Our annual graduation ceremony took place on Friday 12th July at Trentham Gardens, Staffordshire.
The day was a huge success, with everyone coming together in high spirits to celebrate the success and outstanding achievement of this years graduates.
Family, friends and NDA student were proudly posing for photographs in what is sure to be labelled as one of the most memorable and enjoyable days for each of those individuals taking part.
On the day the NDA managed to quickly catch the following students for a trip down memory lane and reminisce up on their experience studying with us, the challenges they faced and their aims for the future.
Nicci Hutchings
Congratulations to Nicci Hutchings for achieving the first First Class Honours BA in Design for Outdoor Living. The NDA caught up with Nicci at the Graduation Ceremony and here’s what she had to say;
“I first enrolled with the NDA on to your foundation degree in Interior Design. I found that after much research The National Design Academy offered a program that was most suitable to my lifestyle and other commitments. I looked in to Chelsea and KLC but found that they didn’t offer the flexibility that I had discovered at NDA – this was vital for me and ultimately led to me studying with you. Although I am aware of the partnership offered with Staffordshire University, this fell in to the background as after attending an open day and touring the NDA House I decided that you were who I wanted to study with. The partnership wasn’t necessarily the deal clincher.
I first enrolled on to the NDA Foundation Degree in Interior Design – this is my passion and I thoroughly enjoy it. I have always loved interior Design even since I was a child. Two and a half years ago I had my daughter, so my assignments were completed while she was sleeping and often I did a bit here and there whenever I could – that’s pretty much how I made my way through not only the Foundation but also the Degree course. After being made redundant two years ago I’m deciding where to begin with my new qualification. I’d like to start a business or work for an Interior Design company but I have to decide which to specialise in, my passion of Interior Design or Design for Outdoor Living.
Probably, my most memorable experience whilst studying with the National Design Academy was having to complete the last module of my Foundation Degree whilst in labour, a worthy feat for student of the month, I thought!
Sroor Karim and Christine Hudson
Staff at The National Design Academy first met Sroor and Christine in Dubai 2012 on a fact finding visit to the UAE. Both were working on their BA degrees and we were delighted to have an opportunity to meet them and discuss the course. Sroor completed her BA in Interior Design and Rola, our tutor to be based in Dubai said it was excellent to have several students who had made the journey from Dubai to join in these celebrations. It was excellent to meet the supportive husbands who have shared in the challenges and progress of the course. Sroor’s husband is very supportive of her studies and even has an interest in Interior Design himself. Her husband commented that wherever there is an empty space Sroor is the first to comment on any design touches that are needed and he is often told that they need to go shopping for those last minute design touches. Both Sroor and Christine travelled from Dubai with their husbands to attend the Graduation ceremony at Trentham Garden. Following our presence at the Index exhibition in Dubai, The NDA look forward to welcoming many more students from the UAE on our courses.
Ross Poulter
Ross attended this year’s graduation ceremony with his family after he achieved Distinction in the FdA Interior Design. Ross confirmed the main challenges for him were time constraints relating to work and other commitments. The fact that our courses are studied online was a great help as the flexibility allowed Ross to manage everything simultaneously. He found our FdA course and the work and study experience beneficial to his career and has progressed to the BA (Hons). When asked what was special about him as a designer, Ross confirmed he ensures all of his work is tailored to each individual client and considers various, differing styles in each project he undertakes.
Julie White
Julie White attended the graduation ceremony with her family but unfortunately didn’t manage to find us for our reception. This was a real shame as Julie had been awarded our Student of the Year Award, the first time it has been awarded. Not only did Julie achieve a First Class Honours degree, but she used her final independent study which produced design for a visitors centre for a distillery, to gain employment and do it for real. This has been a fantastic opportunity arising directly from her course work. Fortunately we caught up with Julie after the ceremony and were able to make the presentation.
