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At Inchbald we believe that great design has the power to transform, not only our surroundings and environment, but our mental and physical wellbeing.
The Inchbald School of design is the UK’s leading design school whose alumni includes the world’s most distinguished interior and garden designers. The school offers a choice of courses from 10-week certificate courses through to diploma, graduate and postgraduate degrees. The range of study options include full-time, part-time and online, enabling students to study flexibly around other commitments and from any international location.
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Our History
Founded in 1960, Inchbald was established with a clear ambition: to position interior design and later garden design - as respected professions underpinned by rigorous education, creativity and professional practice. More than six decades later, that vision remains unchanged. Inchbald continues to set the benchmark for design education, combining creative exploration with technical expertise and real-world application. Our graduates are recognised throughout the industry for their originality, professionalism and ability to translate ideas into exceptional design.
By Jacqueline Duncan OBE
Inchbald: Celebrating 65 years of Interior and Garden Design Education
Jacqueline Duncan founded The Inchbald School of Interior Design in 1960, and the Inchbald School of Garden Design in 1972. War-time experiences as a young evacuee living in grand English country houses kindled her fascination with buildings and gardens before she met and married Michael Inchbald, a leading interior decorator. Britain had no equivalent of the Parsons School of Design, in the USA, so Jacqueline Duncan became determined to establish a school in London. An important component of Inchbald courses is Interior Design history, which Jacqueline Duncan outlines, explaining how the profession developed out of associated trades and gifted amateurism. Many distinguished Interior Designers and Garden Designers are Inchbald graduates. Examples of their work are included in an appendix.
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Our Team
Inchbald is led by its Dean and Founder, together with the Directors of the Interior Design and Garden Design faculties. Our teaching team combines outstanding academic expertise with extensive professional practice, bringing real-world insight and industry experience into every studio, lecture and tutorial. This unique blend of education and practice ensures students learn from accomplished designers who are actively shaping the profession.
