BBC Interior Design Masters star transforms Future Pathways department

Star of BBC’s Interior Design Masters, Siobhan Murphy, has given our Future Pathways department a new lease of life.

The Yorkshire born interior designer featured in the second series of the BBC One show in 2021, where her creative flair and maximalist designs took her all the way to the final. 

Now she has used her distinctive vision to transform Future Pathways at Leeds City College – our department that helps 16-24 year olds with special educational needs access courses and employment.

Before kicking off the project in July, Murphy visited the department to speak to students about their ideas for the space and deliver a masterclass in interior design. 

She said: “Working with a college and working with young people is always going to be challenging in its own respect. 

“It’s very different because rather than just one or two clients you could have 50, so it’s about pleasing everybody and giving everybody a sense that it’s theirs and it’s there to be enjoyed and used.”

As part of the project, Murphy converted what was formerly a staff kitchen into a café area for students to learn key skills in hospitality and customer service. 

The initiative was delivered in partnership with the Wickes Community Programme – a product donation scheme founded by the DIY retailer that provides paint and building supplies to support local improvement projects.  

Murphy said: “We built the café counter, clad walls, created shelving and completely transformed a tired space into somewhere that’s cosy and usable.  

“What I love most is what the space will become. It will be somewhere students with additional needs can meet friends, have lunch, take some time out and feel comfortable on campus. 

The new design incorporates warm colours and custom-made seating areas to create an inviting space for our students. 

Oliver Johnstone, Head of the Future Pathways Department at Leeds City College, said: “The makeover in Future Pathways has made an incredible difference to our daily environment. We’ve shifted from a stark, clinical white space to a bright, vibrant learning setting that our students and staff can truly be proud of. 

“Beyond just aesthetics, this redesign has fundamentally changed how the space feels – creating a warm, inviting atmosphere that encourages engagement and gives everyone who walks through the door a real sense of ownership and belonging.”