Award-winning TAFE NSW graduate Maddalena Fiorasi has tapped into the COVID-induced demand for interior design by launching her own consultancy business. 

With CommSec reporting a 7.4% increase in loans for home renovation in June, and Job Outlook stating employment in interior design is expected to grow 16.3% over the next 5 years, the timing was right for Ms Fiorasi to launch her new Sydney-based business – Studio Fiorasi.  

Maddalena chose to study the Diploma of Interior Design at TAFE NSW Design Centre Enmore a few years ago, when she was looking at improving and acquiring new technical drawing and documentation skills.  

“I was working at a furniture design company but was looking for a role that involved more detailed design work and knew I needed to refresh and upgrade some of my skills in order to be considered for such a design role,” Ms Fiorasi said. 

“I looked at several different interior design schools but the reputation of TAFE NSW in the industry convinced me to select this course.” 

Halfway through her course, Maddalena says she had gained enough confidence in her computer skills to start looking for a new job.   

“It didn't take too long after I started looking to be offered a designer position for a high-end Italian kitchens firm.  I am confident I would not have been considered for that position had I not built up my documentation and graphics skills at TAFE NSW.” 

Head Teacher of Interior Design at TAFE NSW Design Centre Enmore Tanya Dobble said interest in interior design courses had skyrocketed in Sydney in the past few years, brought on in part by the changing COVID-19 stay-at-home orders.  

“The shift toward people working from home, and the subsequent increased focus on the home environment means that there is increasing demand for skills in interior design services,” said Ms Dobble.

“TAFE NSW Design Centre Enmore is a purpose-built design studio where students are able to immerse themselves in design. It’s the perfect place to build design skills and get a head start in the booming industry.” 

Maddalena Fiorasi graduated from the Diploma of Interior Design at TAFE NSW at the end of 2019. At the time she was awarded the Kitchen and Bathroom Designer Institute (KBDI) membership scholarship and has recently been awarded the KBDI 2021 Kitchen designer of the year award with her innovative small kitchen design for Italian furniture and Kitchen Design company Snaidero.  

She now owns and operates her own interior design company – Studio Fiorasi - and freelances for a kitchen and bathroom renovation company that operates all over Sydney.

To find out more about the range of study options available at TAFE NSW including the Diploma of Interior Design, visit www.tafensw.edu.au or call 131 601. 

Media contact: Alice Dalley, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, alice.dalley1@tafensw.edu.au, mobile 0402 528 210.