Discover how Cecilia Martin is turning a lifelong passion for interior design into a new career, developing a broad range of skills through the National Design Academy’s Ultimate Mastery Bundle.
Originally from Mexico and now living in the UK, Cecilia Martin has always had a passion for interior design. After building experience in other industries, she decided it was time to pursue the creative career she’d long envisioned and make up for lost time by fully immersing herself in design.
Wanting to gain as much knowledge and practical experience as possible, Cecilia enrolled on the National Design Academy’s Ultimate Mastery Bundle. Combining the Diploma in Professional Interior Design with specialist courses for Interior Designers, the bundle has allowed her to develop a broad and well-rounded skill set while building confidence in her creative abilities.
Now well on her journey as an interior designer, Cecilia is putting those skills into practice and creating inspiring spaces that reflect her passion for design.
Read on to discover Cecilia’s story, what inspired her career change, and take a look at the fantastic work she’s created so far.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your background before studying with the NDA?
Believe it or not, I actually have a degree in Biochemical Engineering! I’ve always been a bit of a nerd, so perhaps it wasn’t as unexpected as it sounds.
After graduating, I spent several years working in quality management, where I developed a real appreciation for processes, quality standards and attention to detail.
Later, I moved into residential property sales, which unexpectedly brought me much closer to the world of design. I loved exploring different homes, noticing how they were planned and styled, and seeing how thoughtful design could completely change the way a space felt.
Although interior design had always been the career I originally wanted to pursue, life took me in a different direction for a while. Looking back, I don’t see those years as a detour at all.
Every stage of my career taught me something that I now bring into design, and I finally felt ready to pursue the career I had always imagined.
What first sparked your interest in interior design?
I’ve always had a soft spot for beautiful things. Whether it’s architecture, interiors, art, nature, animals, or even the little details that people often overlook, I’ve always been drawn to spaces and objects that are thoughtfully designed.
One of my earliest memories is probably a bit unusual! When I was a child in Mexico, there was a British TV programme called Changing Rooms (“Mi Casa, Tu Casa” in Spanish).
While most children were probably watching cartoons, I couldn’t wait to watch people transform their homes. At the time, it felt like a completely different world—something fascinating, but also very far away from my own life.
Looking back now, I think that was the moment I realised how much good design could change the way people experience a space. That fascination never really left me.
What made you choose the Ultimate Interior Design Mastery Bundle?
I knew from the beginning that I didn’t want to study just one aspect of design. If I was going to make such a big career change, I wanted to build a solid foundation and understand every part of the profession that I could.
Interior and exterior spaces have always felt connected to me, so studying garden design alongside interiors made perfect sense.
I also wanted to develop the technical skills needed to communicate my ideas professionally, which is why the software course was equally important to me.
For me, it wasn’t about collecting qualifications. It was about gaining the knowledge, confidence and practical skills to feel genuinely prepared for a new career.
How did you find your experience on the Professional Interior Design Diploma? Were there any units, projects, or parts of the course that stood out to you?
My experience on the diploma was incredibly positive. One of the biggest things I gained from the course was understanding that good interior design is about so much more than choosing beautiful furniture and finishes.
I learned how to develop a concept, structure a project, and present ideas in a clear and professional way.
What stood out the most, however, was the feedback from my tutors.
They have an incredible amount of knowledge and industry experience, and their guidance throughout the course made a real difference to me.
Hearing that my work stood out and was being produced to a professional standard gave me a huge boost in confidence. It reassured me that I was on the right path and encouraged me to keep pursuing a career in design.
You've also completed the Exterior Design short course. What made you interested in exploring exterior spaces as well as interiors?
I’ve always believed that a home doesn’t end at its back door. Gardens, terraces and balconies are often treated as separate spaces, but I see them as a natural extension of the home and an important part of how people live.
Perhaps it’s also influenced by my Mexican background, where spending time outdoors with family and friends is a big part of everyday life.
I love the idea of creating beautiful outdoor spaces where people can gather, celebrate, enjoy a quiet drink, or simply relax at the end of the day.
For me, designing exteriors isn’t separate from interior design—it’s about creating a complete living experience.
How did the Exterior Design short course build on what you learned during the Diploma?
The Exterior Design course helped me see outdoor spaces as a true continuation of the home, rather than something separate.
One idea that really stayed with me was learning to look beyond the physical boundaries of a garden and consider the wider views and surroundings as part of the overall design.
I realised the same principle can work in reverse too—creating a natural flow from the interior out into the garden. That broader way of thinking completely changed how I see exterior spaces.
The course also gave me a much better understanding of the practical side of exterior design. I learned how different materials need to be selected for outdoor conditions, and I developed a greater appreciation for planting design, including how sunlight, orientation and growing conditions all influence the success of a garden.
It showed me that designing outdoor spaces is a balance between creativity and practicality, which made me appreciate the discipline even more.
You're also due to study the Interior Design Software course. What are you hoping to gain from developing your CAD, SketchUp, and rendering skills?
I believe this is one of the most important aspects of the design process. Great ideas are only valuable if you can communicate them clearly to someone else.
Floor plans provide the technical accuracy, while SketchUp and rendering help bring a concept to life in a way that clients can easily understand and visualise.
As designers, we can’t expect people to see exactly what we have in mind, so having the skills to present our ideas professionally is essential.
I’m really looking forward to developing those technical skills, as I know they’ll allow me to communicate my designs with much more confidence and precision.
How has studying multiple areas of design through the bundle helped you build confidence in your skills?
One of the biggest things the bundle has given me is structure. It helped me realise that becoming a designer isn’t just about creativity or having a good eye.
It’s about understanding the principles behind your decisions, communicating your ideas clearly, and developing the technical skills to bring them to life.
What I really appreciated was how the bundle combines theory, practical skills and professional presentation. Each course has contributed a different piece of the puzzle, and together they’ve given me a much stronger foundation than I would have gained by studying only one aspect of design.
Looking back, that’s exactly what I was hoping to gain when I started.
Would you recommend the Ultimate Interior Design Mastery Bundle to others?
Absolutely. I would especially recommend it to people who are looking for a career change, just as I was.
Having a structured programme gave me the confidence to turn a long-held passion into something I could genuinely pursue as a profession.
I would also recommend it to younger students who are exploring whether design is the right path for them.
The combination of the Professional Diploma and the specialist courses provides a much broader understanding of the industry than studying just one area on its own.
For me, the biggest advantage was feeling that I wasn’t just following my passion—I was building the knowledge and confidence to turn it into a profession.
Looking ahead, what are your plans after completing the full bundle? Are you hoping to start a business, move into the industry, continue studying, or use your skills in another way?
My main goal is to build a career within the design industry.
Although I’ve completed the Diploma, I know there’s still so much to learn, and I believe the best way to continue growing is through real-world experience.
I’ve learned throughout my previous career that some of the most valuable lessons come from working alongside experienced professionals, and I’m excited to continue learning in that environment.
Perhaps one day I’d love to start my own design studio, but for now I’m excited to keep learning, gain real-world experience, and continue growing as a designer.
Thank you to Cecilia for submitting her student spotlight! You can find her instagram where she posts all things interior and architecture by clicking the button below.
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