Pavan
Kalyan Sadasivuni

What inspired you to study Interior Architecture and Design?

I’ve always been fascinated by how architecture shapes our psychology, personality, and the way we feel and sense a space. For me, design goes beyond what we can physically see; I’m particularly interested in its metaphysical and sensory aspects, and how a space can influence emotions, memories and experiences. For me, architecture is a poem of space, senses and human experience; something we don’t just see, but feel.

Why did you choose to study at NTU?

I chose the MA Interior Architecture and Design course at NTU because it offered the right balance of creativity, research and practical experience. What particularly attracted me was the access to the latest equipment and facilities, the strong academic support, and the opportunity to learn from experienced tutors with different areas of expertise. I also liked the course's focus on experimentation and live projects, which gives us the opportunity to take ideas beyond the studio and understand how design works in the real world.

What has the experience been like?

My experience on the course has been great. I’ve particularly enjoyed working with existing buildings and exploring contemporary approaches to design. Projects around Nottingham, including the Adams Building and the Carousel (adaptive reuse term projects), have given me the opportunity to work closely with the city’s existing architecture and heritage while thinking about how these spaces can respond to contemporary needs. Importantly, my tutors have also been very supportive of my personal wellbeing. The course can be intensive, with model making, software work, site visits and continuous design development, and having tutors who understand that side of the process has made a real difference. I believe that when you are in the right state of mind, creativity and good design follow, and that support has been an important part of my journey at NTU.

One of the biggest highlights for me has been the way I’ve been taught. My tutors haven’t simply told me what to design; they’ve taught me how to design. I’ve learned to question the process rather than focus only on the final result - to understand why I’m making certain decisions and what they mean. That shift in thinking has really shaped the way I approach design today.

How have you found being an international student studying in the UK?

My experience as an international student at NTU has been very welcoming. I’ve had the opportunity to meet people from different countries, cultures and creative backgrounds, which has broadened the way I think both personally and as a designer. Activities through the Global Lounge, working with classmates, and the support from tutors have helped me feel part of the NTU community. I also had the opportunity to become a Course Representative, which gave me a chance to represent my peers, communicate their views and become more involved with the wider course community. Being away from home comes with its challenges, but these experiences have made me more independent, confident and open to different perspectives.

My advice would be to start building connections from the beginning. Connect with NTU alumni, tutors, classmates and people from the industry, and keep developing your LinkedIn profile and professional network alongside your studies. At the same time, don’t limit yourself only to your studies - attend university events, join activities and meet people from different backgrounds. Building a community around you makes settling into a new country much easier and can also open unexpected opportunities for your future.

How has studying Interior Architecture and Design at NTU supported your career goals?

NTU has helped me develop not only as a designer, but also in understanding the kind of designer I want to become. The guidance from my tutors, access to industry opportunities, live projects such as Castle House, and the freedom to explore my own research interests have given me both confidence and direction. The course has helped me build a strong connection between design practice, research and my future academic ambitions, while also preparing me to take the next step into the industry.