How Rebecca grew her interior design skills and her business in our virtual studio
Running her own business and ready to grow, Rebecca Leijer joined our Diploma of Interior Design virtual studio to expand her skills and client offering.
“I wanted to elevate my skill set and offer more comprehensive documentation to my clients. Learning AutoCAD was a big focus, and I really enjoyed developing those technical skills alongside refining my SketchUp knowledge. It was also important to me to formally complete my Diploma and strengthen the foundation of my practice,” says Rebecca.
Why did you decide to study in our live virtual studio class?
Living in Torquay, local study options were limited and commuting to Melbourne wasn’t practical with family commitments. Online felt like the right fit, and Sydney Design School stood out straight away. The visual identity, the calibre of Educators, and the strength of alumni really resonated. The live classes were a huge drawcard too. Having that regular face to face structure kept me engaged and motivated, while also allowing me to build connections within the industry.
The Diploma gave me the opportunity to reconnect with my creative process in a really meaningful way. I especially loved exploring hospitality (image above) and commercial design (image below). Those projects, along with the guidance from our Educator Brett, were incredibly inspiring. The course ultimately shifted the direction of my business, which I am so grateful for. Receiving a High Commendation at graduation was also a very special moment.
Tell us about your business, Leyer Design Studio
We are a Surf Coast (Victoria) based studio working across residential and hospitality projects, with a focus on thoughtful, well resolved spaces.
When I completed my Diploma, I felt ready to take the next step in evolving the business. Over the coming year, we will be expanding into a full service studio. My husband, a registered builder who has recently completed an Advanced Diploma in Building Design, will be joining me. Together we will offer a seamless process, from building design and drafting through to interiors, furniture and styling. It is something we have been working towards for a long time and feels like a very natural progression.
What are the most valuable lessons you’ve learnt on the job?
Listening is everything. It is easy to design what you think will work, but the real value lies in understanding your client and bringing their vision to life. Strong relationships, clear communication and trust are what underpin the most successful projects.
Do you have any advice for students thinking of starting a business?
Working for yourself can be unpredictable, but if you are passionate it is incredibly rewarding. Start small, take on projects for friends and family and focus on building a portfolio that reflects your style. Your own home can be one of your most powerful tools in attracting the right clients.
Do you have a favourite client project?
Gurr Street remains a favourite. My client placed a huge amount of trust in me, and we developed a genuine connection throughout the process. The project really reflects her story, which is something I value deeply in my work. It was also featured in The Design Files online and in Inside Out magazine. More recently, my hospitality projects have been incredibly rewarding and have given me a lot of confidence in that space.
Rebecca graduated with a Diploma of Interior Design from our virtual studio.
You might also be interested to read:
Student experience: What it’s like studying interior design in a virtual studio
