Ayat was drawn to Edinburgh because of its charm and in particular ECA due to its strong Interior Design programme. 

Since graduating, Ayat has returned home to Saudi Arabia and continues to pursue Interior design whilst also leading historical tours round his city.

Why ECA?

A handful of years ago, I decided to pursue my passion in interior design and dive into studying for a master's degree, taking a bold leap in life. Aiming to strengthen my ability in creativity, originality, and in various aspects of the field. I chose to study my master’s degree at ECA due to its prestigious ranking, excellent reputation, and robust MA programme it provides. 

One of the remarkable things about the programme is the opportunities it offers to engage with professionals in diverse art and design disciplines, both within and beyond the college. Through participation in exhibitions and workshops, I was able to demonstrate my research abilities and achieve my educational objective.

Tell us about your time at ECA

Being at Edinburgh College of Art, right in the charming city of Edinburgh, felt like stepping into a magical fairytale. Each day, as I made my way to ECA, I was consistently captivated by its enchanting surroundings. Sitting in the studio, adjacent to the window overlooking the castle, I experienced moments of deep contemplation and inspiration. My time at ECA has been a journey filled with learning, overcoming challenges, personal growth, and accomplishments. 

Throughout the duration of the year, I engaged in both individual and collaborative projects. In my individual projects, I endeavoured to convey my interpretation of the interior and what lies beyond it. As the journey progressed, I formed my own definition, stemming from my evolution as an interiorist. In collaborative projects, I was involved in exhibition projects aimed at effectively disseminating our work and communicating it to diverse audiences in London and Edinburgh. These projects were enriched through workshops and lectures conducted by professionals from inside and outside ECA. I would also highlight the continuous critical reflections and reviews I shared on my design work and my peers' work throughout the year. This approach has greatly influenced the development of my awareness as an interior designer and fostering receptiveness to diverse design perspectives. 

If I could start my master’s at ECA again, I would undoubtedly approach it with the same level of enthusiasm and dedication. I would also strive to seek out more learning opportunities beyond the confines of studios. Additionally, I would focus on more activities and events in the field in Scotland and around the UK to expand my professional networking and connections. At the same time, I would make sure to achieve a healthier work-life balance and take the advantage of the opportunity to explore different parts of the UK.

Tell us about your experiences since graduating

I spent more than a year in Edinburgh, and when it was time to leave, I felt a mix of emotions. I was filled with enthusiasm for the future, but at the same time, a tinge of nostalgia washed over me as I reminisced about memories and experiences I had during my time there. 

My experience since graduation has been quite eventful. I have been diving into new adventures and exploring various career paths, meeting new people, and learning new exciting and challenging things. My time in Edinburgh and ECA have been incredibly valuable in shaping my professional journey. 

In addition to my work as an interior designer, I have also ventured into the realm of materials. In this role, I bridge the gap between artisans and designers, ensuring that exquisite materials find their way into stunning interior spaces. Another venture that has expanded my horizons and provided me with the opportunity to meet people from diverse cultures is leading excursions in historical sites in my city. As a Saudi designer, I hold a profound appreciation for the rich culture and history of my country. In my role, I strive to offer visitors contextual insights into local art, architecture, culture, and history, aiming to reflect the cultural identity through immersive experiences at historical sites. By combining my design expertise with storytelling and education, I aim to create memorable experiences that showcase the richness of our heritage. 

After completing the programme and entering the career world, you will realise just how vast and dynamic the field of interior design is with a multitude of career prospects. There are so many different paths to explore in this exciting and creative industry.

Alumni wisdom

For students starting in September, my advice would be to embrace every opportunity to learn and grow. Be adventurous, curious, and open-minded to explore different design concepts and techniques. Additionally, make use of resources such as ECA library, workshops, and industry events to expand your knowledge and network. Try to write down your thoughts and reflections on a daily basis and relate them to theories and practice. Lastly, enjoy the master’s year and have fun expressing your creativity! Life after graduation is just the beginning of your professional journey. My advice to you is to stay passionate and never stop learning. Interior design is an ever-evolving field therefore, it is important to attend workshops, refine your skills, and stay in the loop with the latest design trends, theories, technologies and materials. Additionally, attend industry events and join associations to expand your networking for potential career opportunities and collaborations.