Redrawing the plan: Paige’s architecture journey

Not everyone gets it right the first time. And for Paige, that’s exactly where her story begins.

She started university studying law, but it didn’t take long to realise it wasn’t the right fit.

Growing up in a regional area, architecture hadn’t really been on her radar.

“I grew up in a little country town, in rural New South Wales, around ten hours away from Newcastle. So, I didn't really know about architecture, until a couple of years ago,” Paige says.

That changed when she saw what the degree actually involved through her friends.

“A couple of my friends were studying the degree, and I just immediately fell in love with it,” she shares.

What started as curiosity quickly became something more.

“I decided to study it myself and have been hooked ever since.”

Now studying the Bachelor of Design (Architecture) at the University of Newcastle, she has found a path that truly feels right.

Before university, Paige’s idea of architecture was quite different.

“I always saw architecture as designing big buildings and, you know, more of an aesthetic purpose,” she says.

It wasn’t until she learned more about the degree that her perspective expanded.

“From what [friends] had talked about, it was a lot of science involved and a lot of responding to the environment that you're in.”

That deeper understanding is what sparked her interest and continues to shape how she approaches her studies today.

As Paige has progressed through her degree, her motivation has become clearer.

“I really want to make a difference. In the houses within Australia.”

Her perspective is shaped by her own experiences growing up.

“I always grew up in very, very small houses, and I think there's so much that can be done in such a small space.”

Behind Paige’s determination is someone who has always encouraged her to aim high.

“My mum is a massive inspiration; she was a single mother that always encouraged me to become as educated as possible,” she shares.

Watching that example up close shaped how she saw her own future.

“She was completing postgraduate courses when I was a child, so I think seeing that really inspired me to follow in her footsteps and go to university.”

When Paige made the move to Newcastle, it didn’t take long to feel like the right decision.

“I originally moved to Newcastle in 2016 and immediately fell in love with the city, and all of the beautiful beaches,” she says.

“As soon as I moved, I knew that I wanted to go to the University of Newcastle.”

Having access to purpose-built facilities and peaceful surroundings has played a big role in shaping Paige’s experience.

“I love the Architecture Design Studio. I love having my own 24-hour space on campus that I can use to study instead of my house so when I get home, I can just relax and unwind,” she shares.

“I also love being able to study in the bush and when I get stressed, I like to walk around campus to reset my brain.”

Being part of a close-knit, collaborative environment has helped her build confidence and grow in her approach to design.

“I find the quality of education really high,” Paige says. “I think we are extremely lucky to have the Architecture Studio and Workshop. Many universities don’t have these facilities, and I think it’s so important to have a collaborative space where students and tutors can collaborate and help one another.”

Learning alongside others has also been a key part of her experience.

“I think it’s such a great experience to be able to work with people that are further on in their degree and their career and really learn from them,” she says.

She also values the strong industry experiences built into the degree.

“Multiple times a semester industry professionals will come in and talk about their experiences.”

These moments help connect what she’s learning now with what comes next.

“I love that the University facilitates architecture talks and workshops from industry professionals. I have found these very engaging and insightful, and they give us great connections to the industry.”

Just as important is the sense of community she’s found along the way.

“I have met a lot of my friends through university,” she says.

“Architecture is such a collaborative degree, so I am really lucky that I get to work closely with my peers and tutors which fosters a great sense of belonging.”

Paige has found ways to stay grounded whilst studying.

“I'm currently training to do an Ironman 70.3 in September,” she shares.

“I can just study and then go for a run or ride my back to uni, so it offers that really good flexibility with my training.”

Alongside her degree, Paige works as a Student Ambassador for the University, supporting future students navigating their own pathways.

“I love being able to talk to students about pathways into university,” she says.

“I was absolutely petrified when I was in year 12 and never thought I would be able to get in and I love that I am able to ease this stress off students when I explain the many different ways to get in.”

Paige is clear about where she wants to go next.

“I plan to work in architecture. I want to become a registered Architect so I would love to be able to get some experience before starting a masters.”

For her, architecture is about more than buildings, it’s about making a meaningful impact.

“I love being able to see the buildings that I have designed come to life,” she says. “I think there is a real problem with the housing market at the moment and even if I can make a small change to such a large and complex problem, I think that’s a good start.”

Her advice reflects everything she has learned along the way.

“Not everyone knows what they want to do in year 12 and that’s ok,” Paige shares. “I have changed degrees and while that isn’t the so-called conventional pathway, I have met so many lifelong friends and it has taught me so many invaluable skills that I will use forever.”

At the centre of it all is a simple message:

“There is a path for everyone at the University of Newcastle and whatever you choose to do you have to believe in yourself. You can do this!”

Paige’s journey is a reminder that you don’t have to have it all figured out from the start, sometimes the right path is the one you find along the way.

Paige Wardman

Paige didn’t start out in architecture, but after discovering the degree through her friends, she found a path that felt right.