The Garth Barnett Scholarship didn’t just support my studies—it anchored my growth. It gave me the confidence to pursue ideas that felt bold and meaningful. To think critically about what makes a space not just functional or beautiful, but deeply resonant.

During my time at UTS, I became fascinated by how cultural nuance and spatial logic shape the way people inhabit the world. That interest took a powerful turn during a study tour to Japan—supported in part by the Garth Barnett Prize for Excellence in Design. There, I immersed myself in the binary rhythm of public, private, and in-between spaces across Japan’s cities, temples, art islands, and residential streets. Experiencing the Japanese urban condition firsthand revealed the silent choreography of design—how space can frame a moment, evoke pause, or invite memory.

Returning to Sydney, that sense of intentionality stayed with me. I began my career at a small design office where I was able to understand the intimate layers of residential design. After a year of grounding, I joined Woods Bagot in Sydney, where I now focus on hospitality and hotel interiors. Our team works on projects that span the globe, yet the heart of my practice remains the same: creating spaces that hold meaning, respect context, and elevate the everyday.

I feel proud to be part of an industry that is constantly evolving, and grateful to be supported by a legacy that values both excellence and generosity. The Garth Barnett Scholarship helped make space for me to explore the kind of designer I wanted to become—and for that, I’m endlessly thankful.

Receiving the Garth Barnett Scholarship has had a profound impact on both my academic and personal journey. As a student of architecture, this support has not only eased the financial burden of my studies but also served as an incredible encouragement to pursue creative excellence. Knowing that this scholarship honours someone who valued design and left a lasting legacy inspires me daily.

I am currently completing my Master of Architecture at UTS, and I hope to continue working on projects that bridge cultural heritage, sustainability, and community-driven design. This scholarship has reminded me that generosity can shape futures, and I’m truly grateful to be part of that story.

Since receiving the Garth Barnett scholarship, I have had the confidence to pursue new opportunities within both my studies and the interior design field.

In the semester following my receiving the scholarship, I was invited to participate in a peer mentoring program to help first-year interior architecture students with their studio projects. The scholarship gave me the confidence to pursue this opportunity, which led to me learning how to give feedback to students that allows them to develop their projects further.

Additionally, I had the confidence to create my first portfolio of my university work and send this out to architecture and interior design firms. This led to my success in obtaining the role of Student of Interior Design at PTW Architects. This role is an opportunity to learn about the field beyond my studies and to learn from industry professionals who have a wealth of knowledge and experience.

Ultimately, receiving this scholarship prompted me to seek out every opportunity available to me and understand that as long as I am learning and seeking opportunities in this industry, I will be succeeding by my own measure of success.

The process of designing buildings has always been fascinating to me. Wanting to play an active role in said process, I decided to study Architecture at UTS. I was quite overwhelmed by the disruption brought about by the pandemic which occurred shortly after commencing my studies. There were times where I was considering dropping out of the course altogether.

When I was awarded the Garth Barnett Scholarship however, it was like a huge weight lifted off my shoulders. Not having to worry so much about the financial burdens placed upon me made it so much easier to just focus on my work. I was able to find the motivation to give it my all with every assessment, which in turn has improved the quality of the work I have been able to produce at UTS. Now that I have successfully completed my studies, my current aspirations for the future include pursuing a career in the field of Architecture and eventually becoming an Architect myself.

As a refugee who has faced countless challenges in the pursuit of safety, stability, and survival, Garth Barnett scholarship has been truly life-changing.

It became the foundation that allowed me to focus wholeheartedly on my education, through navigating the demands of a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, while also learning the English language without the constant weight of uncertainty on my shoulders.

When I first applied for architecture, I often lay awake at night questioning if I had made the right decision. I was scared, scared of whether I would have the means to continue this path. But despite the fear, I held onto faith. And if I could describe what this scholarship has meant to me in just two words, it would be: answered prayer.

By the grace of God, I completed my Bachelor’s degree with a strong GPA, which opened the door for me to continue into the Master’s of Architecture program. I accepted the offer, and today, I’m deeply grateful to be in the final year of my Master in Architecture. I aspire to continue this path, as I have fallen deeply in love with architecture. May Garth Barnett’s legacy continue to shine through every student life they have changed.