Carina Brezeanu rolled the dice and took a chance to consolidate her skills when she enrolled in the Bachelor of Design (Interior Design) at TAFE NSW Design Centre Enmore. Now she’s reaping the rewards in a career she loves after launching her new business, Arete Interiors. 

With a background in Psychology and Human Resources, Carina knew early on that corporate life was not for her. 

“This is my second career change. I studied Psychology a long time ago and worked in Learning and Development and Human Resources for a few years. I didn’t enjoy the corporate life, however, so I started my own business doing events and editorial styling which I ran for over 10 years,” Carina said. 

“Interior design was a natural progression from there and I sold my styling business to study the Bachelor of Design (Interior Design) at TAFE NSW Design Centre Enmore.” 

The Bachelor of Design (Interior Design) is a dynamic, three-year course delivered at the award-winning Design Centre Enmore in Sydney. Students study in a studio-based learning environment, working in small groups to simulate interior design practice.  

Head Teacher of Interior Design Todd Packer said the course develops practical design skills combined with theory to give students a sound understanding of design best practice both in Australia and internationally. 

“TAFE NSW Design Centre Enmore is a purpose-built design studio where students are able to immerse themselves in design,” Todd said. 

“The knowledge and industry contacts of our teachers are second to none. We are always looking for opportunities to give our students real-world experience in the field so that they emerge from the course job-ready.” 

An internship arranged in the third year of the course gives students valuable work experience to hone their expertise, and TAFE NSW teachers are always on the lookout for ways to enhance their students’ skills, as Carina can attest. 

 “I was lucky enough to be chosen for a scholarship in 2018 to go to Italy for an architectural tour of Milan as well as visit the Venice Architecture Biennale. That trip had a huge influence on me, my aesthetic, and my passion for design and architecture,” Carina said. 

“One of my studio teachers also recommended me to a job at design house Scott Carver in 2019 and the experience and contacts I made there have been invaluable for me to launch my own design business.” 

Todd Packer said Carina demonstrated her commitment to her new career through attendance at networking and professional events and additional internship experiences, further propelling her career goals. 

Carina admits the degree is challenging, but the knowledge she has gained, connections she has made and experiences she has had have benefitted her in every way. 

“This degree is not for the faint-hearted, and I say that having studied two others previously. Be prepared to work very hard, sleep very little, but come out the other end with some amazing skills and relationships, not to mention an industry recognised and sought-after qualification.”  

Applications are now open for the July 2021 intake. To find out more about the range of study options available at TAFE NSW including the Bachelor of Design (Interior Design), visit www.tafensw.edu.au or call 131 601. 

Media contact: Alice Dalley, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, alice.dalley1@tafensw.edu.au, mobile 0402 528 210.