I recently had the pleasure of presenting the Institute’s annual student awards at the University of Adelaide.  These prizes recognise excellence in academic achievement across the five years of the program.  A similar prize program was awarded to students at the University of South Australia in December 2015.  Both Universities also offer student prizes sponsored by industry and bequests.

We extend our congratulations to all those students who were recognised in this way.  The recipients of the SA Chapter prizes were:

 

UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE

Micah Cruz – Level I Bachelor of Architectural Design Compulsory Courses

Isabelle Chua – Level II Bachelor of Architectural Design Compulsory Courses

Louisa Rebellato – Level III Bachelor of Architectural Design Compulsory Courses

Rhiana Lee Bell – Studio Cultures: Architecture (M) and Studio: Urbanism (M)

Minh Tuan Nguyen – Studio: Architecture (M)

Minli Xie – Final Architecture Project (M)

 

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Barton Phillips – Documentation and Technical Studies – Year 1 DBAE

Cameron Stevenson – Communication – Year 2 DBAE

Janai Lemar  – History and Theory – Year 3 DBAE

Maegan Scott – Environmental Studies – Year 1 DMAE

Adrian Conterno – Integration of Research and Design – Year 2 DMAE

 

The SA Chapter also launched the Student Mentor Scheme for 2016 last week.  This program matches 3rd, 4th and 5th year students with architects and provides an opportunity for the exchange of ideas and experiences for all involved.

Students are the future of the profession.  Supporting and nurturing students and new graduates is important if we want a strong, informed and connected profession.  However, students are graduating into an increasingly complex professional environment with varied procurement and contractual models.  Rapidly evolving technical systems, material options and documentation platforms are also a reality.

This fluid professional environment make mentors and networks that support a culture of life-long learning highly valuable.  Thank you to all of those involved in the Student Mentor Scheme and other activities that build a strong community of practice.