“Craig was my tutor during my first year of studies in CMU. Always a friendly face in the studio, he was very approachable and attentive during times of work stress and deadlines. I’m putting my degree to good use and am currently working as an Interior Designer in Brunei. Craig always emphasised that “object + space = experience”, a principle I constantly refer back to when designing”. 

- Azmima Zakaria, Interior Designer in Brunei (student 2018-2022)


“Craig Thomas is an exceptional tutor who is always invested and prepared. His lectures were incredibly inspiring, and it was clear how much he loves his work. Craig has a wonderful ability to break down complex concepts in a way that made them easy to understand, which really helped me grasp the material better. Not only was he always willing to help with any issue I had, but his technical knowledge was also super impressive. He could answer any question I threw at him, and his insights were always spot on. When I was going through a rough time with my health, Craig was very understanding and supportive, which isn’t something you always see. Knowing I could count on his help and that he put students first meant a lot to me.Craig’s passion for teaching and his dedication to his students are truly amazing. I wish every lecturer was like him. His influence has really shaped my approach to interior design and my career goals.
Right now, I’m broadening my portfolio and actively looking for a job in my field. In the long term, I want to run my own business focusing on building small, eco-friendly houses in rural areas. Craig’s guidance and encouragement have been a huge part of shaping my ambitions and career path”.

- Magdalena Tusien, recent Interior Design Graduate (student 2021-2024)


“Craig is a very passionate lecturer his was one of the reasons why I choose to study at Cardiff Met. Lectures were always engaging and interesting and I always left them inspired with ideas that I wanted to explore further. During tutorials Craig is always very helpful and if you are unsure with your work he listens and helps you and I always left feeling more confident with my work.
I have just finished my degree and I am looking at jobs however there are not many within Cardiff. I am also considering other careers within related fields”

- Elin Workman, Interior Design at Rio Architects (student 2021-2024)


“I first met Craig on a Cardiff met open day in 2016. It was his passion around interior design and the way he spoke about it that led me to apply to do the course. When I joined Cardiff met in 2018, Craig remembered me and was so welcoming.
Throughout my first and second year he pushed me to develop my skills and understanding of design and supported me through not only the design practice side of my studies, but also through my writing side of the course. Craig would ask me questions about my ideas and my thought process and would spend time giving feedback to me on the next steps in my journey.
Craig has always been honest and supportive with not only myself but all his students. He would take the time to sit with us teaching us how to build models and engage with us to ensure we understood what we were being taught. He would ask questions to make us think more in depth about what we were creating and the reasoning behind it, which led me to become meticulous with my work as I wanted to know all of the ins and outs of every aspect.
Even in my third year when he wasn’t my tutor, he’d always stop to chat about the work I was doing and answer questions if I had any as well as give feedback to help keep me going.
Craig was the most encouraging teacher to me from day one and has since supported me throughout my masters/ return to university. Had it not been for the presentation he gave in 2016 and the passion he felt for interior design, I would not have pursued it into a career as it was the way he understood the practice and talked about it that made me want to do it. I felt very lucky to have him teach me throughout my first and second year as his knowledge, encouragement and enthusiasm allowed me to strive to do better and work harder.
I spent a year working as an Interior Designer before becoming an Architectural Designer and working my way up to Lead Interior and Architectural Designer. In 2023 I decided to come back to university to get my MA in Interior Design”

- Charlotte Lloyd-Parry Lead Interior / Architectural Designer and Masters Student (student 2018-2021)


“I’m delighted to write this testimonial for Dr Craig Thomas, who was an exceptional tutor during the first two years of my time at Cardiff Metropolitan University.
Dr Thomas’s expertise7 and commitment to student success made a significant impact on my studies at CSAD and his unbiased and caring approach to tutoring helped to shape my time at the university in a way that I am forever grateful for. He creates an inclusive and stimulating environment where questions are welcomed, and intellectual curiosity is fostered. Any idea can take root and flourish under the mentorship of Dr Thomas.”

- Lily Williams, Designer independent bespoke shop-fitting business (student 2019-2022)


“I’ll always remember Craig as an enthusiastic and approachable tutor who’s very passionate about the built environment. His feedback was always honest, helpful and indicated that he was truly interested in each students project’s.
I’m a Kitchen Designer at Porcelanosa Cardiff and have been since graduating in 2022. I design, project manage and deliver dream kitchens!.”

- Rhys Parry, Luxury Kitchen Designer at Porcelanosa Cardiff (student 2019-2022)


“Craig was nothing short of supportive as a lecturer, still supported, and advised me right up until third year and I know after leaving Cardiff Met I can always go to Craig if I need help with something.
During my studies I’d built my own business and Craig would go out of his way to forward on clients for me which was really helpful for me to expand my portfolio. The lectures were always extremely helpful and informative, great lecturer, tutor and expert in the field who I believe pushed me in all the right directions to exceed my potential.
Right now I still get clients for my business occasionally but as it isn’t a consistent business yet, I plan on working for a professional interior design firm to gain more knowledge and experience, and have an interview soon for Sigma Kitchens!”

- Jess Kerslake, Director of Interior Design company (student 2021-2024)


“Craig has been an extraordinary lecturer throughout my BA in Interior Design. From the very first project, he took the time to understand my vision, providing invaluable guidance and insight to help me bring my ideas to life. His keen eye for detail and deep understanding of design principles have been instrumental in refining my concepts and ensuring they are both innovative and practical.
What truly sets Craig apart is his dedication to fostering authenticity. He has always encouraged me to stay true to my unique style and perspective, emphasizing the importance of originality in every project. His support has not only improved my technical skills but also helped me develop a distinctive design voice that I am proud of.
Beyond his professional expertise, Craig is incredibly friendly and approachable. He creates a welcoming environment where students feel comfortable seeking advice and expressing their thoughts. His genuine interest in our growth and success makes him not just a lecturer, but a mentor and a friend. Craig’s impact on my education and personal development is immeasurable, and I am deeply grateful for his guidance and support.
I am currently working as an Interior Designer within the Educational and Commercial sector.
Also, I have seen that Cardiff Met University are hiring for the Associate Tutor in Designed and Built Environments role, and I am really thinking to apply as I have always been interested in starting a career as a lecturer. Do you think it’s something I could apply for even if I am not a qualified tutor?”

- Walid Ennadir, Interior Designer within the Educational and Commercial sector (student 2017-2020)


“I find Craig’s teaching to be extremely encouraging, born of a clear love of seeing people develop. From an individual perspective Craig set expectations that I tried to live up to and exceed, he pushed me to see beyond an obvious solution, and place a special focus on the experience of spaces - not just their aesthetics but the tactile qualities; lighting, acoustics, layering, and an application of design theory and processes.
One of the things that has stuck with me from Craig’s teaching has been the story. The story of the inhabitants; the building, the area, the brand or company, the story of the event - it doesn’t really matter what story, just that the designed space helps to reinforce and tell that narrative.
I felt very nervous and quite uncomfortable going to University, as not only had I not studied in over a decade, my educational background was not creative, so I didn’t believe in my ability to do what we needed to do. Craig’s attitude to teaching design helped me to see that designing something can be done many different ways but that everything goes through a process of development, and that most of the work are the scrappy little drawings that you do hundreds of are the most important - and those final visuals that you compare yourself to, are just the tiny cherry at the top of a massive cake.
Craig’s teaching instilled in me a great love for all things art & design, and the importance of finding inspiration in all areas of creativity, and the main reason I know that what I’d love to do in the future is Museum Design. He’s a phenomenal educator, at least from my perspective”.

- David James Houghton, 3D Designer for Trade Show Exhibitions (student 2020-23)


“Craig is a very supportive tutor, who helps mould students into designers through the use of drawing, planning and visualisation. Even now his saying of ‘creating a space for experience’ still influences the way I use space and create interesting schemes. An idea, no matter how ludicrous you thought it was never to Craig. He was clear and to the point, allowed for visual material through his lectures which were more fascinating to watch. Craig makes you feel at ease when learning to present your ideas which sets you up for the rest of your academic career as well as further into industry.
I am currently finishing my Masters degree in Interior Design, with a few job prospects on the horizon”

- Ellie Granville, Interior Design Masters student (student 2020-2024)


“This sounds interesting and I’d love to sing your praises! I do really appreciate all the work you put in for us as we were right in the thick of covid. I found so much confidence with your teaching and I’m forever grateful for all you and the team taught us.
As a tutor I found Craig to be such a supportive and inspiring lecturer which was perfect for finding my feet in first year.
Craig was actually the reason I decided to come to Cardiff Met university as he was so welcoming on the applicant interview day, he spoke about every single students work that was around the studio, he knew each one by name and the ideas behind their projects and what they went on to do - I thought that was so amazing to see just how interested Craig was and how much time he put into knowing and helping each student grow. CSAD became the type of environment I wanted to be in. I felt that as a teacher he created such a welcoming and supportive environment despite it being online due to the covid restrictions.
You truly gave us all so much encouragement and provided opportunities for us to explore our potential to be able to really grow in our confidence and to start seeing ourselves as designers.
I’m currently volunteering, I’ve been painting, decorating, fixing, serving and just helping wherever needed at a church in Stafford. I started working with the kids team on Sundays, which had lead to me applying to start a PGCE primary teacher training course in September. I will be bringing some Feng Shui to the classrooms and hopefully creating a safe and supportive environment for these kids, much like Craig did for us.
I’ll keep my interior designing going in some way in the future but for now, I’m going back to school. You and the team at CSAD made it such an enjoyable time even when the circumstances were challenging”

- Phoebe Robertson, decorator and educator (student 2020–2023)


“Craig also interviewed me, before I get accepted to the course and travel away from my country to The UK and has been always there through my education, his help and support has been invaluable.
His methods of teaching has been extremely inspirational and challenging at the same time that make me to try and reach my potential.
At the moment I am on a skilled work visa in the UK as a Retail manager, however I do some freelance design work for my home country, Iran, as well as some prospective opportunities to design a locally based restaurant in Cardiff”

- Maryam Hemmati Dehnavi, Freelance Interior Design and Retail Manager (student 2019-2022)


“Craig was able to adapt to the individual needs of every student, regardless of their unique styles, methodologies, or cultural backgrounds. His teaching approach was both flexible and inclusive, ensuring that each student felt understood and supported. Craig encouraged students to question their design decisions, fostering critical thinking and creativity. He dedicated individual time in one-on-one sessions with each student to review their particular projects, providing personalized feedback and guidance. His lessons were interactive and engaging, often incorporating real-world examples and hands-on activities. Overall, I would say he was an excellent tutor who provided a safe space for students to develop their creative sides without worrying about the limitations they might face in the industry.”

- Anouk Mimi, Middleweight Designer in Interior Design and Architecture studio, Palma de Mallorca, Spain (student 2016 to 2019)


“I cannot speak highly enough of the interior design course at Cardiff Met. When I was on the course, I was on the second cohort to ever enrol, with Craig being the lead tutor throughout my three years.
The course has allowed me to achieve everything that I have so far, which I am very proud of. Pushing my ideas and creativity even now. I went onto the course knowing that I wanted to do something creative and on a large scale, the course pushed my creative thinking and enabled me to do more than I ever expected. The environment and atmosphere at Cardiff Met are what attracted me to the university rather than others that I went to see. On an open day Craig took a group of us on a tour around the workshops and the studios, as we were walking around Craig was friendly, said hello to everyone and all the other staff – showing the community that Cardiff Met has. My decision to study at Cardiff Met was an easy one after that tour!
I was supported throughout by Craig he was always approachable, friendly and enthusiastic. There was a lot of opportunities and projects to work on. In my first year in the first term, I managed to fall and dislocate my knee cap which led to me needing to spend six weeks at home, Craig supported me to continue to ensure that I could complete the work and spent time helping me to catch up when I returned.
I was offered a range of opportunities throughout my time on the course included a paid work placement for a group of 6 of us which was organised by Craig. As a course we were always encouraged to get involved and take part in all the workshops, being individual and making our own way in the interior design world.
The end of my third year was when the pandemic hit, we were not able to have the end of year degree show and celebrations that were planned. However, Craig ensured that we celebrated online as a group with several events making the end of our degree exciting.
I really enjoyed my time on the course, and would recommend anyone who wants a career in design to consider the course.
After graduating from the Interior Design course I went onto study an MRes, then onto a PhD, I am currently in my third year of my PhD due to finish next year. My PhD title is ‘Transitioning to a more sustainable Wales: Can urban dwellers adopt the environmentally responsible behaviours of environmental pioneers?’. It is all about creating sustainable housing and sustainable behaviours for individuals to enable them to live sustainably in their own homes.
I have done a little work in industry part time, then moving onto working as an Associate Lecturer in a range of universities (UAL - University of Arts London, UWE Bristol, USW – University of South Wales) in the interior design departments. I am currently working in Bath Spa University as a Lecturer in Interior Design module leading two modules at Level 4. Through Bath Spa I am also currently completing a PGCHE which I am due to finish next academic year, having completed my FHEA this year.
I hope after finished my PhD that I can start putting my research into practice and embed sustainable design into residential housing”

​- Jaisy Davies, Guest Lecturer and PhD student (student 2017-2020)