University of Melbourne students and graduates recognised for outstanding design work

Current and former students from the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning were amongst the Victorian Chapter of the Australian Institute of Architects prize recipients at its annual Honours Event on Friday 24 November.

The awards are open to all students across schools of architecture and design in Victoria.

Chun Wai Choi (Kelly) received the Student Ideas Prize for her thesis project ‘PUB+: WASTE NO MORE’, Yanmin Yu received a commendation for her project ‘Beyond Food @Oakleigh’ in the same category, and Kate Donaldson was the winner of the Graduate Prize for her project ‘Strange Encounters: Revealing the Accident at the Maribyrnong Defence Site and Explosives Factory’.

Kelly said finding out about the award was “unreal”.

“I didn’t expect it at all. It’s a great way to recognise the efforts of students in the built environment, and emphasise the impact their work can have,” she said.

After graduating with an undergraduate degree from the faculty in 2018 with a double major in urban design and architecture, Kelly returned to complete a Master of Architecture, graduating in June.

During her studies she also received award recognition as the winner of second prize winner in Buildner’s inaugural Architectural Visualisation Award alongside her classmate Rebecca Andre.

Kelly attributed her success in part to how she has been able to apply the breadth of knowledge enabled by her double degree in urban design and architecture.

“It was helpful to discover my interests, to understand the different scales of projects from an urban design and architecture perspective, and to get ideas of how to apply this knowledge in my future career,” Kelly said.

Kate Donaldson, who graduated from the University of Melbourne this year with a Master of Architecture, is currently living in London and working on the editorial team at Dezeen, the world’s most influential architecture and design magazine.

Although she was aware of being shortlisted for the prize, it was unexpected and welcome news.

“I was honoured to be awarded the 2023 AIA Victorian Graduate Prize. My thesis project connected many things that I had learned throughout my degree, so I feel mostly grateful to the mentors and peers who have taught me, guided me and supported me along the way. This is what makes me most proud and humbled in receiving the prize, as a recognition of those around me who helped in the journey,” Kate said.