Student work
The School of Architecture and Built Environment has seen many great success stories from its students.
In 2021, Paris Perry was awarded the College Medal, received the Highest Achieving Bachelor of Design (Architecture) Female Prize. She will also be taking part in the MADE by Opera House scholarship in 2023 where she will spend six weeks across Spain and Denmark, working alongside four other students from NSW Universities.
Master of Architecture graduate, Tualagi Nokise, was awarded the 2022 Architects Medallion for his year-long design thesis project that investigated architecture’s capacity for post-disaster recovery in cyclone-prone Fiji.
Our Master of Architecture graduates are regularly awarded the New South Wales (NSW) Graduate Medal, which is the most prestigious award available to a graduate of architecture in the state. Andrew Hannah-Davies won in 2017 for his project titled 'Beneath the Surface', and in 2016 James Ellis was awarded the medal for his project titled 'The Plant'. Both Tom Byard and Janani Premchand received commendations in 2020 for their projects.
In 2020, our student, Patrick Green, won the AIA NSW Undergraduate Medal for his project titled: ‘Shucks: Oyster Remediation Plant’, and Grace McLean won the AIA NSW Architectural Communication Award for her project ‘Stitches’.
Hands on learning
Students are regularly given the opportunity to engage in face-to-face intensive workshops. Recently, first year construction management students were given the opportunity to enhance their learning experience, build strong peer support, industry engagement, and also have some fun.
The workshop involved team building activities, ranging from an egg drop challenge, to a timed box matching exercise. All tasks had very strict parameters, enhance the complexity of solutions required. Students also participated in a range of building inspections, including a focus on accessibility where students were required to navigate around the SABE precinct in a wheeled chair, showcasing the importance of accessible pathways and exits.
Throughout the workshop, industry stakeholders engaged across multiple activities to help students place theory into practice and develop into life-ready graduates.
A group of students gathered beneath a balcony where the egg drop challenge is taking place
A panel speaking to students
Students participating in a challenge
Our students also have the opportunity to volunteer with Out(fit), the award-winning community engagement initiative run out of the School of Architecture and Built Environment.
Formed in 2015 to improve equity, diversity, and inclusion outcomes for women in the built environment, out(fit) aims to provide our volunteers an opportunity to develop, practice and showcase their skills while engaging in projects that make a real difference.
Out(fit) volunteers on Open Day
Out(fit) volunteers on Open Day
Out(fit) volunteers on Open Day
Out(fit) volunteers on Open Day
Student showcase
Throughout the past 50 years, our school has encouraged the sharing of projects, culminating in our own digital gallery.
This gallery presents projects that demonstrate a high level of excellence in architecture, exploring the past, the present and the future and its unique approach and enduring impact on the design of the built environment.
Student stories
Read more of our student success stories
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.