I also began to realize that not everyone notices every design detail of their surroundings and perhaps not everyone reviews a restaurant not just on the food quality but on how well all the colors work, the ambiance that is being created, and imagining what could be improved design wise .... all of these “clues” came together to help me realize I wasn’t quite doing what I felt that I was always meant to do.

As I travel quite a bit, I researched interior design programs that afforded me the flexibility of home study. Limpert’s Academy offered a unique hands-on, project-focused format. This was very different from many US programs which focused on reading and tests. My belief was that the US programs would be easier – perhaps too easy in that I would not learn enough to feel confident in my very focused career change.

I recently successfully completed my diploma in residential interior design through Limpert’s home study program. The long distance was not a problem as all assignments are graded with detailed feedback in a prompt manner. Instructors were very helpful in addressing any questions arose.

The best part for me was the project-focused structure which gave me the the perfect skills, practice and confidence to run my own interior business. I am so happy with the program, that I look forward to returning to complete the HND so I can have the flexibility to do commercial work and become a state registered interior designer.

I am feeling both aligned and confident with my career direction now — recent home staging projects resulted in a happy clients that were able to get the financial returns they needed and my own home received an offer with only two showings! . 

Kimberly Sutton - Living Room

Kimberly Sutton - Lounge

Kimberly Sutton - Kitchen

Kimberly Sutton - Bedroom

"it has been well worth it for the opportunities
and satisfaction it has brought us. "
(Sandra Dunne and Karen Armitage)

We had always had a great interest in interior design and had experimented with occasional success in our own homes.  However it wasn’t until we reached our 40’s and reassessed our lives (as you do!) that we decided it was time to study to obtain a formal interior design qualification.  With children, family and work commitments we both needed to find an internationally recognised course which offered flexibility and a home study option.  After much research we came across Limperts Academy and signed up for their National Diploma in Interior Design.  We were assigned a home tutor and received a comprehensive folder, c.d. set, colour wheel and equipment list. 

The course was structured into 20 assignments each one building on knowledge and skills learned from the lesson before.  Home study has its challenges, however as we were studying together we were able to stay motivated running ideas past each other – we actually found this essential particularly when an assignment appeared overwhelming.  The tutors were always available however we felt it was more realistic to try and come up with solutions ourselves. 

It took us 16 months to complete the course excluding the final assignment which took 2 months to complete.  This was an all-inclusive showhouse project bringing together everything we had learned – very challenging but very satisfying.  Shortly after qualifying we set up Aura Interiors and started work on some domestic projects and a bar re-fit in Berlin.  We bravely applied for the ‘Showhouse’ programme on RTE 1 and after pitching a design idea for a bedroom we were chosen from over 200 applicants.  Everything we had learned, particularly in the final assignment, has stood to us and made us realise how much knowledge we gained from Limperts.  We would highly recommend this course as it is very comprehensive, professionally run and while at times it was very demanding, it has been well worth it for the opportunities and satisfaction it has brought us.

"Being paid for something you truly have a passion
for is unbeatable" (James Lambrou)

My name is James Lambrou, I am 32 years of age. I have been a permanent resident in the UK (London) for 8 years and was born in Adelaide, Australia. I had always been interested in design throughout my life. My passion had me accepted into a design college in Australia, to study Industrial Design however after much thought and deliberation, I instead decided to complete a Bachelors Degree in Management/Marketing. I pursued this career for a number of years, both in Australia and the UK, before accepting a job working in the management team of a cable TV Channel. Here, I found my way into the more creative side of the industry, getting involved in production allowing me to release some creative energy. I continued my career in TV working for a major broadcaster. Throughout this time, I continued to explore my love for interior design, offering my self taught knowledge to friends and family, designing a number of homes. This is when I knew that I was in the wrong profession. I resigned shortly after and went full time as a student at Limperts Academy of Design, taking on odd jobs in interior retail and design throughout 2006. I have now completed my Diploma in Interior Design with Distinction and continue to study for my HND in Interior Architecture. I have started my own company called Begin Design, specialising in residential interior design in South East London. It has been the most challenging few years but the most rewarding. Being paid for something you truly have a passion for is unbeatable.

"I am finally working doing something I love.
I highly recommend it" (Carolyn Ruth )

I used to work as a systems analyst for Diageo Ireland, this entailed working with and maintaining a computer package that planned the production of Diageo’s products. It was a complex system that needed constant monitoring, so I was pretty much a computer “geek”. Before that I worked for Colgate Palmolive as a Logistics Planner, in short I ensured that all the products for the Irish market were at the agreed levels needed to maintain Colgate’s customers. While working for Diageo Ireland, I finally got around to starting an interior design course. I did some research and felt that Limperts Academy offered me the accreditation and flexibility that I wanted. I sent in my first assignment, received back very helpful feedback and was hooked from that moment on. Before I even finished the course I knew it was the area I wanted to work in and I learnt so much from the course. At last I had found what I was looking for! I made the scary decision to start working for myself. It was a big jump, going from a salary every month to nothing initially but I haven’t looked back and work is flying in. It’s great! There are up’s and down’s no doubt, but if you are prepared to work hard then there are no limits to what can be achieved. Making the decision to take this course has offered me a completely new career, I am finally working doing something I love. I highly recommend it!

"I enjoy seeing my ideas take shape on paper"
(John Hibbert)

I qualified as a graphic designer in 1988 when I graduated from Wrexham College of Art and Design in North Wales. Since then I have worked as a graphic designer in Scotland and Ireland. Over the years I have developed an strong interest in interior design, in 2002 I took the decision to go back to college and further my training in interior architecture and design. As an designer I enjoy working with shapes colours and styles. My work is strongly influenced by designers past and present. Architect Frank Lloyd Write and designer Eileen Gray, are just two example from whom I have drawn on for inspiration I enjoy seeing my ideas take shape on paper, when I get the opportunity I render my drawings as perspective illustrations creating images for visual communication and presentation.

Graduate Interior Designer of the year 2006
Gold Winner in the Student Category
Nature’s best
Autumn Dining Room

I was delighted to be awarded Gold Winner in the Student Category at the Digiweb Ideal Homes Exhibition. I have just graduated from a Diploma in Interior Design and Decoration which I studied at Waterford Institute of Technology. Interior Design was something I’ve always wanted to work at so I’ve decided to start my own business called “Inside Spaces” and having a Room Set at the Ideal Homes Exhibition was a great experience because I got a lot of good advice from some very interesting people in the design industry.

Winner of the Interior Designer of the year
competition 2006

I have always had a keen interest in art and design and when I left school I studied animation for a couple of years. I had always been looking up local college courses for an Interior Design course and when finally one came to W.I.T., I jumped at the chance to study this by night, as it has always been my passion. I graduated from Limperts Academy with a first class distinction, which was such an achievement to me personally. From here I set up my company, which I named “Designer Instinct”. I have found it tough enough to get off the ground but am gradually branching out and getting busier everyday.