Class of 2017: Ellie Rutherford

All this week we are celebrating the achievements of some of our students who are graduating in the class of 2017. Ellie Rutherford, graduating today from Edge Hotel School tells us her story.

Ellie Rutherford (BA Hotel Management) is using the skills she leaned at Edge Hotel School to design stunning, but practical, interiors for local pubs and restaurants.

When choosing her degree Ellie was torn between the arts and hospitality – she never dreamt she would be able to combine the two, but now she has done just that having landed a job at Harp Commercial Interiors in Elmstead Market. Within two years, she expects to be qualified in both interior design and project management.

“I love the concept of creating an idea and then bringing that vision to life. Harp Commercial Interiors works a lot with hotels, cafes, pubs and restaurants. Apart from studying hotel management, my parents have always run pubs, so I understand the layout and practicalities required.

“I am so glad I did this degree course, it gave me that extra push to get the job I have now. Without the degree I would not have had as much knowledge to bring to this role,” said Ellie, who went to Harp on work experience, after the company’s boss gave a presentation to Essex students about the importance of interior design to a successful hospitality business.