The Sydney Design School Experience
Learn in a studio culture built on creativity, collaboration and genuine support, and start creating from day one: working on real briefs and mastering the same tools used across the industry.
We don’t try to be everything
Sydney Design School is one of a kind. We don’t try to be everything to everyone, we specialise in interior design, interior decoration and styling. That focus keeps us at the cutting edge of best practice, international trends and software developments.
Every educator, every project and every hour of the curriculum is dedicated to this industry alone. It’s why our qualifications are recognised and our graduates are sought after.
It’s a place where everybody
knows your name
We’re a boutique school, and we treat every student as an individual, with personal support that nurtures you and classmates who become collaborators, critics and lifelong friends. Whatever mode of study you choose, you’ll always feel like you matter to us.
You’ll be guided by Educators who teach with real passion for the design world. It’s a nurturing space to build genuine confidence, make like-minded friends, and find your own path as a designer.
We’re not just another design school – we’re SDS and we love to connect
A custom built
creative campus
Our light filled studios span two levels in the middle of North Sydney’s vibrant hospitality hub. You’ll enjoy easy access with the Victoria Cross metro station right next door and space to relax in our rooftop breakout space or the landscaped garden opposite our campus.
Need to learn from home? We’ve got you covered with real time virtual studio classes and our completely flexible self-paced learning options.
It starts with
the basics
Our career courses start with the foundations of design, drawing, colour and space, the part too many courses skip.
You’ll learn hands-on, from experienced practising Designers and Architects who meet you where you are and build your confidence and skills from the ground up.
From there, we introduce more challenging ideas when you’re ready: conceptual design, client briefs, live critiques and the latest industry software. It’s our tried and tested way of developing award-winning student work. We take you step by step, to a professional standard.
Real networking, real connections
Design is a hands-on, people-powered industry, so we bring it into our studios and we take you out to meet it in person. Expect showroom and site visits, visiting speakers and industry experts delivering live critiques, supplier lunch and learns, and an annual Design Day Out visiting Sydney’s top showrooms.
Every course is designed and written by industry for industry, so what you learn in the studio reflects the demands of our profession today.
Support that doesn’t stop at graduation
Careers coaching, from day one
A dedicated Careers Coach connects you with real job opportunities and internships while you study, backed by industry connections who know and want our graduates. Along the way, you will learn to craft a standout resume, hone your portfolio and walk into an interview with confidence.
A thriving Alumni community
Thousands of students have been through the SDS experience, and they stay close, returning to speak, inspire and employ our graduates. We get together for drinks to celebrate their wins: the first job, magazine feature, industry award, because that is what it means to support each other.
“I love the connection of the teachers to industry. I loved that hands on, real life experience that they brought. That was really appealing for me.”
Josie Simpson, Diploma of Interior Design, Altus Design Studio
Frequently asked questions
What makes the Sydney Design School experience different?
A hands-on, practical approach, Educators hand picked from industry, small nurturing studios, and one-on-one careers coaching from day one, backed by real access to the design industry itself.
Do I need experience or a portfolio to start?
No ATAR, no experience and no portfolio required to enrol. Every course begins with the fundamentals: drawing, painting, colour theory and spatial awareness, before building toward advanced, industry ready skills.
Are Sydney Design School's career courses nationally accredited?
Yes. Sydney Design School is a Registered Training Organisation, RTO 91446, and our career courses, including the Certificate IV in Interior Decoration, Certificate IV in Design, Diploma and Advanced Diploma of Interior Design, are all nationally accredited qualifications, also recognised by the Design Institute of Australia.
What if I can't study on campus?
No problem. You can join live virtual studio classes or study self-paced online through our partner, Interior Design Online, both leading to the same accredited qualification as studying in our North Sydney studios.
What's the difference between studying at SDS and studying at university?
SDS is hands-on and industry-led from day one, taught by practising Designers and Architects through real client style briefs, with no ATAR required to enrol. A university degree tends to be longer and more theory-based. Many of our graduates use their Diploma or Advanced Diploma as a head start too, with direct entry into UNSW Sydney’s Bachelor of Interior Architecture, saving up to 12 to 18 months of study.
What happens after I graduate?
You leave with a professional portfolio ready to show employers, clients or design awards. Your Careers Coach keeps supporting you for six months afterwards, and you join a global alumni community across 35 countries who stay connected for life.
