Garth Barnett Awards for Excellence

Garth Barnett’s passion for interior design extended beyond his own work—he was deeply committed to inspiring and rewarding excellence in the next generation of designers.

In keeping with this vision, the Garth Barnett Award for Excellence was established to recognise outstanding student achievement in the field of interior design and interior architecture.

Since its inception in 2015, this prestigious award has been presented to students completing a Bachelor of Design in Interior Architecture at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). Award recipients are chosen for their exceptional portfolios, which demonstrate innovative thinking, creative excellence, and a distinctive design perspective.

These financial awards not only celebrate academic and creative achievement but also offer meaningful support as students take the next steps toward launching their careers in interior design and architecture.

To be eligible for the Garth Barnett Award for Excellence, applicants must:

• Achieve outstanding academic results in their final year of study

• Submit a digital portfolio that includes:
– A description of the attributes of each design project, along with a brief self-appraisal highlighting what works well and areas for improvement
– Four portfolio pages showcasing their best work, including a mix of drawings, model photos, renders, and/or sketches

This award celebrates the dedication, talent, and innovation that define the future of interior design and interior architecture.