Three successful iscd grads: Where are they now?

Sponsored by iscd (International School of Colour and Design)

If you’re looking to become an interior designer, there’s no denying that the International School of Colour and Design (iscd) is one of Australia’s pre-eminent places to study. From colour theory to technical skills (including AutoCAD and Sketch Up), and exposure to industry professionals, its Diploma in Interior Design (MSF50218), offers everything you need to launch your career.

But rather than get into the nitty gritty of course specifics, we thought it would be much more interesting to catch up with some successful iscd alumni to see how the experience prepared them for their careers in design.

From working for one of Australia’s most celebrated interior designers to running one of Instagram’s favourite (and always booked out) holiday houses, to changing careers from the Air Force to design, these alumni prove there are many ways an iscd qualification can help you create your dream job.

Caine Hodder
With a background in finance and logistics for the Royal Australian Defence Force, Caine Hodder is an unlikely interior designer. “I had always had an interest in design and followed design pages and magazines,” says Caine who has completed three courses with iscd including the Certificate IV in Design (CUV40311), Industry Diploma of Interior Styling and Industry Diploma of Colour Design.

“My experience at iscd left me feeling confident and well equipped to move into the industry,” says Caine who believes the qualifications were pivotal in securing initial employment. “Having trained through iscd was definitely an advantage in applying for jobs. It’s highly regarded in the design industry.”

Since graduating, Caine has assisted Crystal Bailey & Co on activewear queen Lorna Jane Clarkson’s Byron Bay beach house, and recently started his own company, Caine Anthony Design. He offers design and colour solutions, for clients wanting to update their homes, as well as property styling for sale and Airbnb renovations. “One career highlight was when my Bondi bachelor pad project was featured on Interiors Addict earlier this year,” says Caine.

Caine's Bondi bachelor pad project — Caine’s Bondi bachelor pad project

Lisa Dingelmaier
Long-time readers may remember the talented Lisa Dingelmaier. She was the recipient of an Interiors Addict/iscd scholarship some years ago – a win that gave her invaluable exposure to the industry and ultimately a job with Greg Natale, one of the judges.

Kicking off with a styling course at iscd, Lisa then completed interior design studies (via a partial scholarship) while working for Greg on a part-time basis. She now works full-time for the high end Sydney designer. “My time at iscd definitely prepared me for the industry. We worked on real-life briefs, from start to finish, and the experience was very practical,” says Lisa who has enjoyed an exciting career since graduating.

“As for career highlights, we brought out a book last year and I worked on that for a few years which was really exciting. We’re also opening a store in Potts Point which I’ve been a big part of. I’ve also been lucky enough to meet loads of well-known designers and obviously the projects I get to work on are amazing!”

You can get a video glimpse into a day in the life of Lisa here.

Simone Mathews
Simone Mathews’ design career evolved in reverse – she worked in real estate and the building industry before undertaking design studies at iscd to consolidate her skill set. “You could say I started the opposite way around. I learnt on the job and then studied to further develop my skills and knowledge,” says Simone who found being taught by industry professionals was an invaluable experience.

“What I love about my iscd qualifications is that I was not just textbook ready, I was industry ready. I left with my business systems set up, procedures in place, and a database of suppliers and materials. Without iscd I wouldn’t have had the confidence to launch straight into my career as a designer,” says Simone who completed a Certificate IV in Interior Decoration (MSF40113) before moving onto the Diploma of Interior Design and Decoration (MSF50213), juggling her studies around work and family life.

Her studies ultimately culminated in the establishment of her boutique accommodation business, SOUL of Gerringong. The property has been the subject of much design buzz and has featured in QANTAS magazine and on the cover of Country Style.

“My goal with SOUL was to create a place that I could share with everyone. So, each and every time guests tell me that they love being in the space, that is success to me. And of course, seeing SOUL on the front cover of Country Style magazine and featured by QANTAS was a huge moment for me personally,” says Simone.