New Designers spells big things to come for Solent graduates

Every year, New Designers – the UK’s leading graduate design event – brings together some of the biggest brands – the likes of The Conran Shop, Habitat and Dyson – alongside the very best emerging design talent from UK universities.

Solent University’s 2024/25 graduates from BA (Hons) Interior Design and BA (Hons) Interior Design Decoration exhibited their high-quality designs during this year’s event, resulting in a range of industry recognition for their work.

During the 40th anniversary of New Designers, 25 graduates from Solent had the opportunity to showcase their interior design skills, with Louise Burton’s bespoke surface design collection, Drawn Curiosity, appearing in week one of the coveted director’s highlights. Big brands including Marks and Spencer, Ashley Wilde and Liberty London awarded ‘we love’ plaques to Louise – an endorsement which establishes the quality and skill of emerging designers.

Taking inspiration from pioneering female explorers who influenced the study of the natural world, Louise’s beautiful collection features wallpapers with tropical flowers, butterflies and birds. The result is a celebration of nature which translates into a stunning collection of wallpapers. Louise is just one of 10 graduates from around the country to feature in director, Sally Bent’s 2025 highlights from week one of the two-week event.

Also celebrating success during this year’s New Designers is Emily Gentle, who was highlighted by architecture and design magazine, Dezeen. Emily’s design vision for the historic Printworks building in London was showcased in the magazine, which draws influence from the venue’s industrial heritage and showcases her promise as an emerging interior designer.

During week two, Dezeen continued to celebrate the innovative design ideas of Solent University graduates, with Interior Design alumna, Rosie Downes, receiving praise for her bespoke reimagining of hostel chain, The Generator.

Rounding up two weeks of success for Solent’s 2025 graduates, Stine Lise Skjerping Rio – whose surface designs take inspiration from rain, including a popular umbrella motif – was chosen as a ‘spotted’ designer. This accolade will see Stine Lise return to New Designers in 2026 by invitation, reflecting her early promise in the field.

On the importance of recognition like this, Course Leader Interior Design Decoration, Lydia Southwell says:

“At Solent University, we take a practice-led approach to learning and teaching. This means that our students have many opportunities to gain real-world experience and connect with industry. It is thanks to Solent’s commitment to giving students transformative experiences that our graduates can showcase their talent at events such as New Designers. These showcases are vital, as they put our graduates right in front of industry, which is of course essential in the creative industries.”