About NDA

Following an early career in fashion design with her own successful label, Pauline's passion for interior design developed from extensive business interests in property development, using interior design as an effective way of making buildings more attractive. Having investigated other training opportunities at that time, she set up the Academy 23 years ago to ensure that training was available to all. She has steered the Academy expertly, ensuring that all courses have academic rigour and are recognised internationally whilst remaining relevant to the practical application of modern interior design. She is adamant that learning should be fun. Her design skills have been applied to a multi award-winning high quality apartment complex close to the Academy www.trentpark.co.uk.

Anthony has 25 years experience in design and decorative arts management. He holds a Master of Design Degree from the Royal College of Art, London, is now a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers, an Affiliate Member of the British Institute of Interior Design, a Member of the European Academy of Design and an Approved Lecturer for the National Association of Decorative and Fine Arts Societies. He has taught and been an external advisor at numerous art colleges and universities. He has run a design gallery and participated in many exhibitions throughout Europe. He has extensive experience in course development and has worked with government as Director of Creative Enterprise at Edinburgh College of Art and later as part of the Lambert Review producing recommendations for a government white paper.

Helen has come from an educational background, working for 26 years in Further Education. She has worked as an external verifier for a number of awarding bodies and been responsible for employer engagement at Leicester College, designing and promoting courses for specific industries and overseeing the quality assurance and organisational processes. At the National Design Academy she provides the educational links to our funding partners, both colleges and universities, and is involved in promotion, employer links and quality assurance.

Tracey joined the Academy as a Soft Furnishings Tutor having the experience of her own business for many years. As Tracey has completed the Diploma in Interior Design, Diploma in Curtain Making & Soft Furnishings and is now studying for the Foundation Degree in Interior Design, she understands the synergy between the student experience and Academy.  Tracey now heads the Operations Team and provides an interface between the VLS, the tutors, operations staff and students. Tracey has been with the Academy for over 9 years and has a thorough knowledge of the development and delivery of the courses.

With a BA Honours in Product Design with Time-based Media and a Post Graduate Diploma in Electronic Media (inc. 3D computer modelling, animation & visualisation), James has worked with Connections in Design (Birmingham) and was a senior designer/product manager for Vogue Interiors prior to joining the Academy. His supporting career as a nightclub interior designer, commercial artist and freelance fabric designer helped expand his knowledge and experience of the industry. He has been responsible for setting up the NDA Private Clients commercial practice which has a current portfolio of client projects including apartments, educational buildings, restaurant and hotel. James also delivers the Professional Practice module on the degree course.

Vicky graduated from Liverpool John Moores University with a First Class Honours Degree in Interior Design. She also has a background in many aspects of design, including graphics, product and textile design, she is committed to developing skills that coincide with the ever evolving nature of the creative industry. Having previously produced workshops on digital elements of design, including SketchUp and ArchiCAD, these skills are being utilised at the NDA to produce a progressive programme of study. At the National Design Academy, Vicky provides tutoring to Interior Design students, both at Degree and Diploma level.

Since graduating with a BA Honours in Interior Design at Leeds University, Kim has amassed impressive experience working as an Exhibition Designer at Tyne and Wear museums and on retail, leisure and product design for Marks & Spencer and Lloyds TSB. Kim is fluent in all current versions of AutoCAD, Photoshop, Illustrator, SketchUp, 3D Studio Max, Autoviz, Vector Works, Solid Works and InDesign and tutors interior design students at Degree and Diploma level.

Natasha practiced as an Interior Designer for over three years with Madelaine Peace. She has a Fine Arts Degree gained at Manchester Metropolitan University, a Foundation Diploma in Art & Design and a Diploma in Interior Design. She has experience in project managing of both commercial and residential schemes. After studying for her teaching qualifications, she has taught a variety of workshops on all aspects of Art & Design and joined NDA to combine her passion for teaching and Design! Natasha tutors Interior Design students at Degree and Diploma level.

Ann has been a Curtain Making and Soft Furnishing tutor with the National Design Academy for the past seven years, teaching and assessing students in studio and on our distance learning programme. Her expertise and passion for the subject ensures students experience a high standard of professional training to produce quality products for private clients and the interior design market. For many years, Ann has undertaken freelance commissions for her textile artwork and soft furnishings and sources antiques for clients making her suitably qualified to offer practical business advice to students.

Sarah has come from a retail training background with over 10 years experience in management. During this time she was responsible for training and developing teams with in-depth product knowledge while providing excellent customer service. Sarah completed both the Diploma in Professional Interior Design and the Diploma in Professional Curtain Making & Soft Furnishings. Following her outstanding performance, she became a tutor at the NDA.  She graduated the Foundation Degree in Interior Design in 2010 - with a Distinction - which gives her excellent insight for her role, heading the Student Support Department.

Sarah graduated with a BA (Hons) Interior Design from Huddersfield University. She has also studied graphics, illustration and 3D spatial design. Previous experience as an Exhibition Designer has enabled Sarah to combine her passion for design and teaching together. Fluent in all current versions of AutoCAD, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign and SketchUp, Sarah provides tutoring for Interior Design students at Diploma and Degree level and teaches several of the NDA's workshops.

Michelle is the newest member of our tutor team and graduated from Derby University with a BA Honours in Architectural Venue Design & Innovation, which incorporates interior and exterior design of venues. Michelle is currently working for a client renovating a grade II listed building within a conservation area, within a world heritage site, so quite a challenge! She enjoys seeing the latest designs in architecture, products and interiors from graduates to established designers.

Jenette worked for 11 years as a Graphic Designer before moving into teaching. She has a BA (Hons) Degree and a Master's Degree in Philosophy and a Master's Degree in Interior Design (with Commendation) from BIAD (University of Central England). She also has a Post Graduate Certificate of Education in Art and Design and has been teaching at numerous colleges and universities for the last 9 years. Jenette's research interests have focussed on solutions to the current housing problems in the UK through the redevelopment and refurbishment of dilapidated housing in urban areas. The use of space and how it can affect psychological well being as well as the long term sustainability of such developments in terms of economic and environmental costs are major concerns in her research. Current developments in her research interests look at the Philosophy of Aesthetics and the contrast in Western and Eastern philosophical thought on this subject.