The interior design course press launch marks a pivotal moment for me professionally, and personally. On Monday, we hosted our very first press event at The Peninsula London, a beautiful setting that felt entirely fitting for the occasion. It was a celebration of everything we’ve been quietly working on for months, and a powerful reminder that even when you step outside your comfort zone, wonderful things can happen.
After an early morning of glam at my house, I jumped into a taxi and went to Mouawad who kindly lent me the stunning flowers of eternity sapphire and diamond ring and matching earrings for the special day.
I then arrived to the private room we hired early to help with the setup, quietly soaking in the atmosphere before the buzz began.
THE CREATIVE DETAILS: DESIGNING AN EVENT THAT REFLECTS THE COURSE
Every element of the interior design course press launch event was designed with the same attention to detail that runs through the course itself.
It was important that the space reflected the core values of Sophie Paterson Interiors: timeless elegance and considered design. We dressed the room with elegant florals from John Carter Flowers. The room had a lovely terrace attached that overlooked all the major landmarks of London, we couldn’t have picked a better day for it as the sun was shining.
INSIDE THE CONVERSATION: CANDID MOMENTS FROM THE LAUNCH
One of the most surreal parts of hosting the press launch at The Peninsula was stepping into the spotlight and being asked questions about the course. I’ll admit, I had a few butterflies before the guests arrived. Speaking to the press in a real-life event and all together in one single room was a new experience for me, but one I genuinely enjoyed.
We spoke about what makes this course different and how it’s built not just for aspiring designers, but for anyone with a love of interiors who wants to build confidence in their design decisions. As I answered each question, I realised again just how much this course means to me, and how much I want it to empower others. Whether you’re a budding designer, a homeowner designing your dream space, or simply someone who loves beautiful interiors, I’ve built this course with you in mind.
HERE’S A GLIPSE OF SOME OF THE REAL QUESTIONS I WAS ASKED AT THE DESIGN COURSE PRESS LAUNCH , AND THE HONEST ANSWERS I GAVE
“What makes this design course different from everything else out there?”
I wanted to create something that mirrors the real process we go through at Sophie Paterson Interiors, from initial concept to final styling. This course gives you a complete interior design journey, broken into modules by room type. Each module, will be packed with detailed examples, guided activities, case studies, exclusive projects, workbooks and activities to reflect how we actually work. Oh, and I am revealing my little black book of suppliers! This means you can source high-standard products, the exact ones that we have used in previous projects.
“What inspired you to create The Sophie Paterson Academy?”
For years, people have been direct messaging me asking for advice, whether from seasoned or aspiring designers, homeowners in the middle of a renovation, or people who simply love interiors and want to learn how to do it in a timeless and luxury style. I always wished I had something I could point them to that wasn’t just a message response, video, link, or a beautiful image, but a real, comprehensive guide that actually reflects how we work in the studio.
The Sophie Paterson Academy was born from that idea, to open up our process in a way that’s beautifully presented, but also incredibly practical. I wanted to share the depth of thought, structure and detail that goes into every project, and to create something that felt both personal and empowering. This isn’t a surface-level course. It’s everything I wish I’d had when I was starting out. It’s a way of demystifying high-end interior design while still celebrating the beauty and creativity of it.
And more personally, it’s something that I wish I could’ve got my teeth sunk into when I think back 20 years ago to when I first started out in my garage. A time when I wanted to avoid making any expensive mistakes, when I didn’t have the resources or networks to gain valuable knowledge from those who have been in the industry longer than I had at the time. It short, The Sophie Paterson Academy is a way of preserving and sharing what I’ve learned over almost two decades, in the hope that it helps someone else feel more confident, inspired, and capable of creating a home they truly love.
“Is this course just for people who want to become professional interior designers?”
Not at all. While the course is in-depth enough for professionals, whether they have experience already or they are at the beginning of their career, it’s also completely accessible to design lovers, homeowners, or renovators who want to elevate their spaces with more confidence. I’ve designed it so that whether you’re simply designing your own home or laying the foundations for a design career, you’ll gain clarity and confidence, and most importantly, enjoy the process.
“What was the hardest part of creating the course?”
Honestly? Opening up. I’ve never done anything like this before. I’m so used to working one-to-one with clients or with my team at the studio. But in this course, I had to distill years of experience into something that could guide others , without being in the room with them. It was incredibly challenging, but also incredibly rewarding. The moment I saw the full course come together visually for the first time, I got very emotional as I could physically see the amount of creative energy and thought we put into our design processes.
“Is this a one-off course or the start of something bigger?”
Developing this course has brought to light a passion I’ve always quietly carried, a genuine desire to support and mentor others on their design journey. It’s been incredibly rewarding to share my knowledge in such a thoughtful, structured way. While I can’t say too much just yet (I like to reflect carefully before sharing any future plans), this experience has potentially opened the door to other projects that I would like to consider.
AFTERNOON TEA AND A GIFT TO REMEMBER
After the press Q&A, we were treated to the most beautifully presented afternoon tea, and I must say, it was every bit as delightful as the setting. It gave me the chance to exhale, connect with the guests more personally, and truly soak in the moment. I had such lovely, genuine conversations with everyone, it was heartwarming to be in a room full of people who were not only curious about the course, but genuinely supportive of this new chapter.
As a small gesture of thanks for joining us and celebrating this milestone, we sent each guest home with a thoughtfully curated gift bag. One of the highlights? A frame from the brand-new Addison Ross x Sophie Paterson Collection.
If you would love to bring a touch of that style into your own home, we’ve created a launch offer: use code 443 at checkout to purchase four frames for the price of three, a perfect excuse to frame your favourite memories in timeless design.
Thank you to everyone who’s supported the journey so far, our team, our community, the press, and those of you who’ve already shared your excitement online.
One final moment that truly made it all feel real was seeing the Sophie Paterson Academy featured in The Times and in Interior Designer, as one of the best interior design courses to take right now.
To have this interior design course acknowledged by such respected publications was a milestone I won’t forget, it felt like an additional validation of the vision, the hours, and the intention behind every module.
If you’d like to see what The Times had to say, you can read the full article here.
This press launch felt like more than just a beautiful event, it was a turning point.
Creating the Sophie Paterson Academy has been one of the most rewarding challenges of my career, and sharing it in such a personal way reminded me exactly why I wanted to create this interior design course in the first place.
At its core, this interior design course is about demystifying luxury design. It’s about giving you the tools, structure, and insight to design with intention, whether you’re starting from scratch or refining a home you already love. Thoughtfully curated, visually rich, and rooted in real studio processes, this course brings together everything I’ve learned over the past two decades in one place.
Enrol in The Sophie Paterson Academy HERE.
For a broader view of daily life as an SPI team member, I think that you’ll enjoy our most recently posted youtube video We made OUR own fabrics and cushions. Plus team building at SPI – you’ve GOT to see this!
For more inspiration, visit our website and explore our portfolio to see how we’ve brought individuality and character to each of our clients’ homes through thoughtful, personalised design.
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