Discover how Singapore-based student Ichrak Ben Othmen Nasr is turning her passion for interior design into a rewarding learning journey with the National Design Academy’s BA (Hons) Interior Design.
Originally of Tunisian descent and now living in Singapore, Ichrak Ben Othmen Nasr has always had a passion for interior design. Looking for a course that could fit around her lifestyle while allowing her to pursue her creative ambitions, she found the flexibility of the National Design Academy to be the perfect fit.
Studying the BA (Hons) Interior Design, Ichrak is developing her creative skills, expanding her design knowledge and building the confidence to bring her ideas to life. The flexibility of online learning has enabled her to study from anywhere in the world while balancing her studies with her other commitments.
Now progressing through her degree, Ichrak is continuing to grow as a designer and working towards a future in the interior design industry.
Read on to discover more about Ichrak’s background, why she chose to study with the National Design Academy, and how she’s developing her skills on her journey towards a career in interior design.
Tell us a little bit about yourself, your background, and where you're from?
My name is Ichrak Ben Othmen Nasr, and I am 24 years old. I am originally from Tunisia and currently based in Singapore.
I have always been interested in creativity, interiors, culture, and the way spaces can affect people’s feelings, comfort, and daily life.
Over time, this interest developed into a strong passion for interior design, especially spaces that are meaningful, functional, and welcoming.
Being based in Singapore and of Tunisian descent. How has your background influenced your perspective on design and creativity?
Being Tunisian and living in Singapore has given me a broad perspective on design. I have experienced two very different environments, cultures, climates, and ways of living.
This has helped me understand that interior design is not only about creating beautiful spaces, but also about responding to people’s habits, comfort, identity, and daily needs.
Where did your love for interior design first begin?
My love for interior design started when I was a child. I always enjoyed looking at images of furniture, colors, and interior spaces in magazines and books, and I liked watching interior design TV shows and series. I was interested in how small details, such as lighting, texture, color, and furniture layout, could change the feeling of a space.
Over time, I realized that interior design is not only about making a place look beautiful. It is also about understanding people, solving problems, and creating spaces that support comfort, safety, lifestyle, and emotions.
This made my passion stronger because I saw how powerful a well-designed space can be. It can make people feel calm, confident, welcomed, and connected. This is why I want to continue developing as an interior designer.
What made you choose to study the BA (Hons) Interior Design with the National Design Academy?
I chose to study BA (Hons) Interior Design with the National Design Academy because it gave me the flexibility I needed as an international student living in Singapore. The online structure allowed me to study from abroad while still receiving clear module content, resources, professional guidance, and tutor feedback.
I also liked that the course combines creativity with professional skills, such as research, technical drawing, presentation, specifications, and industry-focused projects. I wanted a degree that would help me grow not only as a creative designer, but also as a professional.
Each module helped me build my confidence step by step, from research and concept development to detailing, client communication, and final presentation. This helped me understand the full design process in a clearer and more professional way.
How would you describe your overall experience studying the degree?
My overall experience studying with NDA has been very positive and meaningful. Although it was challenging at times, especially with time management, resources, and independent study, these challenges helped me grow and become more confident.
The course helped me think more critically, research more deeply, and present my ideas professionally. I also learned how to develop concepts, justify design decisions, create technical drawings, prepare specifications, and communicate a complete interior design proposal.
My tutor, Amy, was amazing, and her feedback was extremely valuable. It helped me improve the quality of my work and understand how to develop my projects further.
Completing the degree has been a major achievement for me, and I feel proud of the progress I have made.
Were there any modules, projects, or design challenges that particularly stood out to you? (Please provide imagery alongside this document!)
The final project stood out the most for me. I developed the PUPA Multigenerational Center, a community center proposal in Monastir, Tunisia, transforming an unfinished building into an inclusive space for children, adults, parents, and older adults.
This project was important because it connected my background, dissertation research, and interest in multi-sensory, age-inclusive design. I felt more freedom to develop my ideas through drawings, models, and design development. My aim was to reduce age segregation, encourage interaction between generations, and still provide privacy and calm areas.
The concept was inspired by the butterfly life cycle, symbolizing transformation, growth, and connection. This project challenged me to think about concept, users, accessibility, sensory comfort, construction, cost, and professional presentation.
What have you been doing alongside your studies, and how did you balance this with the degree?
Alongside my studies, I was working on freelance design projects and developing my practical skills as a future interior designer. These projects helped me apply what I learned in the course, especially in research, concept development, presentations, and understanding client needs.
Balancing freelance work with the degree was challenging, but it taught me how to manage my time and stay organized. I worked step by step, from research and sketches to drawings, specifications, and final presentation.
My husband also supported me throughout my studies, which helped me stay motivated during stressful moments. His support helped me complete the degree and become more confident in my design abilities.
How did you find studying online as an international student?
Studying online as an international student was flexible but challenging. It allowed me to study from Singapore while following a UK-based course, but it also required discipline, organization, and independent learning.
The WhatsApp, Telegram, and Facebook student groups were very helpful because I could connect with other international students and classmates working on the same modules. We supported each other, shared advice, and stayed motivated.
Now that you’ve completed the BA (Hons) Interior Design, what are your plans for the future?
Now that I have completed the BA (Hons) Interior Design, I would like to continue developing my professional path by building my portfolio and exploring design opportunities. I am especially interested in concept development, residential and community design, multi-sensory interiors, and culturally responsive spaces.
In the future, I may also continue to Master’s level, as my final project and dissertation increased my interest in inclusive and age-responsive design. Long term, I would like to develop my own design identity and possibly create my own studio, focusing on interiors that are beautiful, functional, emotional, and meaningful.
Would you recommend the BA (Hons) Interior Design to others, and why?
Yes, I would recommend the BA (Hons) Interior Design with the National Design Academy. The course is well structured and helps students understand the full interior design process in a clear and professional way.
I would especially recommend it to students who need flexibility, as the online format makes it possible to study from anywhere while still receiving tutor support. It requires discipline and commitment, but the experience is rewarding and helps build strong design skills.
Thank you to Ishrak for submitting her student spotlight! You can find her Design Instagram via the button below!
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