Student Spotlight: Anna Habdas

From “Sussex Police Intelligence Researcher” to spatial planning and colour psychology. To the untrained eye, Anna Habdas’ career pivot may seem like a complete U-turn, but to her, it was a natural progression. Creativity and a desire to design is something that is arguably innate. It is a drive inside a person that will eventually look for an outlet in which to emerge. For Anna, interior design was an obvious choice. It was inevitable. We asked Anna to share her experience with the academy and how she is progressing from a legal career to interior designer.

Can you tell me a little about yourself? Were you always interested in Interior Design or is it something that came to you more recently?

I have been always interested in architecture and interior design. I really enjoyed renovating my own house and the end results of the project got many complements. I also help friends and family with designing their homes. Those projects made me come to the realisation that maybe I could actually make a career out of it. 

Does the move from “intelligence researcher” for the police into interior design, feel like a huge pivot for you?

It is a big change in terms of the product you produce. In my research job my findings and reports are based on data available. In interior design you ‘sell’ your own creation which can feel a little bit insecure especially in the beginning when your confidence is not that strong.  

However, there are so many skills which are relevant, and I could apply in design like communication, presentation, working with others, organisation, finding solutions, negotiating and especially attention to detail. 

Why did you decide to pursue interior design now?

Becoming an interior designer has been my dream career for some time. When I came across BAID home study, I decided to go ahead and give it a go. 

Having a job I love, appeared to be worth taking a risk. I wish I had decided to pursue it earlier but at the same time I have gained some valuable experience in my other jobs which I can transfer to interior design, especially when it comes to communication and dealing with different range of people. 

When you were searching for an interior design course, why did you choose National Academy of Creative Arts? What was it that made it stand out from other options?

BAID offers a variety of courses and helps students to choose the most suited option. I instantly felt a good connection with staff at academy who were very enthusiastic and able to explain all available course option.  

Attending an open day at the Academy fully convinced me that it would be the best choice for me. 

Did you enjoy a home-study experience? Have you done home study courses anywhere else or is this your first time?

I haven’t done any home studies courses before. The home study can be both very rewarding and challenging at times. It was a very important factor for me so I could fit the course work around my job and family life. On the other side you need to keep motivating yourself and organise the time in the way you can achieve desired progression. 

Tell us about your experience in the Live Online Classes. Did it make it easier for you to combine your personal, professional, and academic life?

Joining the Live online classes was a lovely experience. I liked interacting with the tutors and my group. It was nice to share this learning adventure with other students and have an opportunity to talk to experienced tutors who were able to answer any questions.  

What is your favourite thing about the course?

I loved designing different residential spaces. I especially liked working on the bedroom project and designing a sustainable kitchen for the museum exhibition. Moreover, I found creation of presentations very useful part of my professional development. I believe this part of the design is crucial and getting it right will most likely secure the project. I appreciated receiving the feedback on this to reassure myself that I understand what is required. 

How do you handle constructive criticism and feedback on your design work?

I am open to any feedback on my work, as it supports learning and reflection. Constructive criticism is especially important in my professional development journey as it makes me reflect on work and come up with different improvements. It can only help you became more self-aware and evolve as a designer. 

Which specialist area from Interior Design do you like the most (residential, commercial, furniture, etc…)? Is there a particular area you are keen to work in but have not yet had the chance?

I like residential interiors most, and I think that my present skill set, and experience is the best suited for this area of specialism. I would like to expand on that and gain more in-depth expertise in residential lighting and kitchen design. 

I would love, however, have an opportunity to test myself in hospitality interior design. Having a chance to design rooms for a hotel would be an absolutely amazing challenge. 

Are you planning to pursue a career in interior design and if so, what skills or knowledge do you believe you've gained that will be most valuable as you transition into your professional career?

I’m planning to pursue a career and to establish my own interior design business soon. I have gained so many useful skills and knowledge during the course! But I think that the most helpful will be ability to communicate effectively with clients. Knowing what information needs to be obtained in order to create a detailed brief and also being able to create and deliver professional presentations are good advantages. 

What advice would you give to incoming interior design students to make the most of their education and prepare for their careers?

It is very important to choose the right course for your individual needs and availability which will allow you to have a good life-work-study balance. The time spent on research and preparation for the tasks - although it doesn’t give an instant sense of progression - will really pay off later, so it is a good investment. 

Remember that your Tutor is your best friends and will always offer support and help. They really want you to do well. It might be also very helpful to build a support network and get in touch with other students on the course.