A Master of Architecture graduate from the University of Notre Dame Australia will travel overseas to advance her research into affordable and inclusive housing after receiving a prestigious industry award.
Stephanie Lade was awarded the Architect Board of Western Australia’s Graduate Board Award, which recognises an outstanding Master of Architecture graduate for excellence in their studies.
The award includes a $7000 prize to advance her studies or research, allowing her to build on the thesis she completed while studying at Notre Dame’s Fremantle Campus.
Stephanie, who graduated from Notre Dame last year, will travel to Europe and Asia to explore how design innovation can support more affordable and inclusive housing across diverse climates.
With a background in interior architecture, Stephanie was at first hesitant about transitioning to a Master of Architecture. But she said winning the award was a meaningful moment that gave her a strong sense of validation for the effort she had put in to develop her skills.
“It showed me that when I fully commit to something I’m passionate about, I am able to produce well-resolved outcomes,” she said.
“It also gave me the confidence in my ability to grow within the discipline and made me excited to continue my research next year.
“Receiving the Architects Board Graduate Award, whilst a huge honour, will also significantly assist in enriching my professional development and assist me to contribute meaningfully to the evolving housing narrative of our state and country, creating architecture that is inclusive and sustainable.”
Architecture Program Co-ordinator, Dr Lara Mackintosh, said the award was a testament to Stephanie’s dedication and the strength of the course.
“Stephanie demonstrated both excellence and passion throughout her studies, and this award will allow her to extend the important work she started at Notre Dame,” she said.
“We’re proud to see our graduates contributing to critical conversations around housing, particularly as affordability and inclusivity become increasingly important issues.”
Notre Dame is now offering a new Graduate Diploma of Architectural Studies in Fremantle, which will provide graduates of architecture or similar disciplines with a clear pathway into the Master of Architecture.
Also open to international architecture graduates, the Graduate Diploma is grounded in the Australian professional and cultural context and develops the skills and knowledge needed for postgraduate architectural study at Notre Dame.