There’s nothing quite like seeing our students take what they’ve learnt and put it into practice in the real world. Even better? Watching them come home with the win!
We’re incredibly proud to congratulate Laura Dabudyk, Nicole Whittred and Emma Lucy Solomon, who took out first place in the Ready, Set, DESIGN! Live Student Design Competition at Decor + Design 2026 in Melbourne.
Competing against other emerging interior designers, the team tackled a live design brief in front of industry judges, showcasing not only their creativity, but also their ability to collaborate, communicate ideas and think on their feet.
In short…
IDI Tutor Linda Bristric, Emma Lucy Solomon, Nicole Whittred Laura Dabudyk, and IDI Tutor Vicki Mullins at Decor + Design 2026.
One of the most impressive parts of the story is that Laura, Nicole and Emma had never met each other in person before arriving in Melbourne.
Despite studying online from different locations, they quickly found their rhythm. Throughout the competition, they bounced ideas off one another, played to each other’s strengths and developed a design solution that impressed the judges from start to finish.
Tutors Linda and Vicki said connecting with the students in person was one of the highlights of the event.
The judges were equally impressed by how naturally the students worked together.
They commented on the team’s exceptional collaboration and were surprised to learn the students hadn’t known each other beforehand. They also praised their thoughtful design process, strong response to the brief and confident oral presentation.
What really helped secure the win was the team’s design thinking. Their outward-facing furniture layout connected the space with its surrounding environment, an idea the judges noted the other teams hadn’t explored.
Combined with a polished presentation, it proved to be the winning formula.
Laura, Nicole and Emma working together on their design concept.
Creating a strong design concept was only part of the challenge. The students also needed to explain their decisions clearly and present their finished idea to the judging panel.
Laura, Nicole and Emma delivered a confident oral presentation that demonstrated the thought behind their layout and showed how carefully they had responded to the brief.
Their outward-facing furniture arrangement created a stronger connection between the interior and its surrounding environment. It was a considered move that gave their concept a clear point of difference and showed the judges they were thinking beyond the immediate boundaries of the space.
The combination of smart spatial planning, genuine teamwork and a strong final presentation helped bring the entire concept together.
The Ready, Set, DESIGN! Student Lounge at Decor + Design 2026, styled by Temple & Webster.
The Ready, Set, DESIGN! competition forms part of the annual Decor + Design Show, one of Australia's leading trade events for the interior design and furnishing industry.
Hosted in the Temple & Webster Student Lounge, the event gave students the opportunity to network with fellow designers, attend mentoring sessions with James Treble, hear from industry leaders including Dina Kalpouzos and Lucy Sutherland, and immerse themselves in Australia's vibrant design community.
One of the highlights of the weekend was meeting renowned Australian interior designer and television personality Darren Palmer. As the creator of our online video Masterseries, it was a special moment for Laura and Nicole to chat with Darren and capture a photo together during the event.
For our students, the experience was about far more than winning a competition. It was an opportunity to step beyond the classroom, connect with respected industry professionals, receive valuable feedback and put months of learning into practice in a real-world environment.
These experiences build confidence, create lasting industry connections and remind our students that interior design is about much more than creating beautiful spaces. It's about collaboration, communication, problem-solving and becoming part of a thriving design community.
Laura and Emma with renowned Australian interior designer Darren Palmer at Decor + Design 2026.
At The Interior Design Institute, we believe studying interior design should open doors to the industry, not just provide course content.
That’s why we actively seek opportunities for our students to participate in design events, live competitions, networking opportunities and industry experiences whenever we can.
Our Australian nationally accredited Diploma of Interior Design (MSF50222) combines flexible online study with practical projects, one-to-one tutor support and opportunities to engage with the wider design community.
Experiences like Decor + Design allow students to see what the industry looks like beyond graduation, while building confidence, professional connections and lasting memories along the way.
They also bring our online community together in person, giving students the chance to meet their tutors and classmates, exchange ideas and begin forming the networks that may support them throughout their design careers.
The team presenting their final concept to the Ready, Set, DESIGN! judging panel.
To Laura, Nicole and Emma, congratulations on an incredible achievement. You represented The Interior Design Institute with creativity, professionalism and genuine teamwork, and we couldn’t be prouder.
A huge thank you also goes to our tutors Vicki and Linda, who travelled to Melbourne to support the students throughout the event. Your encouragement, guidance and enthusiasm helped make the day one our students will remember for a long time.
We’d also like to thank Decor + Design, Temple & Webster, the judges and everyone involved in creating such a valuable platform for emerging Australian designers.
This win belongs to three talented students, but it also reflects something bigger: what can happen when practical learning, strong ideas and real industry opportunities come together.
We have a feeling this won’t be the last time we’re celebrating Laura, Nicole and Emma.
The judges and students celebrating an incredible first place finish at Decor + Design 2026.
Ready, Set, DESIGN! is a live student interior design competition held as part of the annual Decor + Design Show in Melbourne. Students work in teams to respond to a real design brief before presenting their ideas to industry judges.
Decor + Design is Australia's premier trade event for the interior design and furnishing industry. Each year it brings together designers, suppliers, educators, students and industry professionals through exhibitions, networking opportunities, workshops and live events.
The Ready, Set, DESIGN! Student Lounge at Decor + Design 2026 was proudly styled by Temple & Webster. It served as a hub for student competitions, mentoring sessions, industry presentations and networking throughout the event.
Yes. Our Australian Diploma of Interior Design (MSF50222) is a nationally recognised qualification designed to prepare students for careers in the interior design industry through flexible online study, practical projects and personalised tutor support.
Absolutely. We actively look for opportunities to connect our students with competitions, design exhibitions, networking events, workshops and other industry experiences whenever possible.
Not at all. Our winning team at Decor + Design 2026 had never met in person before arriving in Melbourne. Their success demonstrated how strong communication, collaboration and creative thinking can quickly bring a team together.
Our Australian Diploma of Interior Design is designed to help you turn your creativity and love of interiors into practical, career-ready skills.
You’ll study online, work through practical design projects and receive personalised feedback from experienced professional tutors. Along the way, you’ll build the technical knowledge, confidence and portfolio needed to begin shaping your future in interior design.
You’ll also become part of a supportive Australian design community, with opportunities to connect through student events, live competitions, workshops and wider industry experiences.
Whether you’re dreaming of joining a design studio, launching your own business or finally backing your creative instincts, the Diploma gives you the foundations to take that next step with confidence.
Download your free Course Guide and discover where your design journey could take you.
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