Read our conversation with AND Alumni, C. Monica Reddy to learn about her journey of becoming an interior designer. Know about her experience with the course and the major learnings that continue to help in her interior design journey.
“I still remember what I learnt at AND, because I learnt it all through experimentation.”
In our latest edition of Student Journey, let’s explore with Monica how she transformed from a civil engineer to an interior designer.
As she talks about her challenges, learnings, and overall experience with our Certificate course in Interior Design, it is an opportunity for us all to know in detail what learning at AND Academy is actually like!
Here is a brief overview of all we have discussed:
- Monica’s Background
- Her interest in interior design and what made her choose AND
- Walkthrough of her Residential Design Project
- Her thought process behind the project
- Challenges she faced during your project
- Her top learnings from this project
- Top three aspects she liked about AND
- Her experience with AND Academy
- Future career aspirations
- How her learnings at AND helped her as an interior designer business owner
- Advice to to future AND Learners
- Would she recommend AND Academy to others?
Let’s dive in!
Q1. Let’s start with a quick introduction! Can you please tell us about yourself, your background, and your hobbies other than design?
Alright. So, hi, I’m Monica. I have studied and completed my bachelor's in civil engineering, and was always interested in interior design but never had the chance to pursue it professionally. Whenever I went to a professional or a firm, they would tell me - you have a civil engineering background, why don’t you do an M.tech? Why do you want to get into interior design? There was little to no encouragement so, I just dropped the idea and decided to move forward with a career in engineering. However, certain things are meant to be. I ended up attempting a government exam for the post of Assistant Executive Engineering, but it got cancelled. I took it as a sign to go for my dream instead!
I have seen many people pursuing and excelling in interior design. I researched a lot online and found many of them did not have a design background. This prompted me to think, if they can do it, why can’t I? I mean, I love this field and the creativity of the processes. I saw videos and read about various interior designers which further inspired me to venture into the field.
I really, really wanted to work in interior design. So, after my exam got cancelled, I started searching for interior design courses that would help me get familiar with the basics and the industry. I was looking for online courses and that’s when I learned about AND Academy. The moment I opened the website, I instantly liked it and the rest followed. So, that’s how my journey as an interior designer started.
It seems interior design and you truly were meant to be!
Q2. So, what motivated you to choose AND Academy particularly to pursue an interior design course?
So, I barely knew about interior design courses in the market and what they were like. When I came across AND Academy, I really liked that the courses were online and only for a few weeks. The duration was neither too short nor too long which suited me extremely well because I didn’t want to do a course that was too short to explain all the basic concepts. The curriculum focused heavily on the basics and offered practical exposure via projects. It covered pretty much everything I wanted to learn about and the class timings also fit my schedule.
When I read the online reviews, they were positive as well. Everything seemed to fit my requirements. I wanted to give it a try. However, the final decision came after I talked to one of the course advisors. They explained everything really well and helped me understand the scope of the course along with its uses for me. To further clarify my doubts, they sent me some projects done by the alumni of the course. Those were really good and helped solidify my decision.
I was also doubtful about whether I would need some pre-existing knowledge of interior design tools or sketching skills. However, the advisors assured me there was no such requirement. They informed me about the software we would use and the training process. It was very new to me but I felt supported each step of the way.
To conclude, my decision to join AND’s interior design course came after a lot of deliberation. I pursued the course because it allowed me to study from home and was being taught by experienced architects like Rahat Ma’am. It seemed accessible and the whole counseling process really made me want to join it!
We are glad you decided to join this course!
Q3. Now, let’s direct this conversation towards your Residential Design Project. We have heard great praise from your mentor about it. Would you like to take us through the same?
The Residential Design Project was my final project and was a great learning experience. This whole project was a process that lasted for around eight weeks and had eight steps. Each week we had to complete one step in the process and present our work by the end of it.
For the project, I chose to redesign my cousin’s bedroom. The first step in the process was the client brief followed by layout and then other stuff. So, I started my work by interviewing my clients. They wanted their bedroom to be simple, calm, and spacious. It was a multi-functional space which my aunt and two cousins also used for hanging out at night, eating dinner, etc. So, I had to consider all of this.
The original bedroom was really cluttered. It had tall wardrobes and storage spaces that made the room feel closed off and congested. They wanted it to be clutter-free. Also, bold colours and glass cupboards were a big no-no for them.
The original bedroom
The client originally wanted a bunk bed but my mentor discouraged me from pursuing this idea as it was not an appropriate option for teenagers. I later changed it to a Queen-size bed. The client also wanted long curtains and a side table which they could use to store snacks.
For the bathroom, they wanted basic, non-skid tiles and a wall-mounted water closet and storage unit. They also wanted no item to be touching the floor and that the floors be dry and clean at all times.
The task of transforming the bedroom and bathroom seemed humongous. I started by making a list of people who used the room and what they did there. Like, who uses the bedroom to sleep and who only uses it to chit chat. I wrote down their needs, wants, likes and dislikes. After considering all the client's requirements, I created a zoning plan where I drew the layout of the whole house and highlighted the master bedroom. Post this, I created the bedroom layout.
Layout of the bedroom
During the project, we had to prepare a client brief where we noted down all their functional and emotional needs. What I liked about this part was the feedback I received from my mentor. I was told that I needed to focus more on emotional needs, as the ones I listed were actually functional needs. This helped me a lot in the future steps.
After that, I created three mood boards according to my research - a modern interior design one, a contemporary one, and another with a more earthy feel. I added subtle colours and then created three layouts. One had a bed facing north, another had a bed facing west and the last one had a bed facing south, as per Vastu.
Approved layout of the bedroom
We had to list out strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats for all the layouts. The approved layout had the bed facing north. Then, I planned for the placement of a wardrobe, dressing table, study table and a seating area. After that, I created a plan for the bathroom, and then provided them with options for colours, lighting and material finishes. I aimed to offer them the best options based on their preferences.
After they selected their options, I created the callout sheet. I used all the selected options and listed down what material needed to be sourced from where. I am from Hyderabad so, I made sure to add materials that were available locally.
Callout Sheet
And then, finally, it was time for the client feedback. They loved it. They liked the colours and the overall design. It took some convincing on the bedback design but once they saw it, they approved of that too. So, it was overall a great experience, made better by the fact that my client loved it.
Your project looks great and the level of detail is really amazing!
Q4. Would you like to elaborate further on your thought process and experience with this project?
My thought process and plan was to fulfil as many of my client’s requirements as possible. In the first meeting, I noted all ideas they had for their ideal bedroom. I listed down all their needs and wants, as well as searched for reference images and brainstormed about what designs and fixtures would be most suitable for them.
I took references from a lot of sources such as magazines, Instagram, Pinterest, etc. The research part was really enlightening and played a major role in how I wanted this project to turn out.
The client's behaviour and preference were also a consideration. For example, initially I thought the client would choose the modern luxury design style because they seemed to prefer that. But, when I showed them the mood boards, they approved the contemporary design layout. This instance was a great learning experience for me! It made me understand how important it is to consider client’s opinions and not work based on assumptions of what they may or may not like.
Mood board approved by the client
This also prompted me to start sharing layouts with them. They initially didn’t understand these layouts, so I printed them out and explained everything in detail. This ensured they could make an informed decision about how they wanted their room to be. From colours to fixtures, the whole planning process was very fascinating. It was a lesson in how to fully understand the client’s requirements.
It seems like you learnt a lot about how to plan a project.
Q5. Were there any other challenges you faced while working on this project? How did you overcome them?
There definitely were other challenges. We were told in the class that the designed room always looks nice and neat. But the real challenge is to ensure that the room looks nice even after it’s been lived in. So, that was a challenge we had to face from the onset.
When it came to the project, the first challenge was creating the furniture layout. At first, I didn't understand how to do it. I remember we had a class on Tuesday and were asked to submit the layout by the end of the week. I had no clue about it. I didn't submit it in the first week, not even in the second week. In the class, everybody was explaining their layouts and I was just sitting there. I was really stuck.
The few times I tried, I failed. I kept trying and finally created my layouts. I presented them to the class later. It was one of my biggest challenges with this project. Even after completing the course, creating furniture layouts was difficult for me until recently. This experience has helped me sharpen my skills and made me much more confident about my furniture layouts.
The second challenge was the bed-back design. It had to be perfect because it was the highlight point of the room. In a sense, it was the main design. Making it aesthetic and as per the requirements of the client was challenging initially. The main challenge was the window behind the bed. I had to design the bed back in a way that was aesthetic and did not disturb the ventilation in the room. It was certainly more challenging than I anticipated.
Designing a functional wardrobe that did not take up too much space was also a challenge. They needed a place to hand their used clothes and towels. After much brainstorming, I put a wardrobe near their bathroom door so, they can place used clothes there.
I had to ensure my design focused on both functionality and aesthetics. So, I placed furniture in a way that helped residents subconsciously keep the room clean. I created a layout that was natural and aligned with their circulation path. It was challenging but I learnt a lot from the process.
The way you overcame your challenges really shows how skilful you are!
Q6. What would you say were your top learnings from working on this project?
After working on this project, I have developed a better understanding of the functional and emotional needs of the client. I have also learned how important mood boards are for the designer as well as the client. After clients see the mood boards, they get a better idea of what the design is like even before we present them with 3D models.
Another important lesson has been in colours. So, we did this activity where we had to take a movie scene and analyse how colours were used in it. I chose a scene from the movie, “La La Land” where Mia and Sebastian break up. Analyzing that scene made me realise how colours impact our perception of things. That made me very mindful of what colours to use in my designs.
During this project, I received valuable feedback and constructive criticism. I had to change many things in my designs throughout as well. The whole process was a valuable lesson in balancing client needs with what is feasible. Among other things, I have learnt a lot about adding functionality to my designs.
We are glad this project provided you with valuable lessons.
Q7. What were the three aspects about AND that you liked the most during your time here as a learner?
One thing I liked was how every week, we were doing new things. We were experimenting a lot and even though, there was traditional study material, the teaching methods were really innovative.
So, I remember one week, we had to take fruits and arrange them according to the different principles of interior design, for example, symmetry, rhythm, etc. It was a really interesting exercise and helped me understand the concepts better. I still remember them, and I think it’s because I learnt through experimenting.
The second thing was how all my doubts were cleared. Most of us were from a non-design background, so we had a lot of questions. The mentors were really patient and understanding. They cleared all my doubts and explained concepts in great detail. It was a crucial aspect for me and helped me understand things fully.
Also, joining this course helped me overcome my fear of public speaking. I used to be scared of presenting my ideas and speaking in public. But, in the class, we were encouraged to ask questions, speak up about our ideas and present our designs. That really helped me improve my communication skills. I no longer fear talking in front of people, which is a major win for me.
We are so glad you overcame your fear of public speaking here!
Q8. Would you like to further elaborate on your experience with AND Academy? How were the classes and the mentors?
AND Academy was a really good kickstart to my interior design journey. The course helped me understand all the basics I needed to start my career. It taught me what interior design is actually. Of course, the learning continued after the courses ended and when I started working, but the knowledge of basics I got here really helped me get started.
If someone now asks me can you really learn online? I would say, yes, of course, you can! At AND, I learnt how interior designers think and work. The course was extremely beneficial for me. It was accessible and the mentors were really helpful. I faced a fair share of challenges, but they were the kind you always face when learning something new. Apart from that, it was a breezy journey.
We are so glad you had a good experience at AND!
Q9. So, we know you are already running your own firm, which is great! What inspired that and what are your future aspirations like?
Yes, so, last October, I was working on building my interior design portfolio. That’s when my friend, also a partner in the firm now, told me about this opportunity to work on a newly opened gym. He used to work out at a gym where he heard the owners talking about a redesign. He knew them, so he went on to offer them our interior design services.
It was around 7000 square feet and I was really scared of taking up this project. I have never designed anything like that before. It was also a huge responsibility to undertake a project like that. I was unsure about working on it but after discussing everything with my friend, I thought, “okay, let’s do it. We can do it.” And that’s how we began working on this project.
I designed the layout and he executed it. It was overwhelming as there was a lot to do and we had to hire people to do certain things. But, the result was worth every effort and that’s how our interior design business, Layakaara Interiors, started. To date, we have completed 4 to 5 projects and we have a few more in the design and construction phase.
Honestly, I thoroughly enjoy this work. It is new to me but also very exciting, even though I took a while to get the hang of it. This process also taught me the importance of having a good business partner. In the future, we are planning to expand our firm. Perhaps, open an office, take up more projects, and work with amazing clients!
We are glad your firm is doing well!
Q10. Did your experience and learnings at AND help you in your journey as an interior design business owner?
Yes, definitely! I learnt the basics and how to actually do interior designing at AND. I learnt Coohom which is a very useful and user-friendly interior design software- I still use it and it has helped me a lot.
Also, my learnings about how to create mood boards and furniture layouts have come in handy a lot of times. Everything I learnt while working on the residential project has been very useful to me in my professional journey.
The feedback I got on my residential and commercial projects helped me understand the fundamentals. I know how to start and end a project, largely thanks to the basics I learnt at AND Academy.
We are so glad your learnings at AND continue to help you!
Q11. What advice would you give to someone starting a journey similar to yours?
Don't think too much and just go for it! I was very sceptical and had a lot of doubts before starting. But, once I started, everything fell into place. After enrolling in the course, I was exposed to many new things.
As I mentioned, I am from a civil engineering background, so, I studied a lot about measurements. If someone says something is 12 feet, it is easier for me to visualise what they mean. That was certainly an advantage I had. However, the rest of it was all new to me.
I was very nervous in the first week of the course. I had lots of doubts - is this field even good for me? But, as soon as the classes started, I started having fun in the learning process. It is a very experimental course. Also, it is a creative field so, you can have a lot of fun with it. I had interior design books but never had to open them during the classes. We were learning everything practically.
So, the only advice I would give is, if you have a genuine interest in interior design, don’t be afraid and dive straight in!
That’s a great advice!
Q12. Before we wrap up, would you recommend AND Academy to your friends and peers based on your experience?
Yes, I will definitely recommend AND Academy to anybody wanting to start a career in interior design!
That’s wonderful! Thank you so much for your time, Monica. We are glad your time at AND Academy was meaningful and continues to offer value to you. We wish you all the best in your future endeavours!
Are you feeling inspired after reading Monica’s journey of becoming an interior design business owner? Check out our comprehensive Interior Design Courses, the perfect way to kickstart your career in interior design!
We offer an 18-week Certificate in Interior Design for beginners still discovering the field. Our 36-week Diploma Course in Interior Design is perfect for those looking to extend their education in the field!
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to our Course Advisors.
Note: All information and/or data from external sources is believed to be accurate as of the date of publication.
