Big Futures in Interior Design: How AOD’s Focus on Material Research and Professional Practice Builds Young Designers Trusted by Businesses
View(s):- Pavani Kaluarachchi’s Journey from being the creative child in a family of successful bankers to becoming one of AOD’s top design graduates and joining the award-winning Canvas Interiors Studio
For many parents in Sri Lanka, career success has long been equated with professions like medicine, law, engineering, or banking. Creative careers, despite their immense potential, are often overlooked in favour of more conventional pathways. Yet, some parents recognise the unique talent of their children and take the courageous step of supporting them in following their passions.
Pavani Kaluarachchi’s story is a testament to this. With an extraordinary artistic talent nurtured from childhood, she was fortunate to have parents who saw beyond societal expectations. Despite coming from a family of bankers, they encouraged her to explore her creative potential and choose a career path that matched her strengths.
Pavani Kaluarachchi with her family at the AOD Convocation 2024
That decision paid off. Today, Pavani is thriving as a Junior Interior Architect at the award-winning Canvas Interior Design Studio, securing a coveted position immediately after graduation. She is also shaping the next generation of artists as a lecturer at her former art school. Her journey underscores how parental support, combined with the right education, can lead to remarkable career success in the creative industries.
Breaking The Mould: Allowing Children to Test Their Strengths
Pavani always knew she was meant for a creative career. From an early age, she immersed herself in art, honing her skills at Ladies’ College, Colombo, where she was an active member of the Photographic Society. Her passion led her to win the title of Photographer of the Year twice and eventually become the society’s president. She also served as a graphic designer for the school magazine.
However, it wasn’t until later that she realised that her true calling lay in Interior Design. When it came time to choose a degree, her parents took the time to explore all options with her, even considering architecture before ultimately deciding on Interior Design at AOD, in partnership with Northumbria University UK, recognised as No.1 UK university to study interior design in 2025, according to The Guardian.
Her father, Uditha Kaluarachchi, Chief Manager – Treasury at Seylan Bank, recalls:
“Pavani was always very talented in art, so we encouraged her. She did London O/Ls and A/Ls in Arts and got A* for both. My wife and I are both bankers, and even Pavani’s grandparents are bankers. But we wanted to help Pavani do what she’s good at. So, we took some time with her to study the most suitable tertiary education options. We even considered architecture, but she decided on Interior Design after much discussion. We wanted to help her go down that path with the best possible education, and AOD was the first choice.”*
Pavani Kaluarachchi showcasing her grad project at the Emerging Designer Exhibition during Sri Lanka Design Festival held at Cinnamon Life
For her mother, Darshani Kaluarachchi, Regional Manager – Metropolitan 1 at Seylan Bank, supporting Pavani’s dream was about recognizing the changing landscape of careers:
“We as parents should give them the freedom to choose their careers because, unlike those days, now there are so many career paths and academic institutions to facilitate them. My advice for parents is to let your children choose their own paths but step in to help them identify the best options to go down their chosen path.”
Once Pavani chose Interior Design, AOD was their first choice.
“AOD guided students in a very methodical way with good lecturers and tutors. Creative degrees are very time-consuming and require a lot of hard work and discipline, which was new to us. However, AOD gave the students all the support they needed and instilled the discipline required to follow their coursework. We saw a vast development in her just in the first year. She won the Conceptualization Award at AOD in her first year, won the Best Project Award in her second year, and in her final year, she was recognised as an Outstanding Graduate at AOD.”
AOD: Elevating Talent to Professional Standards
Reflecting on her time at AOD, Pavani emphasises how the institution played a crucial role in shaping her career.
“For me, the best thing about AOD was the way the lecturers supported us. They always encouraged us to experiment and challenge ourselves in every aspect of a space, from form to materials. They encouraged us to research deeply and into every detail and guided us along the way. This focus on being well-researched and meticulous has had a lasting impact. The research I conducted during my degree continues to benefit me in the industry, enabling me to propose innovative ideas, new approaches, and materials in my work.”
AOD’s emphasis on industry connections also played a pivotal role in Pavani securing her dream job.
“I had wanted to work with Canvas Interior Design Studio for a long time because I was really impressed with their work. AOD provided me with a valuable opportunity to meet Canvas’ founder and Principal Designer, Chamika Wickremasinghe, directly at AOD’s Graduate Exhibition during the Sri Lanka Design Festival. This event brings together major design firms and studios across the country, offering a platform for industry professionals to view final projects, ask questions, and scout talent for potential hiring. It’s common for companies to extend job offers or exchange contact information with graduates they’re interested in working with. I was thrilled that Chamika took the time to view my work and, as a result, invited me to join her team.”
Her mother adds:
“When Pavani was hired after graduation, she was not brought on as a trainee; instead, she was employed as a Junior Interior Architect due to the exceptional quality of work she demonstrated. I am incredibly proud of her achievements.”
Thriving in the Industry
Pavani’s experience at Canvas Interior Design Studio has been incredibly fulfilling.
“The level of creative freedom I’ve been given as a new team member has exceeded my expectations, and I truly appreciate it. I’m able to apply my knowledge and design my own spaces, and the trust and confidence that Chamika and the Canvas team have placed in me continue to inspire me to go above and beyond. Canvas provides me with the opportunity to take full ownership of projects, from client meetings and technical planning to complete execution.”
She also credits AOD for preparing her well for industry expectations:
“At work, I am consistently applying everything I learned at AOD. The practices we were taught, such as researching materials, attending exhibitions, meeting with suppliers, and experimenting with new surfaces before incorporating them into projects, are integral to my approach. AOD emphasised the importance of justifying every design decision, and that mindset has helped me seamlessly transition into the professional world.”
Beyond her work at Canvas, Pavani is now giving back by lecturing for the London Olevel and Alevel Edexel Curriculum on art and design at her former art school.
“I was invited to lecture at my former art school. The methods I use in teaching are deeply rooted in what I learned at AOD, particularly the approaches and techniques taught by the lecturers. The way they systematically guided us, reviewed our work, and encouraged a continuous learning process is something I now apply with my own art students.”
A Parent’s Perspective: Trust in Talent Leads to Success
Looking back, Pavani’s parents are proud of the path she has taken. Her father says:
“Today, we’re very proud of Pavani, and we’re glad that we supported her talents and the career she has chosen. Her mother adds: “I am truly pleased with how far Pavani has come and the success she continues to achieve.”
Their journey serves as an inspiration for other parents who might hesitate to support a creative career.
Explore Your Child’s Future at AOD Career Month This March
Pavani’s story is one of many that highlight how AOD bridges the gap between talent and industry. By providing a globally recognised Northumbria University UK Interior Design degree, industry exposure, and hands-on learning, AOD equips students with the skills, confidence, and networks needed to thrive in the professional world.
If you’re a parent considering creative education for your child, explore AOD’s Career Month this March to discover the degrees and career pathways available.
Join workshops, get hands-on learning, and receive expert career guidance.
Visit AOD at the Colombo Innovation Tower, Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM
www.aod.lk
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