This week, we chatted to Amanda Grace, Director and Founder of Sydney Design School and Interior Design Online, two schools which are both leaders in Australian design education. Amanda is a creative powerhouse with a passion for education. She opened the doors of Sydney Design School in 2008, Interior Design Online in 2014 and hasn’t stopped since. Both have quickly become renowned specialists in design and decoration education – producing some of the most sought-after designers.
OC: Where are you and what time is it?
I am in Sydney and it is 2.30pm
OC: Tell us a little bit about what you do.
I am the founder and Director of Sydney Design School and Interior Design Online, Australia’s largest interior design school.
OC: It feels BIG, but what does the word “entrepreneur” mean to you?
Somebody who constantly innovating and looking for the next big business opportunity.
OC: You open your eyes, take a deep breath, what morning rituals do you have that get you movin to meet the sun?
I love walking along the beach, a tough session at the gym and a coffee from my favourite coffee shop.
OC: WE ARE STALKING YOU {in a loving, not creepy way} – what will we see in your regular day to day?
Oh wow a lot of meetings! A lot of thinking and planning but also a lot of fun!
OC: What’s the biggest brick wall you’ve scaled in business, and how did you do it?
The biggest brick wall was expanding the business at the five-year mark. You just feel like you are getting on top of things and looking at success and then you have to grow you staff, expand your facilities and stretch you cash flow!
OC: What’s your coffee religion and how do you worship?
A take away soy latte sitting by the beach.
OC: EPIC books + podcasts that have blown the matrix of your mind?
I listen to a lot of TED talks. My favourite is Ken Robinson’s Do schools kill creativity? He’s both entertaining and poignant.
OC: Insta quote that has you stroking your white cat + planning world domination?
You have got to stand for something or you’ll fall for anything. Peter Marshall.
OC: You get your very own misty, dream sequence in a movie of your life, where 3 people alive or dead come to you like the ghosts of the Christmas past, present, future – who makes the cut?
Adele, she’s so talented but so humble and I’m sure she would be a good laugh, Steve Jobs, such an inspiration and maverick of design. And finally, my first boss who passed away last year. He’s not famous, he just gave a woman a go in a man’s world. I still remember his words of wisdom and have taken his passion for business into my own.
More on Sydney Design School + Interior Design Online
Sydney Design School is a leader in design education, offering students the opportunities to learn from practicing designers in an extremely creative and collaborative environment. If you have a love for interiors check out their blog or follow them here for some amazing interior pieces and the latest trends.
In 2014 Amanda developed an online sister, Interior Design Online. The online platform allows students access to an innovative, accredited design education regardless of their location, work or family commitments.
