Turning a Lifelong Passion for Art into Bold Interior Design 🌿
From creating art and photography to exploring fashion and now interiors, Jamie Ackrill Rush has always used design as an expressive outlet.
After studying the Professional Interior Design Diploma with the National Design Academy (NDA), Jamie has discovered how to combine creativity, individuality, and professional skills to build a design career that’s bold, dramatic, and deeply personal.
What first sparked your passion for design?
I have always had a passion for art and design, starting from school, sometimes being an outlet. Starting with creating art to photography, to fashion and now interiors. I find design a perfect platform to showcase your individualism.
Who is your biggest design inspiration?
It has changed over the years. I enjoy dramas and high contrast design. Work from Alexander McQueen in fashion to designer from the baroque period. I am enjoying the work of Jimmiemartin with their use of reusing old furniture and repurposing with contemporary techniques.
How would you describe your design style/taste in 3 words?
Dramatic, bold, indulgent
What made you apply to the National Design Academy?
The National Design Academy provided me with an excellent education in design whilst enabling me to see to my other commitments. It was a no brainer.
What’s the most unexpected thing you have learned from the course?
The power of colour is a huge learning curve for me. The psychology behind colour choices is incredible thing to experience.
What has been your favourite course module and why?
The final module, professional design project was my favourite. Being able to use all I have learnt from the course to create a professional project was a great way to utilise my new skills.
What’s your favourite project that you’ve worked on?
A cocktail bar near where I live was a great project to work on. Recreating a “peaky blinders” style 1920 era bar was an incredible project. Being able to incorporate industrial influences was a great eye opener, using unconventional materials to create a finished look
What advice would you give to potential National Design Academy students?
Just go for it!
I put it off for a while and so glad I finally got to do it. With the help from student finance it is now possible even if you haven’t got the funds to cover it. It is a clear, enjoyable course with excellent help from the tutors. The course is so accessible. Just go for it. There is nothing to lose but so much to gain.
Now that you’ve just finished your course, what are you doing next?
It was a no-brainer for me, the opportunity to progress onto the BA (Hons) Interior Design programme with the National Design Academy was always part of my plan. I initially enrolled on the Retail Design pathway, but after completing the first module, I realised that the Heritage Interior Design pathway was where my true passion lay.
The tutors were incredibly accommodating with the change, and now I’m on the right path and really enjoying the course.
Start Your Interior Design Journey – Your Way!
Jamie brought his bold, dramatic style to life through the Diploma in Professional Interior Design with the National Design Academy. Whether you prefer learning online, joining our in-studio sessions, or fast-tracking your studies, we’ve got flexible options that fit perfectly around your lifestyle.
