Student Spotlight: Maisha Design – Bringing Interiors to Life with AutoCAD, SketchUp and Photoshop

At Real Animation Works, we love celebrating the success of our students who take the skills they learn with us and apply them to incredible real-world projects. This month, our spotlight shines on Maisha Design (Maisha Design Bringing Interiors to life), a London-based interior design practice known for creating timelessly elegant and luxurious interiors for both residential and commercial spaces.

Maisha Design is a London-based interior design practice

From Training to Transformation

When Maisha Design’s team joined us, they enrolled in our AutoCAD, SketchUp and Photoshop courses to strengthen their technical and visualisation skills. These tools are essential for interior designers today — allowing them to move seamlessly from initial concepts to detailed floor plans, 3D models, and polished visual presentations.

• With AutoCAD, they mastered the art of producing accurate drawings and technical plans — the backbone of any design project.

• Using SketchUp, they developed the ability to bring spaces to life in 3D, helping clients easily visualise layouts and finishes.

• Through Photoshop, they refined their ability to present mood boards, edit visuals, and create striking client presentations.

These combined skills have given Maisha Design (Maisha Design Bringing Interiors to life) the freedom to express creativity, precision, and luxury in every project.

A Unique Approach to Interior Design

Founded by Almas Shamsee, Maisha Design brings together a rare combination of professional rigour and creative flair. After nearly a decade in the City as an economist, Almas pursued her passion for interiors, training at the prestigious Chelsea College of Art and Design. Her journey demonstrates that with the right skills and dedication, it’s possible to make a bold career shift and thrive.

Today, Maisha Design offers a complete interior design service — from the first concept and planning stages right through to project management and the final touches. Their projects include high-end residential properties, hotels, spas, restaurants and offices. Every project is tailor-made, reflecting the individuality and lifestyle of the client while maintaining the studio’s signature timeless elegance.

Paris France

Butlers Wharf Apartment London

The Role of Design Software in Their Process

Design software has become a vital part of Maisha Design’s workflow:

• Concept Development: SketchUp models and Photoshop mood boards help clients visualise ideas early in the process.

• Design & Technical Drawings: AutoCAD ensures layouts, sections and joinery details are accurate and ready for contractors.

• Client Communication: Rendered visuals, sample boards and edited imagery provide a clear and inspiring picture of the final design.

This blend of creativity and technical precision ensures that every Maisha Design project runs smoothly from vision to completion.

Inspiring Future Designers

We are proud to have been part of Maisha Design’s journey. Their work is proof of how learning AutoCAD, SketchUp and Photoshop can transform the way interior designers communicate ideas, manage projects, and deliver exceptional spaces.

👉 You can explore more of their stunning work here: Maisha Design Projects.