Story

Student Story: Marcella Forster, Interior Design

Written byJasmin Woolley-Butler
Published date 25 August 2025

**Marcella Forster,** **Image: Student work by Marcella Forster**

Marcella Forster studied Interior Design Short Courses with us at Chelsea College of Arts and her work was exhibited as part of the Virtual Design Festival’s Student Show for Dezeen’s Virtual Design Festival.

We caught up with her to find out about her experience.

Tell us a little about yourself

I’ve enjoyed a 13+ year career creating new brand concepts, managing product launches, and organising events across different industries. In October 2019, I decided to expand my creative reach and enrolled in the Interior Design course at Chelsea College of Arts.

What fascinates me about this industry is how the use of space, proportion, light, and materials can have such an impact on how someone feels. I wanted to learn how to use design theory and concepts to make a positive impact on peoples’ lives.

My creative journey has taken me a long way. Now I’m looking forward to exploring new directions. I hope to build great relationships and collaborate with innovative people to help bring authentic, inspiring, and life-enriching environments to life!

Where are you from and are you currently based?

I’m originally from Brazil and lived in Portugal for many years. Now London is my home.

What is your occupational background?

I studied Marketing and Business at University and worked across various industries from telecom to catering, beauty, retail, and wellness – helping businesses connect with customers and develop their brands.

How have you become interested in Interior Design?

I have always enjoyed using creativity to enrich customers’ experiences, that’s what I was focused on for a large portion of my career in marketing.

I believe interior design is equally about creating experiences as our surroundings play a strong part in how we feel. So, transitioning to interior design felt like a natural next step for me.

What did you enjoy most about your course?

How practical and dynamic it is with extremely knowledgeable and experienced tutors.

How has this experience benefitted your career and personal development?

This course has given me a new set of skills as well as the confidence to make the career shift.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about taking a short course at Chelsea College of Arts?

The short course programmes are a great way of ‘trialing’ and will help you decide where to go next. Plus, learning something new is always empowering and positive.

What do you believe is integral to the work of an artist or designer, in any discipline?

Building relationships. A big part of delivering a successful project is ensuring that the designer has a full understanding of their clients’ vision and knowing how different suppliers’ capabilities can help realise that vision.

It’s important to be curious, ask questions, and most of all listen in order to learn and develop.

Marcella Forster,
Marcella Forster,
Marcella Forster,
Marcella Forster,
Marcella Forster, Image: Student work by Marcella Forster
Marcella Forster,
Marcella Forster,
Marcella Forster,
Marcella Forster,
Marcella Forster,
Marcella Forster,

What 3 words best describe your short experience at Chelsea?

Stimulating, inspiring and immersing.

Anything else you would like to add?

I’ve enjoyed every bit of my experience learning the art of interior design. I’m especially thankful to my tutor Lyndall for encouraging me to pursue this path and for motivating me throughout the program.

If you would like to see more of Marcella's work, please take a look at her website or Instagram.

Want to develop your skills in interior design? Take a look at our range of interior design short courses.