At its heart, interior design is about storytelling - crafting spaces that tell unique stories through materials, history, and purpose. Over the years, my partnership with Billy Blue College of Design has allowed me to share this passion with students, offering them a glimpse into the industry and equipping them with the tools to tell their own stories through design. From hands-on internships to immersive activations, my collaboration with Billy Blue reflects a shared commitment to nurturing the next generation of creative talent.

One of the highlights of our partnership has been offering internship opportunities at my studio. These internships provide invaluable, real-world experience, allowing students to immerse themselves in the day-to-day rhythm of a design studio. Over the years, we’ve had some incredible Billy Blue students intern with us, many of whom have secured full-time roles within our team. It’s always rewarding to watch these emerging designers grow their skills and confidence, contributing to projects that bring spaces to life.

Our partnership goes beyond the studio. Events I host include Walking Tours of Sydney. Inviting students to experience design outside the classroom, exploring the stories behind finished projects, and gaining insights into my practice through a firsthand immersion into the collection of The Caroline Simpson Library. As well as opportunities to participate in installing projects, site visits, participating in client meetings, and product design presentations.

Another unforgettable experience has been welcoming students to the Royal National Park, where I live, to connect with the environment and learn how to create natural colour pigments from the earth. This practice deepens their understanding of materiality, teaching them how to craft palettes inspired by their native surroundings. In my work, these pigments form the foundation for designing spaces that honour the textures, tones, and stories of the landscape and are unique to each project - an approach that beautifully bridges design and nature.

Billy Blue’s industry-led approach ensures that students graduate with the technical skills and critical thinking needed to thrive in the design world.

To all future designers: embrace every opportunity to learn, explore, and grow. The journey is as exciting as the destination and I’m thrilled to be part of yours through my ongoing collaboration with Billy Blue.