SOFIYA DESIGNS ACADEMY
Learn Interior Design Through Real Projects
Build the skills, confidence and industry knowledge to transform your passion for interiors into a rewarding career.
Created and guided by Design Director Sofiya Burnusuz, the Academy combines practical learning with insights from real interior design practice – helping you develop your creative vision and take your next career step.
Learn, Create & Grow Through Practical Experience
Develop your design skills by working through realistic residential and commercial project scenarios. From the first client conversation to design development and project delivery, learn how the profession works in practice.
REAL PROJECT LEARNING
Work through project scenarios drawn from Sofiya Designs residential and commercial work, giving you the chance to learn through practical briefs rather than fictional classroom projects.
LIVE STUDIO TEACHING
Take part in live studio learning with expert teaching, mentoring and professional critique from Sofiya Burnusuz, giving you the chance to ask questions, present your ideas and learn through feedback.
RESIDENTIAL TO COMMERCIAL
Follow the six-phase journey from residential design to commercial projects, building your skills as you progress. Learn how to develop, present and deliver design projects with greater confidence.
SOFIYA’S WORLD-CLASS SUPPLIERS & PARTNERS
Gain insight into the suppliers and industry partners used across real design projects, helping you make informed choices when sourcing materials, furniture and finishes.
ABOUT SOFIYA DESIGNS ACADEMY
MEET SOFIYA BURNUSUZ - LONDON-BASED INTERNATIONAL INTERIOR DESIGNER AND EDUCATOR
Learn directly from Sofiya Burnusuz, an international interior designer whose interior practice has completed more than 600 projects. Rather than just teaching theory, Sofiya offers personalised and step-by-step guidance drawn from years of real-world practice.
Our Mission
To give aspiring and developing interior designers practical experience of how professional projects work, from the first client conversation through design development, specification, budgeting and delivery.
Our Vision
To create a practical learning environment where students build creative ability alongside the confidence, judgement and professional understanding needed to enter the industry or develop their own practice.
Learn Through Real Projects
Unlock your creative potential with our Interior Design Master Course. Dive into 8 hands-on modules and learn how to transform interior spaces.
ALDGATE FLAT
Explore a luxury residential project step by step, developing your design decisions and learning through expert critique.
CURZON STREET
Follow a commercial workplace project, balancing client requirements, design aesthetics, functionality and budget.
PADEL ZONE
Discover how to design a public-facing leisure venue that combines practical planning, strong branding and an appealing visitor and cafe experience.
LAUNCH DATE: 1st OCTOBER 2026
Foundation program
Transform your passion into a profession. Master the fundamentals of interior design and build an accredited portfolio.
EXPLORE PROGRAMME →Advanced Program
Design degree in hand? Now gain real clients, real network, real experience.
EXPLORE PROGRAMME →Choosing Your Starting Route
Foundation Route
For career changers, complete beginners and aspiring designers looking for a structured introduction to professional interior design.
Previous experience: No professional interior design experience is required.
Drawing and software: Previous professional software experience is not essential. You will learn basic scaled-drawing and visual-presentation methods during the programme.
Guidance: Receive demonstrations, templates, prompts and step-by-step support as you develop your understanding.
Project work: Work through a smaller residential project with technical, costing and presentation requirements suited to your level.
Best if you want to: Build strong foundations, understand the full design process and grow your confidence through guided practice.
Advanced/Studio Route
For interior design students, graduates and junior designers who already understand the fundamentals of design.
Previous experience: You should have existing design knowledge and be ready to work with greater independence.
Drawing and software: You should be confident producing scaled drawings and visual presentations using AutoCAD or an equivalent design tool.
Guidance: Work with fewer prompts and receive more challenging critique focused on professional judgement and design development.
Project work: Take on a larger, more complex residential project requiring greater detail, specification and professional presentation.
Best if you want to: Strengthen your judgement, refine your existing skills and experience a more demanding studio environment.
Choose Your Level of Support
| Programme Level | Monthly Fee | Six-month Total | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
Studio Membership |
£300 / MO |
£1,800 6 MONTHS | Full six-phase programme, weekly live studio sessions, Skool learning hub and community, project work, feedback and Certificate of Completion. |
Professional Mentorship |
£595 / MO |
£3,570 6 MONTHS | Everything in Studio Membership, plus fortnightly one-to-one mentoring, portfolio reviews and individual career guidance. |
Elite Studio |
£995 / MO |
£5,970 6 MONTHS | Everything in Professional Mentorship, plus priority feedback, private critiques, business coaching and live project insights with Sofiya. |
Studio Membership
Professional Mentorship
Elite Studio
Foundation and Advanced/Studio are starting routes based on your existing knowledge and experience. The three programme levels above determine the amount of individual support, feedback and mentoring you receive.
Fees are shown per month for the approximately six-month programme. Payment terms, availability and any applicable taxes will be confirmed before enrolment.
FAQ's
Frequently Asked Question
Who is the Academy for?
Career changers, aspiring designers, students, graduates and emerging designers, depending on the selected route.
How long is the programme?
Approximately six months, delivered through six connected phases.
Where does learning take place?
Online through the Skool learning hub, supported by planned live studio sessions, project work and critique.
Do I need AutoCAD experience?
Not for Foundation. Advanced/Studio students should already be confident producing scaled drawings and visual presentations using AutoCAD or an equivalent tool.
What commitment is expected?
Students must participate actively, complete project work, present their ideas and respond constructively to feedback.
Will I receive a certificate?
Successful participants receive a SOFIYA DESIGNS ACADEMY Certificate of Completion. It is not a formally accredited qualification.