Interior Architecture Graduate Awarded University Medal

Interior Architecture graduate Laura Ng has been awarded the University Medal in Interior Architecture (Honours).

The University Medal is one of the most distinguished awards that can be bestowed upon an undergraduate student, recognising outstanding academic performance across a Bachelor program.

Nominations for the University Medal are adjudicated by the University Medal Committee, based on students’ academic performance within their programs.

Discipline Director: Interior Architecture (Honours) Lisa Zamberlan said the University Medal is a major win for Ms Ng and the Interior Architecture program.

“Receiving the University Medal is a credit to Laura’s ability and dedication, and a testament to the Interior Architecture program which fosters exceptional talent. 

“To be recognised at this early stage in her career points to her continued future success.”

Ms Ng works full-time at Tom Mark Henry, an award-winning Sydney design practice run by fellow Interior Architecture graduates Cushla McFadden and Jade Nottage.

She credits the Interior Architecture Program at UNSW for setting her up for success in the industry.

“The Bachelor of Interior Architecture (BIA) challenged me to think innovatively, to not settle for yesterday’s trends, but to boldly explore new ways of thinking about space, form and materiality.

“That is what I think gives BIA graduates an edge in the industry.”

Ms Ng, who also won the Design Institute of Australia Student Council (DIAS) award, said that collaborative environments such as the Interior Architecture Graduation Studio helped bring out the best in her. 

“Grad studio was very much a team effort. We spent hours bouncing ideas off each other and fine-tuning our designs together.

“By far my favourite part was building friendships with like-minded creatives.”

She also praised UNSW Built Environment’s strong industry connections for preparing her for a successful transition to the workforce.

“The degree provided many opportunities to connect with industry professionals, in fact my very first tutor at uni (Cushla McFadden) is now my boss!

“It is pretty crazy that I get paid to do what I love.”

The Bachelor of Interior Architecture (Honours) at UNSW Built Environment will equip you with the skills to influence people’s lives through the interior environments they inhabit. Find out more about the course here.