For Me It Began At TAFE

One of the questions I get asked most often at events, on social media, or even just over a coffee. is “How do I get started in the design industry?” My answer is always the same: get the right training - for me that began at TAFE.

TAFE holds a special place in my heart, not only because it gave me the knowledge and skills to build a fulfilling career, but because it continues to be one of the strongest platforms in Australia for launching a professional design journey. Most of the teachers are designers themselves, with extensive real-world experience. And let’s face it, learning from someone who’s walked the walk makes all the difference.

James at CERSAIE, the International Fair of Tiles and Bathrooms in Bologna

I studied Real Estate, Landscaping, Colour Consultation, Drafting, Interior Design & Decoration, all through TAFE. That education has shaped my approach to design and given me a solid foundation of theory and ways to channel my creativity.

Because of my ongoing affection for TAFE, I return regularly to speak with their students at selected campuses around the country - NSW, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia. I love running free workshops where I can share my professional experience: how I started my business, working with clients, the importance of industry collaborations, the power of social media, and why it’s essential to support the Design Industry from within.

In fact if you're already studying at TAFE or RMIT, I might be visiting your campus soon. I have already booked the dates for the 2025 workshops, and most of them are happening in July and August, so don't miss out. If you want to know how I got where I am, ask your teachers “When is James Treble coming to run a workshop?”

But if you’re still wondering whether to take the plunge and pursue design as a career, here’s my sincere advice: enrol in a TAFE course. Yes, online learning can be a great introduction, but if you’re serious about turning your passion into a profession, nothing beats face-to-face learning with experienced mentors, hands-on projects, and the real-life connection with the design world that TAFE fosters so well.

The images above are of stands that TAFE Design students from Lidcombe and Nepean TAFE have collaborated to create and were recently featured at the Sydney Home Show.

Interior Design isn’t just about picking cushions or choosing paint colours. It’s about understanding space, people, lifestyle, and bringing it all together with creative and technical skill. And that’s exactly what TAFE can help you build.

So, whether you're fresh out of school, considering a career change, or ready to finally follow that long-held passion… my advice is simple: start with TAFE. It helped me follow my dreams, and it just might help you too.

James Treble is an ambassador for Planet Ark and firmly believes in sensible purchasing, recycling and creative re-purposing. James has three decades of accumulated experience in the Building Industry, Real Estate and Interior Design and regularly shares his knowledge and experience in adding value to properties through effective design & styling. Watch his free videos on YouTube, and follow him on Facebook and Instagram for more free information. Learn more from James' knowledge via his FREE online shows James Bought A House (a renovation) and James Bought A Guest House (a brand new build).