Anastasia Fourest, 29, an interior designer and an artist specialised in mural painting

Anastasia Fourest, an interior designer and an artist specialised in mural painting 

“My training? A puzzle in which every piece counts.”

In 2016, the young student from Russia obtained a scholarship to come and study in France. Paris, Bordeaux, La Rochelle all held appeal, but she finally chose the Master’s in Construction of the ISA BTP in Anglet. Four years later, she created her interior design business in Biarritz. 

What were the main stages in your training? 

After obtaining the equivalent of a Baccalaureate in Russia, I joined an art school. I then did a year’s foundation degree at the School of Architecture. But I ended up joining the construction economist engineer course at the University of Architecture, Construction and Civil Engineering. I was attracted to artistic professions but as the job prospects were few and far between, I preferred to opt for a degree that was more in demand on the labour market. Then in 2016, I earmarked a scholarship that enabled young Russian engineers to study in a French university for two years. It was a wonderful opportunity. I've loved France, its language, its culture, ever since I was little. I applied, and several French universities, including the ISA BTP engineering school of the UPPA in Anglet selected my application to enrol in the Master’s. I chose the ISA BTP for its human dimension. The humanitarian project conducted by the students – building a school in Tajikistan – was in keeping with my values, the BTP course completed my curriculum, and the Atlantic Ocean was just a stone’s throw away.

How did you settle in at the ISA BTP? 

The ISA BTP was my first host family in France. Both the students and teachers were really supportive. In the beginning, I had trouble understanding the French technical vocabulary, but there was always someone to help me out. In the first year of my Master’s, I had the opportunity to do a month’s internship at the City Hall of Bayonne on an urban development project. And at the end of my curriculum, following a presentation of the Director of Coveris at the school, I did a six-month internship in Bordeaux as an assistant in charge of pricing studies. A job at the interface between construction and architectural creation that I found really fascinating. So much so that I stayed there on a temporary contract after my internship until my partner – also an ISA BTP graduate – and I decided to move to Biarritz. I very soon found a job in an architectural firm, where I was in charge of construction economics. It was interesting but I felt I needed to go toward something more creative that was more in keeping with my personality. 

Was that when you decided to start your interior design business? 

Yes, but it took me several months to put my idea into practice and build up the courage... I started out in September 2020; the network I’d set up in my previous jobs and at the ISA BTP helped me find my first clients. Another of my skills was also very quickly in demand: freehand painting of customised murals. Today I have two jobs that are equally important. I'm really happy in my work and I’m receiving more and more orders. 

What words do you spontaneously associate with the UPPA? 

Open-mindedness, team, kindliness.

What advice would you give to a future UPPA student?

You can sometimes feel lost, doubt the choices you've made but I think the main thing is not to let it stop you, to continue moving forward. Afterwards, you realise that nothing is done is vain and that it takes time to find your niche. The puzzle is not always easy to piece together! But it’s important to persevere. 

To find out more about Anastasia Fourest Design

https://www.facebook.com/AnastasiaFourest/ 

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