impact of colour, texture, materials, surface, and ambience in a range of environments. Our expert academics ensure that students enter industry as well-rounded interior specialists, ready to work on projects ranging from super yachts and private residences to magazine photoshoots.</p> <p dir="ltr">Email <a href="mailto:interior@aup.ac.uk">interior@aup.ac.uk</a> to speak to our academics and find out more about what it would be like to study at the University of the Year for South West England, as voted for by students at the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024. <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/clearing">Clearing</a> opens in July if you haven’t made an application yet and want to join us in September 2024.<br /></p>