WEEK 1 SELF REFLECTION

WEEK 1:

INTRODUCTION & SELF REFLECTION

Firstly, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Katy, I am 43 years old and have 4 amazing kids, aged 12, 10, 8 and 4. We live in a small coastal town on the Bellarine Peninsula in Victoria and are lucky enough to live a short walk from the beach where we spend most of our summer days. We are surrounded by many family members and close friends who all live locally. We have a cat named Milo, a turtle named Timmy and two chickens, Pumpkin and Coco. Life is very full and busy.

You could say I began my interior design journey when we first moved to this gorgeous town. We bought our first block of land and built our first home on a very tight budget. My husband is an architect so he designed the home himself and I starting learning about the abundance of choices to be made internally, from colours, finishes, joinery and fixtures. 

We managed to sell that home a couple of years later and then the we seemed to go from one build to the next, flipping homes and refining our knowledge and skills along the way of what appeals to the wider market and what helps to sell a home. 

Finally in our 6th home now and settled, I realised I wanted to make a career out of this but lacked the formal training and industry knowledge. However, I also acknowldege the great advantage I have of having an architect husband who has connections in the industry and the many opportunities I've had to be the design "lead" on all our personal projects. 

I am already into year two of my studies so this subject initially felt like a backwards step for me and more of a ticking the box. 

However, this first week reflection has allowed me to see the growth I have already made in my skills since starting the course. I have produced 3D models and floor plans that I'm proud of and never thought I could do. 

My greatest challenges to date have been juggling my studies with the demands of family life. I can't afford to procrastinate as there are limited hours in the day to catch up. However, the kids being sick can certainly be a set back. 

It is so important I ask for help when I need it and use my time wisely. If I have a kid free day, I have to avoid distractions and focus. Sometimes it helps to have a simple do to list of the main tasks I need to complete that day. I can't afford to leave an assignment to the last minute so tackling it in small chunks each week is the best way to stay focussed and remain relatively stress free. 

Unfortunately, this trimester I am unable to attend the live classes as it clashes with school pick up time. This is the first subject where I haven't been able to attend live and I think that will be a challenge for me. The live classes have always kept me focussed and engaged, as being able to participate in dicusssions and feedback has made me stay up to date with my work. I have already let myself get behind with the recordings and I am playing catch up this week. Sometimes just starting is the hardest part. Doing some readings and posting in the discussion forum is a small step to help me get the ball rolling. 

My goal going forward is to always stay on track and don't get behind in the recordings.