Story

Student Story: Mary Curran, Interior Design

Written byJasmin Woolley-Butler
Published date 24 October 2025

**Mary Curran,** **Image: Student work by Mary Curran**

We chatted with Interior Designer Mary Curran, who studied our interior design short courses at Chelsea College of Arts.

Mary's work was featured in Dezeen’s Virtual Design Festival, as part of the Virtual Design Festival’s Student Show.

The sheer volume of what you can learn on a short course is truly remarkable.

— Mary Curran, Short Course Student

Tell us a little about yourself

I qualified as a doctor in 2011 and have worked in the NHS ever since, until deciding earlier this year to take a career break. From a young age, I have always been artistically minded and creative, which over the years has manifested itself in curating timeless, unique, and grounding spaces where I live. Having specialised over the past few years in psychiatry and having my own history of mental health illness, I strongly believe that the spaces we create are vital to our well-being and that design can play a huge role in the future of healthcare settings.

Where are you from and are you currently based?

Originally from Porthcawl, South Wales, I am now based in London.

What is your occupational background?

I have been working as a medical doctor in the NHS since 2011, however, I have recently left to explore alternative career options and chase my childhood dream of being an interior designer.

How have you become interested in Interior Design?

I have studied the Introduction to Interior Design - Part 1 and Introduction to Interior Design - Part 2, and recently completed Interior Design - Module Two.

What did you enjoy most about your course?

Being able to do the course in bitesize chunks has been fantastic. It gives you a good taste as to what is entailed in interior design and has allowed me to really consider whether it’s the right career for me at each step along the way. The sheer volume of what you can learn on a short course is truly remarkable.

How has this experience benefitted your career and personal development?

This course has been invaluable to me as it has made such a positive impact on my self-confidence and creative abilities. I have come to realise that there is so much more to interior design than I had first imagined, and as times goes on I am starting to see where I can carve a niche for myself.

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

I would say "book it right now...and clear your diary." To really get the most out of the courses it is necessary to dedicate the time, particularly with the more advanced modules that are challenging, but well worth the investment.

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

I believe that a good designer has the ability to really listen to the client; to what they want, and what they need, and primarily who they are.

What 3 words best describe your short course experience at Chelsea?

Stimulating, challenging, empowering.

Anything else you would like to add?

The tutors are superb and give great guidance whilst also allowing you the space to develop your own style of design.