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No one believed these rooms were designed by students
For most design students, seeing their work publicly displayed is a dream that sits somewhere in the future. For TAFE Queensland’s Diploma of Interior Design (MSF50222 ) students, that moment came early - front and centre at the Brisbane Home Show.
Among industry professionals and celebrity designers such as James Treble - the Coomera campus students transformed their classroom concepts into a life-size showcase.
Thousands of visitors walked past four stunning interior spaces and had no idea they were designed by TAFE students.
For student Chloe Toussaint, the experience was nerve-wracking.
“I was nervous at first, but it was really cool to get feedback and talk to people in the industry. Seeing it all come together was amazing,” said Chloe.
Her classmate Brooke Stepney, said seeing their designs take shape in such a public setting was a real turning point.
“Seeing everything come together and being part of something real was amazing. It was also great to connect with people in the industry and other students,” said Brooke.
The Brisbane Home Show experience gave students more than a chance to display their talent, it tested their ability to collaborate, problem-solve and bring a concept to life under real event conditions.
Mood boards, colour palettes, material selections, detailed floor plans, elevations, 3D visuals and sourcing furniture, lighting, décor and finishes all fell to the students.
Coomera Creative campus teachers Sergeja Demšar and Karen Wardrope, watched their students rise to the challenge with confidence and professionalism.
“It was a moment where they stopped feeling like learners and started feeling like real designers,” they said.
More than 20,000 visitors a day snapped photos, asked questions and praised the polish of the designs. Many were stunned to learn that no professionals were behind them.
For 19-year-old student Eve Wyatt, the moment was surreal.
“It was extraordinary seeing people look at our designs, especially something we pulled together in just four weeks. I never thought I’d be doing that so early in the course,” she said.
By the end of the show, the students had done more than just install rooms. They had networked with exhibitors, answered thousands of questions, built portfolio-ready designs and gained real-world confidence.
“TAFE Queensland is amazing because it gives you the actual skills you’ll need in the job. It’s hands-on and you really get to do the things you’ll do in the real world,” said Eve.
TAFE Queensland’s immersive learning model ensures students graduate ready to meet industry expectations from day one and these interior design students have clearly made their mark, with the design world already watching.
