Laurance has always had an interest in design with his family being involved within the construction industry.

“I always wanted to do something design related ever since a young age.

“Since my parents were in the construction industry, I decided to pick up architecture.

“With a great passion for making a change to the world, I felt architecture would be best suited for me as I believe it greatly affects how people interact and inhabit within a space,” he said.

Attending the University of Newcastle was an easy choice for Laurance as he wanted the exposure and accreditation that the program offered students.

“I decided to choose the University of Newcastle because it is accredited by the professional architecture body back in Malaysia.

“I also wanted to gain architectural exposure in a different region since I’ve had architectural background in Europe and back in Malaysia,” he said.

During his studies, Laurance and a small team of his peers were provided the opportunity to design a ‘Placemarker’ at the Callaghan campus.

“Our team won the Placemarker competition because we did an extra module while achieving good results for our thesis,” he said.

Laurance and his team designed a four-piece sculpture that was built and unveiled in April of 2022.

From the right direction, the sculptures combine to depict the University of Newcastle seahorse emblem.

Speaking of the team's design process, Laurance explains they were inspired by the University’s vision to create a visual representation of the student journey.

“The design was inspired by the university’s four visions which are excellence, equity, engagement, and sustainability.

“With that in mind, we created a storyline of the student journey, going through different stages being in university, while also incorporating indigenous aspects into it as well,” he said.Students enjoying Open Day 2022 in front of the new Placemarker

Now feeling prepared for work within the Architecture industry, Laurance is now working in a graduate role at ACRD.

“The University of Newcastle has prepared me for the working world as I was given exposure to a lot of essential architectural practices that I find really useful now.

“My role involves a lot of documentation and design of various projects ranging from residential to retail projects,” he said.

Laurance attributes his career success to the encouragement found at the University of Newcastle.

“I would say that the University of Newcastle offers one of the most conducive environments for students to prepare for the outside world while also having some of the best tutors in the country,” he said.

Study a Master of Architecture

Laurance Low Wen Jieh `

Laurance Low Wen Jieh

Laurance Low Wen Jieh has only just completed his Master's of Architecture, but has already co-designed a place maker that has become a landmark for his graduating peers.

The University of Newcastle has prepared me for the working world as I was given exposure to a lot of essential architectural practices that I find really useful now.