Building Strong Partnerships
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A Shared Vision: Interior Design to Kitchen Design
Our collaboration with Ara began with a shared passion for design excellence. Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of hiring 13 past Interior Design students from Ara Institute - each bringing their unique perspective and skills to our kitchen design projects. All of these talented individuals are still with us today, continuing to thrive in their careers, and we couldn’t be more proud of their growth.
It’s heartening to see how many of them have embraced kitchen design as their specialty, blending their rich interior design knowledge with a newfound passion for creating functional and beautiful Misco kitchens.
Giving Back to the Industry
We believe in supporting the next generation of designers, which is why we’ve dedicated ourselves to helping Ara’s students develop real-world experience. Our General Manager has been on the advisory board for the Interior Design Course for the past five years, forging invaluable relationships between our company and the students. This role has allowed us to stay connected to the latest trends in design while also giving back by mentoring the future of the industry.
Every year, we offer work experience opportunities to multiple students from the Ara program. This not only helps students gain valuable hands-on experience in the field but also gives them a first-hand look at how kitchen designs come to life from concept to creation. The work experience program is a win-win: the students get a chance to work with past students who are excited to share what they have learnt since they started with Misco, and we get the opportunity to collaborate with fresh, creative minds eager to make their mark on the world of design.
Additionally, we’ve hosted factory tours for the entire Interior Design program, allowing students to see the manufacturing process up close.
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Our Special Connection with the Tutors
While the students are a vital part of this partnership, we can’t forget the invaluable role of Lucy Moore and Sarah Eaton, two exceptional tutors at Ara. Their guidance and mentorship have not only shaped the careers of many of our past hires but have also helped create an atmosphere of creativity and collaboration within the program.
Many of our Misco team who are past students continue to keep in touch with Lucy and Sarah, reflecting the lasting impact these tutors have had on their careers. Their commitment to nurturing young talent aligns perfectly with our company’s values, and we are grateful to work alongside them to help students transition from education to the professional world.
Looking Ahead: A Continued Partnership
As we look to the future, we are excited to continue this journey with the Ara Institute of Canterbury NZ Diploma in Interior Design (Residential). The relationships we’ve built—both with the talented students and the dedicated faculty—have been some of the most rewarding aspects of our business. We’re committed to helping grow the next generation of kitchen designers and ensuring they have the tools and knowledge they need to succeed in the industry.
We are incredibly proud to have been a part of so many success stories over the years, and we look forward to many more. Here’s to building beautiful Misco kitchens and even stronger partnerships in the years to come!