CATHRYN Bishop, the founder and director of Cornish Interiors, has been appointed as Programme Leader for Plymouth College of Art’s new BA (Hons) Interior Decoration, Design and Styling degree.

Cathryn has designed boutique hotels, restaurants and private residences all over the world, as well as working with the National Trust and also designing the interiors for Plymouth landmarks such as the Glassblowing House and St Elizabeth’s House.

Cathryn, who grew up in St Kew, has gathered a total of 15 years worth of experience in the industry. In 2003, she established Cornish Interiors, specialising in interior design and project management of interiors.

Cathryn said: “I’ve mentored a lot of the staff that I’ve employed at Cornish Interiors, and found that as I started visiting different educational establishments to speak to students, this became one of the most exciting aspects of my work. I get a real buzz from inspiring people about interior design and I’m thrilled to join the creative staff at Plymouth College of Art.

“I can’t wait to apply the things I’ve learned during my career, to shape the new programme of study and ensure that we’re teaching industry relevant skills. I have a degree in Spatial and Interior Related Design, and although I enjoyed it, when I left university I wasn’t equipped with the skills that employers were looking for.

“Using my professional experience, I want to ensure that all of our graduates leave the college ready to work within the creative industries.

“By maintaining Cornish Interiors alongside teaching at the college, I plan to keep my practice relevant and respond to changes within the interior design industry. There’s so much experience that I can share about what you need to do to succeed as an interior designer.

“Sometimes a client will come to me with nothing but a plot of land, and I’ll work on that job right until the point when I’m arranging crockery in the finished kitchen. It always feels like Christmas day when you’re in a building, unpacking the furniture that you bought a year ago, and dressing the room for a glamorous photoshoot.”