As we launch our exciting new Interior Design BA(Hons) course at the University of Brighton, we’re proud to introduce the passionate educators behind the programme. First up is Dr. Zakkiya Khan, Senior Lecturer and Course Leader, whose global experience and creative vision are helping shape the next generation of interior designers.
My influences and passion
“I’ve always been drawn to creativity, whether through design, ceramics, or poetry. This innate passion led me to a career in interior design, where I found a natural place for creative expression in designing unique, impactful spaces.”
“My teaching journey evolved from my experiences in the field as a retail and exhibition designer. I noticed a gap between academic training and practical industry needs. While education often overlooks the value of commercial spaces, I saw firsthand how these environments shape culture and identity. I was interested in returning this contribution of bringing practice more closely into education. My educational journey has spanned South Africa, Hong Kong, and the United Kingdom. I have loved teaching in all these places and getting to know the very special nature each region brought to the field. Brighton stands out to me as having its own special flavour of creativity, warmth, and activism that gives rise to socially and environmentally responsive design born from care.
“Teaching has always been a powerful force in my life, my own teachers were instrumental in shaping my growth and helping me flourish creatively. I wanted to give students the same nurturing environment to discover their potential, hone their unique voices, and make a real difference in the lives of those who inhabit the spaces they create.”
Bridging practice and education
In my professional life, I blend teaching, practice, and research in interior design, fostering a dynamic environment where knowledge and practice inform each other. A standout example is the “Decontextualise to Decolonise” project at the University of Brighton, where students reimagined museum artefacts in collaboration with Brighton & Hove Museums, culminating in a published book and exhibition.
I’m proud of leading high-profile projects like the Virgin Mobile store rollout in South Africa, recognised by Richard Branson, and winning an award for my retail design research at the International Colloquium for Design, Branding, and Marketing in 2023.
My role as a co-opted expert member of the International Federation of Interior Architects/Designers in 2020 – 2022 has also allowed me to shape global education policy.
These accomplishments highlight my commitment to blending academic rigour with real-world impact, ensuring students thrive as future designers.
Designing for global challenges
Interior design is about so much more than just making spaces look good, it’s deeply connected to the way we live, work, heal, and connect with each other. Because we spend most of our lives inside built environments, interior design has a powerful role to play in some of the biggest global challenges we’re facing.
For instance, it’s central to sustainability: how we use materials, how we design for longevity and reuse, and how we create spaces that support low-impact living. It’s also critical in responding to urbanisation: helping cities grow in ways that still preserve community identity and a sense of belonging.
Design also has the power to preserve culture, especially in places where heritage is at risk of being lost. Interior spaces can hold memory, tell stories, and make space for multiple ways of being.
That ties into well-being because thoughtful interiors can genuinely support our physical and mental health, whether that’s in homes, hospitals, or places of rest and reflection.
And at the heart of it all is accessibility and inclusion. Good interior design is for everyone, and that means creating spaces that welcome, reflect, and support all kinds of bodies, identities, and experiences.
So when I think about why interior design matters globally, it’s because it touches so many aspects of human life. It’s a way of caring for people through the environments we create.
Supporting student success
To prospective students, I’d say that interior design is a deeply rewarding and fast-paced field. From commission to completion, projects often take just a few months, sometimes even as short as six weeks. This means you get to make a tangible impact frequently, learning and evolving with every project.
What I love about teaching is witnessing students transform from curious beginners into confident professionals. The student journey is an honour to witness, and it means the world to me to be a positive part of the student experience of the interior design field.
We are approachable and passionate about student success, and available to answer questions and support ever student. We offer a robust support system, from personal academic tutors who provide one-on-one guidance and pastoral care, to strong industry links with organisations like the British Institute of Interior Design. We focus on real-world experiences and future-oriented projects that prepare students for the evolving demands of the industry.
One of my proudest accomplishments is seeing my past students succeed on a global scale. Whether they’re launching their own practices (Jade Hutchinson), winning international design awards (Austin Chan), or working for renowned firms (Aditi Saxena), their success stories are a testament to the impact of their education. Seeing how education has empowered them to shape the industry and lead meaningful change is incredibly fulfilling.
Why study interior design at brighton?
Interior design is about shaping the spaces where life happens—from homes and workplaces to cultural and healing environments. Studying a Interior Design BA(Hons) at Brighton means joining a creative, supportive, and forward-thinking community where your ideas can flourish. You’ll gain hands-on experience, work on real-world projects, and graduate with the skills and confidence to make a meaningful impact through design.
Curious to learn more?
Visit our Interior Design BA(Hons) course page to explore the curriculum, meet more of the team, and find out how to apply.
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