Starting a career in Interior Design featuring alumna Morgan Reid

Now a Senior Interior Designer at Alexandra Kidd Interior Design, where she works on luxury residential projects, Morgan’s path to success began with her studies at Billy Blue. Her story shows that with the right foundation, dedication and hard work, a career in interior design can lead to incredible opportunities.

Where the journey began

For Morgan, interior design was always about more than aesthetics – it was about creating spaces that worked for people in every way.

Morgan’s interest in interior design was sparked by a lifelong curiosity about how spaces impact emotions and experiences. Growing up, she was always rearranging rooms, had an eye for details and could think how a space could feel rather than just look. This natural inclination led her to pursue a career where her creativity could make a meaningful impact on the world around her.

A strong foundation

Morgan’s time at Billy Blue College of Design played a pivotal role in shaping her career as an Interior Designer. The strong industry focus and hands-on approach were invaluable, setting her up for success in the professional world.

“The small class sizes and collaborative environment allowed me to thrive,” she says. “And the real-world briefs made the transition into my professional life feel intuitive.”

What Morgan found most impactful was how her studies in the Bachelor of Interior Design (Residential) encouraged her to think holistically about design.

“Interior design isn’t just about selecting finishes or curating mood boards – it’s about balancing aesthetics with function, budget, and the client’s lifestyle,” she explains.

The key skills Morgan honed during her studies, particularly in detailed drawing and documentation, provided her with the confidence to transition seamlessly into her career.

As she puts it, "On a technical level, mastering detailed drawings and documentation was crucial – it gave me the confidence to step straight into work and communicate my ideas clearly.”

These technical abilities have allowed her to approach each project with the precision and attention to detail that are essential in the interior design industry.

Transitioning from student to interior design professional

The transition from student to professional wasn’t without its challenges. One of the biggest struggles for Morgan was balancing creativity with the application of the theory of the business side of interior design.

“Understanding how projects actually run — managing fees, budgets and client relationships was something I had to learn on the job,” she explains.

To navigate these challenges, Morgan grabbed every opportunity and constantly sought out guidance from mentors and colleagues.

“I said yes to every opportunity, asked endless questions, and learned everything I could,” she explains. “There’s no better teacher than experience, and I am still learning every day.”

Specialising in high-end residential design

Morgan always felt passionate about residential interior design, being particularly drawn to creating homes that are personal, meaningful and beautifully resolved. As her career has evolved, her love for high-end residential design has only grown.

Morgan appreciates how the smallest details, when combined thoughtfully, can shape the feel and function of a space.

“It’s all about creating spaces that not only look good but enhance how people live,” she says.

A recent example of Morgan’s work is the Lavender Bay home by Alexandra Kidd Interior Design, on which she was the lead interior designer—and recently featured in The Local Project.

'Lavender Bay' project

The value of collaboration

As a Senior Interior Designer working on high-profile projects, collaboration has become one of Morgan’s most important lessons.

“No project is done in isolation. It’s about working closely with architects, builders, fabricators and, most importantly, the client,” she says.

Morgan believes that the best results happen when all the moving parts of a project come together. She’s learned that attention to detail can make all the difference in how a space feels and functions.

“Precision and thoughtfulness in design are crucial,” she says.

'Lavender Bay' project

Pushing boundaries in interior design

Looking to the future, Morgan is excited to continue exploring how luxury and sustainability can coexist in interior design. She’s passionate about circular design and reimagining materials to minimise waste while still maintaining high-quality, luxury aesthetics.

For Morgan, pushing the boundaries of sustainability in interior design is not just a trend – it's the future of the industry.

“Innovation in this space is evolving rapidly, and I want to be part of the shift towards a more sustainable future in interiors,” she says.

Advice for aspiring interior designers

Morgan’s advice for students and young professionals in the field?

“Stay endlessly curious and open to feedback – it’s how you grow.”

She also encourages aspiring designers to take the time to understand materials, construction methods, and user experience.

“Knowing why you make design choices will set you apart,” she adds.

For anyone looking to succeed in interior design, Morgan emphasises the importance of building strong relationships within the industry.

“This industry is as much about connections as it is about creativity,” she says. “Be patient. Design is a lifelong craft, and every project, big or small, is a chance to refine your skills.”

Morgan Reid’s story is one of hard work, perseverance and passion for design. Her journey from a student to a senior interior designer on high-end projects demonstrates that, with the right foundation, the possibilities in interior design are endless.