National Design Academy

National Design Academy The National Design Academy (NDA) are the pioneers of flexible, Online & In Studio design education
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Over 30 years providing distance learning courses for interior design and other design related subjects has taught us that every student is different and that every student needs individual support. Often juggling family commitments, full-time or part-time work, adult students have to overcome many extra challenges before they can study. We offer flexible, part-time courses from diploma to MA leve

l in Interior Design, Curtain Making and Soft Furnishings, Garden Design, Retail Design, Heritage Design & Design for Outdoor Living.

Ben Pentreath OBE established his studio in 2004. What began as an architectural practice has grown into a multidiscipli...
08/09/2026

Ben Pentreath OBE established his studio in 2004. What began as an architectural practice has grown into a multidisciplinary design studio working across towns, buildings and interiors, and became a 100% employee-owned company in 2022.

We’re highlighting Ben Pentreath’s project ‘A Cornish Holiday House’ as it’s a beautifully clever display of old and new ✨

Decoration is kept simple and restrained whilst colour (the olive green, warm orange and turquoise blue) is introduced through individual accents.

The rooms don’t scream for attention. Instead, they are quiet; textiles, colours and furniture peacefully coexist.

A lesson to learn from this: Slight incompatibility might be what makes these rooms feel English and lived-in 💙

03/09/2026

Only one week to go until graduation! ✨🎓

We’re so excited to welcome our graduates to our exclusive graduation drinks reception and celebrate this huge achievement together 🥂

If you’ve signed up, we’ll see you there! We can’t wait to celebrate with you and raise a glass to all your hard work 🎉

"What started as building furniture at home has grown into something much bigger than I ever imagined. Every stage of th...
01/09/2026

"What started as building furniture at home has grown into something much bigger than I ever imagined. Every stage of that journey, from working in my first small workshop to studying interior design and gaining project management qualifications, has opened new opportunities and challenged me to keep learning."

Bespoke woodworker Lee Thompson, the creative mind behind Lee's Custom Woodwork & Design, has nurtured a passion for design since childhood. Inspired by a school teacher, he channels that enthusiasm into each project he undertakes 💪

Follow Lee's journey by swiping through or checking out his story on our blog over at nda.ac.uk 🔗

24/08/2026

Fancy learning how to make your own soft furnishings and curtains but don't know where to start? ✂️

Our next Professional Soft Furnishings & Curtain Making In-Studio Diploma begins 21st September.
Go from amateur to professional in 12 weeks! 💙

Join us in-studio to learn with an amazing group of students and receive excellent help from our expert tutors!

Limited spaces are available - if you're interested head over to our website! ⏰
https://www.nda.ac.uk/study/courses/diploma/in-studio-curtain-making-and-soft-furnishings/

"...interior design is not only about creating beautiful spaces, but also about responding to people’s habits, comfort, ...
20/08/2026

"...interior design is not only about creating beautiful spaces, but also about responding to people’s habits, comfort, identity, and daily needs."

Ichrak Ben Othmen Nasr, a Singapore-based student originally from Tunisia, is transforming her love for interior design into a fulfilling journey while freelancing as an interior designer- showcasing her commitment to the art! 🎨

Swipe to preview some of her work 👉 Or check out her full story over on our blog 🔗https://www.nda.ac.uk/blog/student-spotlight-ichrak-ben-othmen-nasr/

You don't need to spend a lot to make a room look expensive. Proper arrangement makes the difference between a well-desi...
18/08/2026

You don't need to spend a lot to make a room look expensive. Proper arrangement makes the difference between a well-designed space and just clutter.

Even luxury furniture can feel off if proportions are wrong or if lighting is inadequate. 🛋️

Affordable pieces can feel high-end with the right proportions, layered lighting, and room for each element.

The key is not the budget but the design principles.

Here are 5 design rules professionals use to create intentional, luxurious spaces 👉

For more tips, check out our blog on the National Design Academy website 🌐

Same room, two layouts, one important decision... (not really)Using Ikea's Kreativ tool, we quickly mocked up some bedro...
12/08/2026

Same room, two layouts, one important decision... (not really)

Using Ikea's Kreativ tool, we quickly mocked up some bedroom layouts! Which design gets your vote?

Layout 01 or Layout 02? Let us know below! 👇

Calling all NDA students and Alumni... fancy winning £250? 👀💸 We’ve teamed up with 5 Star Plus Retail Design to launch a...
10/08/2026

Calling all NDA students and Alumni... fancy winning £250? 👀💸

We’ve teamed up with 5 Star Plus Retail Design to launch a new sustainable exhibition stand design competition.
Take on a professional industry brief, create a fresh portfolio project and put your design skills to the test. Easy, right?

What’s in it for you?
Prize money for the top 3 entries 🤑
The chance to have your work seen by an award-winning international design company
A fresh project to add to your portfolio

📣 Entries close on the 14th of September 2026.

Sound like something you’d be up for? Read the full competition details and download the design brief via the link below.
Best of luck to all entrants! 🎉

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Rufford Hall, Waterside Way
Nottingham
NG24DP

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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