Bendigo TAFE building design students John Quinlan and Aaron Arbuckle have won three awards at the 2022 Design Matters National Student Design Awards.
Mr Quinlan was recognised in two categories – Best Response to a Design Brief by Building Design Student and Best Digital Presentation – while Mr Arbuckle achieved the Best Response to a Design Brief by Building Design Student (Commendation) award. The pair studies the Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural),
It is the second year in a row that Bendigo TAFE students have won these awards.
Mr Quinlan, 36, said sustainability and Indigenous culture were key inspirations behind his design.
“I chose locally sourced materials that achieved a high degree of sustainability and resonated with the natural environment and the surrounding historical buildings,” he said.
“I also wanted to incorporate a structural, foundational element that paid tribute to the traditional landowners, demonstrated through the Indigenous sandstone columns. This idea was prompted by American architect Frank Lloyd Wright's use of concrete blocks in The Ennis House (located in the United States)”.
Currently working as an architectural technician at Y2 Architecture, Mr Quinlan said a home extension project sparked his interest in the field.
“I'm inherently creative and love drawing, and I've always had an interest in architecture,” said Mr Quinlan, who previously worked in fitness, personal training and information technology.
“I designed my home extension before sending it to our builder to be drafted for town planning. The whole process fascinated me and prompted me to pursue a new career direction.
“I would ultimately like to become a fully qualified and registered architect with a master’s degree.”
The supportive learning environment at Bendigo TAFE was a key factor in Mr Quinlan’s success.
“I thank my teachers Brian Stratford, Sonia Vescovi, Ange McLean and Mick Fry who were strong mentors that encouraged growth and creative ideas, and have helped me work through challenges,” he said.
“Our class was an amazing group that supported one another, always made each other laugh, and made for the best company you could hope for in a tertiary school environment.”
Bendigo TAFE CEO Sally Curtain said the achievements of both winners reflected their individual talent and expertise.
“We are very proud of John and Aaron’s achievements at the prestigious Design Matters National Student Design Awards,” Ms Curtain said.
“By testing their skills alongside student designers right across Australia and coming out on top, John and Aaron have demonstrated their talent as well as the impact of quality training at Bendigo TAFE.
“I also congratulate our wonderful educators and support staff who work tirelessly to support our students in their learning and provide opportunities to showcase their work.”
The annual Design Matters National Student Design Awards offer building designers and interior designers across Australia the opportunity to compete against each other across a range of individual and group categories.
Members of the public are welcome to visit Bendigo TAFE’s End of Year Building Design Student Exhibition from 14 November until 24 November (9am-4pm, Monday to Friday) at Bendigo TAFE City Campus’s Innovation Centre in Building E.
Visit Bendigo TAFE’s website for more information about building design courses.
