Designing With Boldness & Heart ✨
Meet Atlanta Eve, an eclectic, accessibility-driven designer whose love for interiors began with family DIY projects and hours spent building homes on The Sims . After discovering the flexibility of distance learning with the National Design Academy, Atlanta found the confidence to pursue interior design professionally – progressing from the NDA’s Professional Interior Design Diploma to the BA (Hons) Interior Design. Here, she shares her inspirations, favourite modules, and what’s next on her design journey.
What first sparked your passion for design?
I have always been a creative person and love to be involved in any DIY projects, helping to design and decorate spaces in my own family home influenced me to take the step into pursuing Interior Design as a career. After experiencing firsthand how thoughtful interior design and architecture impacts accessibility, this also sparked my interest and passion.
Growing up I would spend hours playing The Sims as it offered the freedom to build and decorate homes. My love for this has translated into Interior Design where I now use SketchUp to visualise and explore my ideas.
Who is your biggest design inspiration?
I love the interiors created by Studio Ashby, Jolie, and Soho Home, all of which inspire me. Each of these designers have a beautiful collection of projects within their portfolios.
I also find inspiration in various homeware stores, House of Hackney being a personal favourite for their maximalist prints and patterns. My inspiration comes from a variety of sources; nature, travelling or even just scrolling through Pinterest!
How would you describe your design style/taste in 3 words?
Eclectic, inclusive and maximalist!
Eclectic as I love to incorporate a mix of elements into my interior projects including pieces of differential styles and time periods. Maximalist because I adore colourful, patterned pieces of homeware and interior finishes. Inclusive, I am a firm believer that interior design should function for everyone and prioritise accessibility
What made you apply to the National Design Academy?
I have always struggled with the education environment and grew up feeling that studying was not something that could work for me. Discovering the distance learning courses offered by the National Design Academy helped me to see that this was not true.
Being able to study at my own pace, as and when I can with flexibility and support from my tutor has changed my viewpoint and allowed me to achieve more than I ever thought possible. After completing the Diploma in Professional Interior Design in late 2023 I realized that I am more than capable of achieving my goals and was keen to continue my studies with the NDA.
What is the most unexpected thing you have learned from the course?
The technical elements of Interior Design and how important they are to help translate creative thoughts and ideas into digestible information that will bring a project to life. I have learnt so much valuable information from the course and am now able to create and understand a variety of technical plans.
What has been your favourite course module and why?
I have enjoyed all the modules; however, I am drawn to hospitality and commercial projects as I aim to create spaces that enhance the inclusivity of our built environment.
Currently I am working on a Co-Working Space for Module 8 which is quickly becoming one of my favourite projects. Aside from this, I thoroughly enjoyed the Sustain Restaurant project in Module 5 as I was able to research the interior requirements for a hospitality environment as well as gain an understanding of sustainability.
I also love the element of creating brand designs for commercial projects which is a part of this module!
What’s your favourite project that you’ve worked on?
Within Module 7, I created a Show-Home Penthouse Apartment. I felt with this project that I was able to explore and demonstrate my own interior style within a residential setting. I am proud of the outcome achieved on this project!
What advice would you give to potential National Design Academy students?
To current students, I would advise them to not be afraid of seeking out support from their tutor, they have so much valuable information to offer. Immerse yourself in the group zoom tutorials offered as you will get to meet other students and enhance your overall learning experience.
To prospective students who are thinking about joining the academy, do it! It truly is a great learning experience and the courses offered will provide you with a deep understanding of design.
When you finish your course, what are you doing next?
Once I have finished my degree, I am aiming to begin offering interior design services to clients in my local area of Hertfordshire as well as online. Currently I have completed two work experience projects and am now undertaking the interior design of a home extension. I am excited to see where my skills and knowledge that I have acquired from the NDA courses take me in the future!
Atlanta is already building real client experience and developing a bold, inclusive design style that reflects her love of eclectic, accessible interiors. You can explore more of her work and follow her journey here:
Portfolio: https://www.atlantaeve.co.uk/
Instagram: @atlantaevedesign
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/atlantah
