Partnerships - National Design Academy

De Montfort University Leicester (DMU)

De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) is a dynamic institution with a long and vibrant history of improving people’s lives through education. Originating in 1870 from the Leicester School of Art, De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) was granted university status in 1992 and took its name from Simon de Montfort, Earl of Leicester.

AIM Qualifications

AIM Qualifications are an British awarding body recognised by the Regulatory Authorities of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. AIM Awards accredits all National Design Academy Diploma courses, in Professional Interior Design, Professional Soft Furnishings & Curtain Making and Professional Garden Design.

Leicester College

Leicester College and NDA have been working together for over 18 years in a highly successful partnership which has enabled UK students to access funding for Diploma courses. Together, we have seen thousands of learners achieve valuable skills in design, enabling them to progress onto degree study or further both their personal creativity and their professional careers.

Society of Garden Designers

NDA proudly holds Educator status with The Society of Garden Designers, a professional association for Garden Designers in the UK, championing excellence through workshops, seminars, conferences and Awards Scheme. NDA students are able to join the Society at a reduced rate, gaining access to their monthly Garden Design Journal, information support and networking events.

Association of Professional Interior Designers

Based in Dubai APID is the only professional interior design membership organisation in the Gulf region. NDA have been members for 10 years and NDA with APID membership also have dual membership with BIID. The Dubai Senior Tutor has been appointed as an Ambassador for APID.

European Social Fund

ESF in England is investing in jobs and skills – focusing on people who need support the most and helping them fulfil their potential.

Hanolex

Hanolex Ltd. is a supplier of eyelets, grommets and other metal pressings, manufactured by their UK factory. They also manufacture and supply eyeletting machines and associated tools and have supported the NDA by providing fitting tools in our soft furnishings studios for our students to practice with.

Brabantia

Brabantia puts all its expertise into developing solid, reliable homeware products that retain their beauty and performance over many, many years. Designed for the present, but made to last. Brabantia’s product range covers five categories: waste storage, food storage, food preparation, laundry care and bathroom articles. NDA has worked in partnership with Brabantia running and judging design competitions for students throughout the UK.

International Decorative Surfaces

International Decorative Surfaces is the UK’s largest distributor of surfacing materials specialising in flooring, worktops, laminates, panel products and solid surfacing. The company is part of the Saint Gobain Group, recognised as Europe’s leading organisation in building materials. NDA has worked with the group to organise and judge design competitions open to students throughout the UK.

Enormous Art LTD

An ideal resource for Heritage Interior Designers; Enormous Art is the UK’s leading supplier of fine art prints of famous artists’ works. Image quality is excellent and they aim to make prints as close to the original paintings as possible.

Akzo Nobel - Dulux

As the world’s largest paint company, AkzoNobel Dulux has been adding colour to life for generations. They understand just how important colour is in people’s lives. Marianne Shillingford is the Creative Director for Akzo Nobel Dulux. Over 30 years ago Marianne was our very first tutor, and NDA has worked closely with her and with Dulux ever since. NDA is privileged to launch the Dulux colour of the year simultaneously with the official launch each year.

The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings

The SPAB believes old buildings have a future. From cottages to castles and from churches to cathedrals we are here to help buildings and the people who care for them. Through our unique training schemes, courses, advice and research we help people put our expertise into practice. NDA has an Educational Membership.

Partners & Associations