Discover how Debora Shah is turning a lifelong passion for interiors into professional skills with NDA’s BA (Hons) Interior Design, studying flexibly around family and everyday life
Growing up in Italy, Debora Shah was surrounded by a culture where design, architecture, and beautiful interiors are part of everyday life. It naturally shaped her appreciation for thoughtfully designed spaces and sparked a passion that stayed with her as she built her career and family life.
Wanting to turn that long-standing interest into something more, Debora began looking for a way to study interior design that could fit around her busy schedule. The BA (Hons) Interior Design at the National Design Academy offered the flexibility she needed to develop her skills while balancing family and everyday commitments.
Since starting the course, Debora has been able to nurture her creativity, deepen her understanding of interior design, and take meaningful steps towards turning a lifelong passion into a professional pathway.
Read on to learn more about Debora’s inspirations, her experience studying with the NDA, and what she hopes to do next with her design journey.
Can you tell us a little about your background and what you were doing before joining the National Design Academy?
I grew up in Camaiore, a beautiful village in Italy set between the mountains and the sea. My life took an international turn after meeting my husband, as we moved from London to Papua New Guinea and later Australia before returning to London.
While raising our daughters during those years, I also explored personal and professional interests, from qualifying as a fitness instructor to nail technician to cake design and working briefly alongside an interior designer here in London.
Creativity has always been part of who I am, and my passion for art and interiors naturally grew stronger over time.
After completing an Interior Design Diploma, joining the National Design Academy felt like the right next step to turn that lifelong passion into a professional path.
What first sparked your interest in interior design?
Being Italian, I was naturally exposed to a culture that values beauty, craftsmanship, and thoughtful design, from fashion and make-up to architecture and cars. From a young age, I found myself instinctively arranging spaces at home, combining colours and textures and noticing how environments could influence mood.
That intuitive love for creating harmonious spaces was the first spark that led me toward interior design. I would often watch shows like Grand Designs or A Place in the Sun, purely because I enjoyed seeing the interiors. Even in Home and Away, I was more interested in the houses than the storyline. That early curiosity gradually grew into a real passion for interior design.
Was there a particular moment when you realised this was the career path you wanted to follow?
I had always been passionate about interiors, but it was during my diploma at NDA that everything became clearer. The course strengthened my skills, gave me direction, and most importantly, the confidence to believe that this could be more than an interest, it could be my career.
That was the moment I decided to fully commit to interior design. As a mature student, I spent years understanding what I truly wanted to pursue. As I said earlier, I studied a variety of creative professions but none of them took like interior design did.
With a strong artistic nature and a passion for interiors, choosing to study interior design and work towards a degree felt like the way to go for me.
What made you choose to study with the National Design Academy?
When I decided to pursue a diploma in interior design, I carefully researched which option would suit me best. As a mother of two, I needed something flexible that could fit around family life and manage my health while continuing my education, and traditional universities often require full-time, in-person study.
NDA stood out because it offers online courses, allowing students to study at their own pace while balancing other commitments.
This flexibility made a huge difference for me. It gave me the opportunity to finally follow a passion I had carried for many years, while still being present for my family.
Its affiliation with De Montfort University was another reason I chose NDA, as it added academic credibility to the course. In many ways, the National Design Academy gave me the freedom and confidence to pursue a path I had always desired.
How have you found your experience on the course so far?
I’ve had a very positive experience so far. The course has provided a strong balance between creative exploration and practical knowledge, which has helped me develop both confidence and technical skills.
The flexibility of the programme has been invaluable, allowing me to study at my own pace while managing family commitments. It has been a truly enriching learning experience especially on technical side, learning 3D modelling which I have found I truly love.
I’ve discovered that I’m particularly drawn to creating mood boards and technical drawings, and I really enjoy the process. It allows me to explore colours, textures, and concepts visually, and I find it both inspiring and fun.
You've shown real growth across your modules - what do you feel has helped you improve the most?
I truly believe that a big part of my growth has been thanks to the guidance and support of my tutor, Martin.
His feedback, depth of knowledge, and encouragement have really helped me develop my skills and think more confidently as a designer. I have a great deal of admiration for his teaching, and it has played a significant role in my progress.
Is there a project or module youre especially proud of? Why?
I wouldn’t say there is one specific module I’m most proud of, as I’m quite a perfectionist and always focused on improving. That said, Module 8 resonated with me the most. The penthouse apartment project was particularly challenging, and receiving a good result at the end made it a very rewarding experience.
How do you balance your studies with other commitments?
Life gets busy for everyone, I am part of a big family on my husband’s side, but also have my entire family living in Italy who I visit often. The holidays that the course offers give me the abilty to visit my family and be on top of my work if I have to be away.
At home I start my study day at 9 after dropping my daughter to school, I have a break around midday when I have to prepare lunch, and I rest a little bit after that and I start again until the afternoon.
It is challenging sometimes because some days I feel very tired but the university gave me plenty of support if I have to take time off. I wasn’t aware of the mental drain studying could give and NDA is very supportive and understanding.
How has the course influenced your confidence or creative approach?
The course has definitely improved my ability to develop and design concepts; previously, I lacked both the critical thinking specific to interior design, and the technical skills to do so effectively.
My confidence has steadily grown throughout the course, though I am aware there is still room for further development. For example, I had no experience with 3D modelling but now I am proficient in Sketchup which I could never have imagined learning if I didn’t do this course. I am very glad I made the decision to pursue the Interior Design degree with NDA.
This experience has been genuinely reassuring, giving me the boost to recognize that, yes, I am capable and talented in this field.
What are your plans for the future once you complete your qualification?
Once I complete my qualification, I hope to gain practical, hands-on experience in interior design. I want to apply the skills I’ve learned, work on real projects, and continue developing my creativity while learning from experienced professionals or ultimately I would like to offer my designing skill to companies.
In the end, I aim to build a career where I can bring my own design ideas to life and create spaces that are both beautiful and functional with an Italian soul.
Thank you to Debora for submitting her student spotlight!
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