Graduate Spotlight: Tayla Manca’s RPL Journey from Certificate to Diploma

For Tayla Manca, becoming an interior designer was more than a career goal. It was something her younger self had already imagined years before she ever began studying design.

Now 22, Tayla is an Interior Designer, Colour Consultant Manager and the founder of Interior Idealist. Her journey has taken her from studying the Certificate in Interior Design, to progressing through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) into the nationally Accredited Diploma of Interior Design (MSF50222), all while gaining valuable experience working within the industry.

Her design philosophy is deeply personal. Inspired by surrealism, emotion and the idea of escapism, Tayla wants the spaces she creates to make people feel something.

We caught up with Tayla to talk about her journey from studying with us to working as an interior designer, developing Interior Idealist, being nominated for the Graduate of the Year Awards, and why she believes taking your time with your studies can lead to your strongest work.

Image Source: Graduated #IDIstudent Tayla Manca from @InteriorIdealist with her Diploma of Interior Design (MSF50222) certificate and her first completed project "Where Heart Meets History".

Meet IDI Graduate Tayla Manca

Who are you in a nutshell?

I’m Tayla Manca, 22 years old and now an Interior Designer, which still feels great to say! I’ve been working in the industry for almost five years as a Colour Consultant.

I would describe myself as a very goal-oriented person. When an idea comes to mind, I will do everything in my power to make it a reality. No idea feels unrealistic to me.

I’m a reflection of the people I surround myself with and I’m very particular about the life I want to live. After going through a life-changing diagnosis, and now thankfully being recovered, I don’t take life for granted. I’m constantly trying to be the best version of myself because there was once a time when I couldn’t do that.

What was your childhood dream job?

Interior Designer.

What inspired you to become an interior designer?

My 12-year-old self inspired me to follow my dreams. Not too long ago, I opened a letter I had written to myself on September 2, 2016. Ten years later, I realised I had written that I wanted to become an Interior Designer.

More than anything though, after my diagnosis with autoimmune encephalitis in 2020, I knew I wanted to begin studying and find a way to reconnect with my creativity.

If you weren’t a designer, what would you be doing?

A videographer. Funnily enough, that was something else I put in my ten-year letter to myself!

What three words would your friends use to describe you?

I would describe myself as bubbly, creative and goal-oriented, but I wanted to go straight to the source. One of my best friends described me as hardworking, courageous and selfless.

What’s your secret talent or hidden skill?

It’s not so much a secret talent, but I’ve loved sketching since I was a kid and still enjoy it as a hobby. When you have a creative job, it can sometimes be hard to separate creativity as work from creativity as an outlet, but ultimately I think that’s a good thing. I love my job!

Image Source: Graduated #IDIstudent Tayla Manca from @InteriorIdealist.

Life & Work as an Interior Designer

What does a typical day in your life look like?

Over the last four and a half years, I’ve worked as a Colour Consultant, assisting clients in selecting the external and internal finishes throughout their homes.

Now I work as a Colour Consultant Manager, so my role has changed slightly. I have the privilege of working on a few custom homes while continuing to build my construction knowledge and helping to develop a strong, beautiful and informed team.

How would you describe your design style?

Escapist, narrative-driven and intentional.

My work is inspired by the art of surrealism and deeply rooted in emotion. My goal is for people to truly feel something as soon as they enter a room.

Where do you go, or what do you do, to spark creative inspiration?

When I’m working with a client, I first like to get to know them as a person. I connect with their hobbies, what they lean towards as an outlet or escape, their favourite colours and the concepts they naturally gravitate towards within a home.

That becomes the starting point for creating something that feels deeply personal to them.

Do you follow design trends or do your own thing?

I like to do my own thing. Maybe call it a complex, but I love creating things that feel different or haven’t been done before!

Especially when a client gives me creative freedom, or when I’m working on a project for fun, I tend to lean towards colours and materials that evoke strong feelings and reflect personality.

Are there recurring themes or signature elements in your work?

The main concept behind any project I do is the idea of escapism, creating a space that someone can truly escape to.

Because of that, a big part of my creative process happens before I even begin designing. I always take the time to understand my client as a person, their lifestyle, personality and what makes them feel most at home, so I can create a space that genuinely connects with them.

Tell us about your own creative workspace.

I recently created a little workspace for myself in the guest bedroom of my home. I created a storage system for all my samples and kept my desk quite minimal, although I do have a Dalí book sitting there as a reminder of the surrealism I want to communicate through my work.

That room is actually quite significant to my interior design journey. It was once a space that held a lot of difficult memories because it was where I spent much of my time while experiencing autoimmune encephalitis.

To now use that same space as somewhere I create, design and build my career feels incredibly meaningful.

Image Source: Graduated #IDIstudent Tayla Manca from @InteriorIdealist.

What’s currently on your professional wish list?

I’d love the opportunity to work on more commercial interior design projects, continue growing Interior Idealist, collaborate with brands I genuinely love and take on larger-scale projects that allow me to keep developing creatively.

I’d also love to see more of my work published or featured, continue strengthening my 3D visualisation skills and eventually work on some of those dream spaces I’ve always imagined designing.

Maybe even a few pieces of custom decor by Interior Idealist. This may already be in the works…

How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance?

I’m not going to lie, it is hard and I’m still learning.

Creativity is my escape and I’ve turned it into my job, so sometimes I get carried away and work on overdrive. I have to remind myself to live a little and make sure I take a break.

I try to create a routine around that. After work I’ll go to Pilates a few times a week and spend time with the people I love. For me, that’s the best way to find balance.

What makes you happiest in your work?

The process of helping someone discover their style and helping people feel confident in the space they’re creating.

I love educating people throughout the process so they genuinely understand why we are making certain design choices. And, of course, I love seeing the finished result. It’s so rewarding.

What have been your biggest “pinch me” moments so far?

This year in itself has probably been one of the biggest pinch-me moments.

The recognition from my first project, Where Heart Meets History, was incredibly special. Nood Co and SketchUp Australia both reached out and featured my first ever project as an Interior Designer in separate articles.

That was one of the coolest and most rewarding feelings, especially because it was something I had put on my dream board for 2026.

Beginning the year in a new role as Colour Consultant Manager was another huge moment. After working for almost five years as a Colour Consultant, I now have such a lovely team that I’m fortunate to lead.

To be able to do this at 22, after everything I went through at 16, having to stop school, then thankfully being able to study online and work at the same time, makes me incredibly proud.

If you could collaborate with anyone in the design world, who would it be?

This question actually made me stop and think about who I would genuinely want to collaborate with.

After looking further into Ilse Crawford and the concept behind her work, I realised how closely her approach aligns with Interior Idealist, particularly her focus on how a space makes someone feel.

But if I could choose absolutely anyone, I can’t help but lean towards a design publication such as The Local Project or Vogue Living. To have my work recognised, featured or creatively collaborate with either of them would be an absolute dream.

Tayla’s Graduate of the Year Awards Experience

Your tutor, Wendi, nominated you for the Graduate of the Year Awards. What did that mean to you?

When I found out I had been nominated, I was so grateful.

It felt incredibly rewarding knowing that Wendi believed in me too, and it made me want to give the submission everything I had.

What was the GOTYA submission process like?

It was pretty straightforward, and Wendi made sure she was there whenever I had questions. She also gave me constructive feedback throughout the process, which I really appreciated.

How did you approach selecting your three submission projects?

I chose Where Heart Meets History, Organic Modern Office and Contemporary Industrial.

I knew I wanted one board showcasing a residential project and another showing a commercial project. Thankfully, later in 2025 I had also completed a bathroom renovation project, so the submission showcased the many areas of design I can carry out.

That was something I really wanted to communicate, along with all three boards portraying very different styles while sharing the same attention to detail when it came to finishes, fixtures and equipment.

Image Source: GOTYA Presentations by Graduated #IDIstudent Tayla Manca from @InteriorIdealist.

Was there one project you felt particularly connected to?

Yes, the Organic Modern Office.

Although we couldn’t show our brand on the board, the colours, marble, custom furniture and especially the interactive “Escape to an Idealistic Reality to Find Your Interior Style” room connected so deeply with Interior Idealist.

I now even have a “Find Your Style” quiz on my website!

Image Source: Graduated #IDIstudent Tayla Manca from @InteriorIdealist.

Did preparing your GOTYA submission push you outside your comfort zone?

100%, but in the best way.

I wanted to put my best foot forward and knew that having a stronger, more realistic way to showcase my concepts through 3D modelling was key.

I took it upon myself to invest my time and money in learning Enscape, and I’m pretty happy with the end result.

What was learning Enscape like?

It was a very time-consuming process, but I wouldn’t have been happy with myself if I didn’t invest the time into perfecting the skill.

I worked on it almost every night leading up to the due date.

How have your SketchUp and visualisation skills evolved since then?

I’ve definitely been able to put together models more efficiently and with more confidence. Practice really does help!

I recently refined a 3D model I had completed for a new build with Lily Homes, where I currently work. I wanted to make the model look as realistic as possible and was so happy with how it turned out.

What was your biggest takeaway from the GOTYA experience?

Probably the fact that I came out of the experience with three boards that I knew I had put so much time and effort into.

I also gained additional presentation and modelling skills, and it reminded me that being nominated was an achievement in itself and something I should be proud of.

What advice would you give another IDI graduate hoping to be nominated?

Never take shortcuts.

Of course you want to make sure you have the correct information, but also spend time on how you present your work. This is a creative career path, so those minor details matter too.

And have fun with it. Don’t rush to the finish line. Enjoy the journey and you’ll realise that often leads you to your best work.

Image Source: GOTYA Presentation by Graduated #IDIstudent Tayla Manca from @InteriorIdealist.

From the Certificate to the Diploma Through RPL

Why did you originally choose to study with The Interior Design Institute?

IDI was actually recommended by my dad, who had been speaking with an Interior Designer he works with in the industry.

At the time, I was recovering after suffering from Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis at 16 and had made the decision that I wanted to begin studying.

With IDI, I was able to study gradually without fixed deadlines, which was ideal for me at the time while I was still slowly healing.

You started with the Certificate before progressing to the Diploma. What led you to take that next step?

By the time I completed my Certificate, I knew I wanted something nationally recognised and I had the ambition to keep going.

I completed the Certificate at the end of 2023 and started the Diploma in January 2024. There was no messing around from me!

How did your confidence change between the Certificate and Diploma?

My skills and confidence changed massively.

The Certificate was all about learning, and by the time I started the Diploma I already had much more confidence and was sharing my progress through my interior design page.

Were there particular modules that had a lasting impact?

Module 4, for sure. Spatial planning, floor planning, all of it was incredibly helpful and continues to benefit me when I’m working with plans day to day.

The modules that introduced me to design software were so valuable and gave me practical skills that I still use every day.

What was your favourite part of studying with IDI?

The flexibility.

Being able to start working in the industry full-time and come home and study meant I could gain almost five years of real industry experience while completing my Certificate and then my Diploma.

How did your tutor support you throughout your studies?

Throughout the course, Wendi helped me when I needed it most, especially when it came to feedback after completing assignments.

I really made sure to carry that feedback forward into my future work.

How has completing the Diploma impacted your career?

It has given me so much knowledge and confidence in my career.

Because I started working so young, I had to begin from the bottom. Having already started the Certificate gave me that extra boost of confidence I needed at the time and has benefited me immensely in the long run.

Knowing how to use design software such as SketchUp in detail has also allowed me to offer 3D modelling to clients when they are struggling to visualise a space. I now offer that as a specific service after spending the last couple of years developing those skills.

What would you say to someone considering starting with the Certificate before progressing to the Diploma?

I would absolutely recommend going through this route.

The Certificate gives you the chance to start with the basics. Then, by the time you progress into the Diploma, you already have that knowledge and confidence behind you.

For example, I spent the Certificate really developing my spatial planning, concepts and the important details of floor planning. By the time I reached the Diploma, I felt ready to take the next step and develop skills such as SketchUp.

What advice would you give new IDI students?

Have fun with it. This is such an exciting and creative career.

Take your time with what you do so that you’re proud of the work you put out there. Many of these projects may eventually become part of your portfolio, so the effort you put in really does matter.

And utilise your tutors whenever you need them. They’re always there to help you.

Image Source: Graduated #IDIstudent Tayla Manca from @InteriorIdealist.

Rapid Fire Favourites

Favourite pastime or hobby:

Sketching, painting and art in general.

Favourite colour and why?

I love green, especially through plants. I think it’s understandably one of the best ways to bring the outdoors in.

I’ve also been drawn to Burnt Sienna, especially when paired with green. That combination formed the main palette for my Organic Modern Office submission board, which was also one of my final projects with IDI.

Favourite quote or mantra:

“One day you will tell your story of how you overcame what you went through and it will be someone else’s survival guide.”

“If someone else has done it, it is proof that it is possible.”

Favourite book, magazine, podcast or show:

Magazine: The Local Project
Podcast: Behind the Design
YouTube: Architectural Digest, especially its designer challenge videos.

Favourite Instagram accounts to follow:

Favourite brand, supplier or design software:

Brand: Nood Co concrete basins
Design software: SketchUp and Enscape

Favourite artist or interior designer:

Salvador Dalí for surrealism and the feeling I want to communicate through my work.

Kelly Wearstler for her materiality and uniqueness of style.

Ilse Crawford for centring her work around human emotion and connection.

Dream city or location to design in:

Italy. A dream!

Describe your work in three words:

Narrative-driven. Intentional. Escapist.

What’s Next for Interior Idealist?

What exciting projects are you working on right now?

Zen Residence, a Sydney-based Japandi-inspired new home build.

Freddy Hill Farm, based in Nareen, Victoria, which is a renovation focused on preserving the farmhouse feel of the property.

Image Source: Zen Residence by Graduated #IDIstudent Tayla Manca from @InteriorIdealist.

What’s your next big goal in design or business?

To really begin building a client base of my own through Interior Idealist.

Even though I work Monday to Friday as a Colour Consultant, I hope all the work I put into my interior design business after hours will pay off.

I dream of having my work featured in magazines for its unique and bold design choices. I don’t mind if my style isn’t always the ordinary option. I want to be known for my uniqueness.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Well travelled, starting my own life with my person and smashing out the career goals I’ve set for myself. Most importantly, I see myself being proud of where I’m at.

Connect with Tayla

Instagram: @InteriorIdealist

Website: interioridealist.com.au

Email: tayla@interioridealist.com.au

LinkedIn: Tayla Manca

TikTok: Interior.Idealist

Image Source: Graduated #IDIstudent Tayla Manca from @InteriorIdealist.

Ready to Start Your Own Interior Design Journey?

Tayla’s journey shows that there’s no need to have your entire career mapped out before you begin. Starting with our Certificate course gave her the opportunity to explore interior design and build a strong foundation, before progressing to the accredited Diploma through our RPL pathway.

It was during the Diploma that Tayla really grew in confidence, gained valuable industry experience and began turning her passion for design into a professional career.

Today, those foundations are supporting her work as a Colour Consultant Manager, Interior Designer and founder of Interior Idealist.

If you’re ready to start developing your own design skills, explore our online interior design course and discover a flexible pathway that allows you to learn at your own pace while building practical skills for the industry.

If you have questions about our courses or the pathway from the Certificate to the Diploma, send us an email or contact us on our socials. We’d love to hear from you!