Alumni profile // Meet Ishoa Scozzafava
Words by Lisa Wrightson
After working in a few different industries Ishoa made her way to interior design and recently graduated with a passion for commercial design, a Diploma and a fulfilling job. She began working in interiors while she was studying and is now thriving in her career.
My path to an interiors career
From a young age I had a love of architecture, but when I didn’t get in to study it at uni my life took a different path. I initially studied sports science and had my own personal training business. Then when I became a mum I worked in medical reception, marketing and social media – roles that allowed me to be available for my children.
When we were building our house I was hands-on designing plans and sourcing all the finishes myself, as well as helping others with their selections. So when my children got settled into school I decided to fully dive into it, study and make interiors my career.
I enrolled in the Diploma of Interior Design and from the beginning I really enjoyed studying something that I could tell I was going to love to work in. I finally felt like I had found my place and career.
I have to admit that I was very scared to go back to studying as I had a job, two children and a husband that works overseas for long periods of time doing FIFO work. Online learning was really the only option for me as I had to fit study into the little free time I had. The course timeframe was great and it was one that I knew I could meet.
Studying the Diploma of Interior Design
My favourite parts of the course were when we got to the software programs: AutoCAD, SketchUp and Revit. That’s when I felt my growth really take off. I love commercial design and my favourite projects were The Bower Manly, Dresden New York and The Bril Co Restaurant. Those last few assignments are the most fun and you can really get creative with them. Especially as you have no budget constraints!
For anyone thinking about doing an IDO course I’d say just do it and you won’t regret it.
Life after IDO
I started working at Total Fitouts Sunshine Coast while I was doing my Diploma. I was in a support role to the other designers, doing FF&E schedules, sourcing, mood boards and concept design. I then went on to run my own projects from start to finish, including client meetings, site measures, concept design and right through to full construction drawing packages and final renderings. I love to work collaboratively. At the moment we have a small team so we work hand in hand, really supporting each other. Once a build job has been won by Total Fitouts I help procure the FF&E items. Install day is always a highlight!
I enjoy commercial design as it moves fairly fast and you can get very creative with materials in a commercial setting. I also love residential design and seeing people happy in their new home after the long build journey.
Fast five
Where do you find inspiration?
Travel, design shows, experiences, overseas trends.
Who are your design heroes?
I have many but love Australian designers Heartly, Studio Gemma, Nectaar, Sarah Ellison, Flack Studio… I could go on!
What are you listening to?
I’ve been listening to Rufus Del Soul on repeat.
Favourite design trend?
Colorful natural stone/marble. You can have so much fun with it. I’ll also always be obsessed with natural concrete, timber and dark hues.
Where do you see yourself in five or ten years?
In the future I hope to own and work in a studio that operates as a collective. I feel that great design can be made together.