What better way to spark off the creativity of interior design students than to get them out of the lecture hall and into an environment which can really stretch their imagination and inflame their passion for innovative design?

Eleven second year undergraduate students studying a BA (Hons) in Interior Design at Anglia Ruskin University, the only course of its type in the East region, took the opportunity to visit Anglia Fireplaces' new Impington studio to be inspired and educated in the art of fireplace design.

The students are currently working on an assignment which involves designing and renovating a Victorian House in Mill Road, Cambridge. The project is being used by their lecturer, Anthony Sully who accompanied them on the visit, as a vehicle for unleashing their design potential.

He explains: "I want my students to really stretch their minds with this project and get the creative juices flowing. We need to prepare the students for going out into the real world of design but also help them understand the constraints the real world exerts. A fireplace is often a focal point in a room and I wanted my students to see the variety of fires available but at the same time understand some of the technical, installation and environmental considerations which form part of any recommendations."

Anglia Fireplaces' new studio in Impington has on display over 60 fires, ranging from electric, solid fuel and gas fires, with a huge variety of styles to choose from, including very modern, contemporary fires to more traditional stoves.

Interior design student, Kemal Aydintioglu found the visit very educational, he explains, "The presentation was very stimulating and made me realise how complicated installing a fireplace can be. It's not just a matter of suggesting a type of fire to a client; we also need to be aware of building regulations, installation restrictions, the impact certain fires will have on the environment and even the need for listed building consent. It has really opened up my eyes."

Lithuanian student, Egle Ulozeviciute was amazed at the variety of fireplaces, she said, "To be honest, I hadn't realised there were so many styles to choose from. I was especially impressed with the electric fires on display. I've always thought that electric fires were not very appealing but the ones at Anglia were very modern and stylish."

Anglia Fireplaces' Project Manager, Richard Rawlings who showed the students around and also conducted the brief presentation offered to act as a sounding board for the students should they need further advice at a later stage in their degree course.

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