From Design School student to Surf Coast studio founder

Bec Leijer | Founder + Interior Designer, Leÿer Design Studio

There are some graduate stories that feel especially close to our hearts - and Bec Leijer’s is one of them. 

From one of Design School’s earliest students to the founder of a thriving Surf Coast design studio, Bec’s story is a beautiful reminder that creative careers are not always perfectly planned. Sometimes they begin with a home, a course, a gut instinct and the decision to back yourself before you feel completely ready.

Quick Facts

🎓 Design School Graduate: Group 2, 2017 with Trainers Jenna Densten + Mel Heard
📍 Location: Torquay, Victoria 
♉︎   Star Sign: Taurus
🩵 Current Colour Obsession: Powder Blue
🖥️ Most-Used Design Tools: Pinterest + SketchUp
✨ Favourite Designer Right Now: Ruby Shields
🪑 Favourite Brand / Store: Objects for Thought
💭 Best Advice: “How will you know when you get there, if you don’t know where you are going?”

^{Bec’s Surf Coast home...}

Photography by Mindi Cooke

What an amazing couple of months we have had at Design School with such a talented group of guest speakers coming in to chat with our students.

Last month, our trainer Holly Miskimmin had the absolute pleasure of hosting Carlene Duffy for a conversation on colour, lighting and the lived-in art of interiors. Known for her layered and soulful approach, Carlene generously shared insights from her own projects and professional journey, offering our G31 learners (who were studying Module 8: Colour & Lighting), plus some of our recent grads, a masterclass in how to use colour and light with intention.

“It’s not colour people tire of - it’s high contrast!” 

Carlene opened with this gem, explaining that bold colour isn’t the problem, contrast is. When clients ask for “just neutrals”, she digs deeper. Neutrals can have depth and richness when layered tonally, with texture and materials doing the heavy lifting.

‘Commit, don’t dabble.’

Carlene’s advice: ...

^{Photography by Caroline McReddie}

Last week we had one of those rare and inspiring conversations where everything just clicked. ✨

We had the honour of welcoming Amanda Henderson, the founding Creative Director & visionary of Gloss Creative, for a special Guest Speaker session with our Group 30 learners & trainer, Melissa Rettore. 

As part of our Certificate IV in Interior Decoration (MSF40122) and our Short Course in Visual Merchandising, we aim to engage with and learn from our industry friends and professionals who are the true masters of their craft.

^{Celebrating the work of Nipa Doshi - Mecca x NGV Women in Design Commission 2025. Design by Gloss Creative. Photography by Annika Kafcaloudis}

In our chat with Amanda, we unpacked the art & science of storytelling through design & visual merchandising, and discussed how the true creative magic in concept development doesn’t just begin with mood boards or material samples.

It starts with words.

It's the ideas that then direct the ...