About NDA

Pauline Riley

Academy Director

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 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.

Anthony Rayworth

Director of Studies

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 Keighley

Director of Quality and Business

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 Jackson

Development Manager

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 graduated with a Foundation Degree in Interior Design in 2012, she understands the synergy between the student experience and Academy.  Tracey contributes to the strategic development of the Foundation and provides an interface between the VLS, the tutors, operations staff and students. Tracey has been with the Academy for over 10 years and has a thorough knowledge of the development and delivery of the courses.

Vicky Arbuthnot

Senior Tutor

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.

Kimberley Moore

Tutor

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.

Ann Hoare

Tutor

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 Watts

Tutor

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 Lockett

Tutor

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 Cree

Tutor

Michelle 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.

Rola Alzobai

Tutor

Rola joined the NDA to support diploma and degree students in the Middle East, at our hub based in Dubai. After starting a Degree in Architecture in Brussels, Rola completed a BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design at the American Intercontinental University in London and has worked in architecture and design offices in Europe and the Middle East. She is now studying the NDAMA in Interior Design. Rola is fluent in French, Dutch, Arabic and English and is skilled in the use of AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe and Rhino.

Caroline Griffin

Tutor

Caroline Graduated with a BA honours in Interior Architecture and Design from Nottingham Trent University which combines interior design and Architecture in the repurpose of existing buildings. Caroline has worked for several companies including architect's practices as an interior designer. Whilst studying at Nottingham Trent University for her Certificate In Education and working at a local college as a design teacher Caroline set up her own craft textile business which she runs in evenings and weekends. She has an interest in photography, craft, sustainable design and using contemporary architecture to enhance old buildings. She is fluent in AutoCAD, Sketchup, Photoshop, illustrator and Indesign.

Odette Maine

Tutor

Odette began as a Visual Merchandiser and Interior Stylist working with one of the UK'S leading retailers. She has a BA in Graphic Design and a Master of Interior Design Degree from Suffolk University, Boston, USA. Odette worked for several years as a Designer and Project Coordinator for design firms in the UK and USA. Her design experience covers Retail Design, Residential, Hospitality and Workplace interiors. Odette's interest includes Universal Design and the design issue of aging in place.

She has previously taught workshops covering Sketchup, Artlantis and AutoCad. Odette tutors students on the Masters, BA and Diploma courses.

Nancy Bakopoulou

Tutor

Nancy worked for 10 years as an Interior Architect and Creative Director before moving into teaching. She has a BA (Hons) Degree in Industrial Design and a Masters Degree in Interior Architecture. Nancy's research interests are directed towards the interaction between users and space, determining how we perceive space by means of using our senses. She is also interested on phenomenology research methods.

Nancy has also previously taught at Napier University, Graphics and 3d Studio Max to 1^st and 3^rd year Interior Architecture students.

Nancy is the Director of 4 Design Studio and has designed and produced a variety of projects from industrial buildings, hotels, public and educational buildings, offices, showrooms, shopping centres, residences, house complexes and graphics works. Nancy tutors Degree and Master students.