A passion sparked during her family’s home build has helped Hawkesbury’s Isabelle Roberts launch a promising career in interior design, with the 23-year-old recently recognised for individual excellence at the Interior Fitout Association (IFA) NSW Division Apprentice and Design Awards.
The TAFE NSW Kingswood graduate received the award at the event’s 25th anniversary celebration, where industry leaders, employers and emerging designers gathered to recognise outstanding achievements. The recognition also led directly to her first industry role with local company Dixon and Swanson Shopfitters.
While the award marked a major milestone, Roberts said breaking into the industry after graduating was her biggest challenge. “
I think the biggest challenge I’ve overcome has been breaking into the interior design industry,” she said to the Hills to Hawkesbury Community News.
“As a graduate, it can be difficult to know where to start or how to get your foot in the door.”
Rather than waiting for opportunities, Roberts said she immersed herself in everything TAFE NSW had to offer, attended industry events and sought advice from experienced designers.
“Those experiences helped me build my confidence, develop my skills and create valuable industry connections, which ultimately led me to my role at Dixon and Swanson Shopfitters,” she said.
“Looking back, I’ve learnt that staying curious, putting yourself out there and being willing to keep learning can make all the difference.”
Her journey into design began while watching her parents build the family’s home, although she said it wasn’t one defining moment that inspired her career.
“My parents kept me involved throughout the entire process of building our family home,” Roberts said.
“My sister could see how invested I was in our home build and suggested I look into interior design instead. It was the first time I’d really considered it as a career, and I could genuinely picture myself doing something I loved every day.”
Although she grew up in The Hills, Roberts said years spent working in the Hawkesbury have shaped her appreciation for the area’s heritage.
“The heritage buildings throughout towns like Windsor and Richmond have always caught my attention,” she said.
“I really appreciate their history and character, and I love seeing how their interiors can evolve while still preserving what makes them special.”
Now working in commercial fitout, Roberts said she has discovered just how technical and collaborative the profession is.
“The biggest surprise has been just how technical the industry really is,” she said.
Looking ahead, she hopes to use design to improve everyday lives through projects in education, healthcare and affordable housing.
“If I can look back on my career knowing I’ve helped make people’s everyday lives a little better through design, I’d consider that a success,” she said.
TAFE NSW Design Head Teacher Mike McPherson said Isabelle’s award reflected her determination and the quality of her work, adding that industry partnerships help students build job-ready skills and connect with employers.
IFA NSW President Chris Hookham said the awards showcased emerging talent and created pathways into the workforce
