KLC School of Design

Garden Design Diploma students Victoria and Lucy were recently named finalists in the Royal Windsor Border Competition 🌿

The concept behind their finalist border, Rooted in Recognition, explores our connection with woodland ecosystems:
Rooted in Recognition, inspired by Rooted in Nature, responds to the growing disconnect between children and woodland ecosystems. By age ten, many can recognise thousands of logos yet struggle to name common plants and wildlife, though naming is the first step toward connection.

As woodlands face increasing pressure from habitat loss, climate change, and human activity, nurturing understanding is vital. The border draws on the frond shape of a fern, highlighting the natural shapes we see in nature, while a magnifying-glass motif encourages careful observation and curiosity. Habitat features highlight biodiversity, and take-home cards inspire continued exploration in local woodlands.

Congratulations to & on this fantastic achievement 👏

https://www.westdean.ac.uk/degrees-and-diplomas/courses?subcategory=Garden+Design

Save the date 💥 We are thrilled to invite you to our School of Design Graduate Exhibition!

📆 Thursday 9 July 10am-6pm
📍 Dilke House 1 Malet St London WC1E 7JN

Visit our Bloomsbury Campus, meet students and tutors, and see the projects students have been working on over the last year

https://www.westdean.ac.uk/events/open-studios-london

We are pleased to announce the appointment of the Associate Director West Dean (London) and Deputy Head of the KLC School of Design, West Dean London.

Antony Greaves has been appointed to the newly created role of Associate Director West Dean (London), and Professor Ian de Vere as Deputy Head of the KLC School of Design, West Dean London.

The appointment of two new senior roles to its academic and strategic team, reinforcing the School’s commitment to innovation, industry excellence, and future focused design education.

Read the full story here:
https://www.westdean.ac.uk/news/leadership-update-london

NEW: Online Certificate in Residential Garden Design 🌿

Have you always dreamed of designing beautiful gardens?

Our new Online Certificate in Residential Garden Design offers a flexible way to gain professional design skills from home. Covering everything from planting design and spatial planning to CAD and professional practice, the course is designed to help beginners and career changers build confidence and develop industry-relevant knowledge.

Study at your own pace and learn from experienced tutors, wherever you are in the world.

Find out more: https://www.westdean.ac.uk/degrees-and-diplomas/online-certificate-residential-garden-design

Chelsea Flower Show through the eyes of KLC ✨

This year, RHS Chelsea Flower Show provided a remarkable platform to celebrate the talent and creativity within the KLC community.

KLC School of Design was proud to see both alumni and tutors represented across several inspiring show gardens. Alumni contributed to notable projects including the Transient Garden, while Garden Design Diploma tutor Patrick Collins-Clarke and Course Leader Humaira Ikram played key roles in The Children’s Society Garden as Planting Team Lead. This thoughtful garden explored teenage wellbeing and the theme of “beauty in imperfection”.

Current Garden Design students also attended a private pre-show tour, gaining valuable behind-the-scenes insight into the concepts, planting design, and craftsmanship that shape Chelsea’s world-class gardens.

From alumni achievements to tutor-led projects and immersive student experiences, Chelsea continues to be a defining moment in the KLC calendar and a powerful reflection of design in practice.

Ayisha Onuorah graduated from our BA Interior Design course just last year and has already been named one of Homes and Gardens Next in Design 2026 ✨

Swipe to read more on Ayisha's life since graduation 👉️

https://www.westdean.ac.uk/degrees-and-diplomas/courses?subcategory=Interior+Design

Join us on 10 June at KLC School of Design for Senses Matter: The Value of Sensory Approaches to the Domestic Sphere. A one-day conference exploring how sound, smell, touch, memory and atmosphere shape our experience of home.

The day brings together an exciting lineup of guest speakers, researchers and practitioners whose work spans architecture, interior design, material culture and sensory history. From neuro inclusive housing and domestic soundscapes to collective cooking, demolition, drawing air, and the rituals of cleaning and homemaking, the programme opens up new ways of thinking about the spaces we inhabit.

📍 KLC School of Design. Dilke House, 1 Malet Street. London, WC1E 7JN
📅 10 June 2026

Book now👇️
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/westdeanlondonevents/2049781

Meet alumnus Adam Knight of , recently recognised by Homes & Gardens as their ‘Next in Design 2025’ winner ✨

After graduating in 2012, Adam built experience across leading studios including Salvesen Graham and Nicola Harding, as well as working in-house on international restaurant projects for Jamie Oliver. In 2020, they founded their own studio, Nefarious Interiors, driven by a passion for creating spaces that bring joy.

"The word “nefarious” means “to be wicked,” and we embrace that by breaking rules, challenging conventions, and turning negatives into positives within the spaces we design. Whether working with commercial or residential clients, our goal is to make interior design accessible to everyone. "

From central London townhouses and Georgian manor houses to restaurants and even doggy daycares, the studio’s diverse portfolio reflects a bold and personal approach to design. Their work has earned widespread recognition, most recently being named ‘Next in Design 2025’.

We asked Adam what advice they would give to aspiring designers…
"say yes to as many opportunities as possible. Be open to new ideas, processes, and experiences which is how you truly learn. Networking is equally important, as interior design is a people-driven industry built on relationships. Finally, be yourself. Your individuality is what will ultimately attract studios and clients alike."

Read more:
https://www.westdean.ac.uk/news/alumni-adam-knight-award

Life after graduation 🎓

Alumni, Caio Xerri-Alves studied at KLC School of Design before going on to found BLAK Creative Studio a Dubai-based interior architecture studio specialising in high-end residential and hospitality projects. After a 15-year career with Emirates Airlines as a Flight Purser, Caio made the decision to change careers at 39... proving it’s never too late to start again ✨

We asked Caio what advice he’d give to aspiring interior designers who are looking to start their own business…
“Start before you feel ready—you will never have all the answers.
Learn the business side early. Understanding pricing, contracts, and cash flow is just as important as developing your creative skills.
Focus on solving problems rather than trying to impress. Clients value clarity, confidence, and reliability.
Be selective with your projects. Not every opportunity is the right one, and learning to say no is part of building a strong foundation.
And most importantly, don’t let timing define your path. Changing careers later in life is not a disadvantage—it can be a strength.”

Read more 👇️
https://www.westdean.ac.uk/blog/Alumnus-Caio-Xerri-Alves

✨ Student Spotlight: Robyn Tilley ✨

As part of their final project, BA (Hons) Interior Design students developed a detailed working drawing package for a commercial staircase within a central London retail space.

Robyn Tilley’s design for lifestyle brand Glassette is inspired by the concept coalescence, bringing materials together to form a unified whole. Combining concrete, woven metal mesh, oak and planting, the staircase balances strength with lightness to create a striking architectural feature.

Using Revit, Robyn brought the concept to life through detailed drawings and visuals.