When Carina Brezeanu enrolled within the Bachelor of Design (Interior Design) course at TAFE NSW’s Design Centre in Enmore, it was merely to satisfy her interests. Now, the owner of Arete Interiors has taken her interests to another level, in a career that continues to go from strength to strength.

The designer says she jumped between professional positions before settling where her passion lies.

“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,” she says.

“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) course Brezeanu speaks of is delivered in three years. Students study in a studio-based learning environment, working in small groups to simulate interior design practice. An intensive and demanding course that ensures an industry recognised certification and strong connections, those looking to plunge into the pool of design are encouraged to make their way to the Design Centre.

Head Teacher of Interior Design Todd Packer says 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,” he says. 

“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.” 

Packer says Brezeanu – who was the winner of a scholarship in 2018 that saw her visit Italy – is the perfect example for budding designers that it's never too late to start.

“Carina tackled many new concepts and skills and performed exceptionally well in her coursework, achieving consistently high grades in both the creative and technical aspects of design,” Todd said. 

“Her expertise and professional attributes were recognised when Carina received the ASOPHIA Student Design Award in 2019 and her teachers have also nominated her in the Design Institute of Australia’s Graduate of the Year Awards (GOTYA) which will be announced in October 2021.”  

arete interiors furniture

Born from a passion for simplicity and the quest for design excellence, Brezeanu’s Arete Interiors provide a wide range of residential, commercial and styling solutions for any job. Recommended by her teachers to a job at design house Scott Carver, the designer has a skillset – honed at TAFE – that will allow her to have an illustrious career in the design industry.

TAFE NSW is now accepting applications for its July 2021 intake for the Bachelor of Design (Interior Design) course. To find out more, visit www.tafensw.edu.au or call 131 601.