about the academy of design
The Academy of Design was founded in 2002 by the director Rycki Symons who has brought 22 years of experience in the fashion design field as well as graphic arts and photography.
Rycki studied in Sydney and went on to be Head designer of 'Brian Rochfords' before re-locating to Queensland. He headed the design team of a local business that provided corporate uniforms for companies such as Royal Pines Resort and the Marriott and designed the innaugural Gold Coast Indy uniforms. He also designed for several V8 car Racing teams such as Dick Johnson racing and Supercheap Autos. Rycki also designed for Warner Brothers Movie World, Dreamworld and Sea World as a graphic artist and won three International Graphic Arts awards at SGIA Singapore. Rycki went on to launch his own label and corporate uniform company where he won the Supreme Design award at the Gold Coast Fashion Awards. He has taught at the KVB institute/ Bond University prior to opening the Academy of Design.
The private college opened it's doors first in 2002 and has had enormous success across all areas of the creative training. It is now well recognized by industry that the Academy of Design is the leading training grounds for the Creative Industries. The Academy is constantly developing new programs and extending its curriculum to meet with current industry requirements. Its signature to success and high quality training is in the focus on 'Innovation'. This focus continues to win the college awards and recognition within the Creative Industries. In 2008 the college worked on the costumes for 'Big Brother' - Channel 10, Graphic arts and Design for SCODY Australia, invited to showcase at the Australian Cotton Conference and won the Supreme award at the Australian Wool Awards 3 consecutive years - to highlight just a few.
The Academy of Design's specialization in the Creative Industries has proved over the years to be a very successful formula: where students are able to study within a creative environment, experience other fields of study, understand diversity and innovation across many fields of creative study and most importantly be able to integrate and affiliate in projects and assessments from other areas of study. This in its self promotes innovation from students. It pushes many creative boundaries and produces highly professional portfolios for entry into the workforce.
The college attracts various creative industries that offer competitions, industry visits and work experience and take part in the assessment process to keep the college and it's students at the forefront of industry changes and requirements. AOD provides many opportunities for students to excel - through its network of contacts within the industry and follows a very simple ethos that:
'your success is our success'.
Why choose Academy of Design?
- Learn from industry professionals
- Strong industry network
- Creative learning environment
- Award-winning graduates
- National recognised courses
- Study 2 -3 days/ 20 hours a week!!
- Outstanding Employment Outcomes
We enjoy tracking the achievements of students when they leave the college. Our graduates are sought after by some of the most businesses & design studios, and many launch themselves into successful freelance careers.