Where have you put your Interior Awards trophy?

Annie Tong (AT): The trophy now sits on my workstation on my desk at home; it’s a great memory of the fantastic event.

More importantly, what did you do with your $1,000 prize money?

AT: The prize money went to a laptop. It’s a lightweight way for me to travel and write at the same time, which has helped me balance working, traveling and studies.

What encouraged you to enter the Interior Awards last year?

AT: Andrew Barrie from the university gave me a quiet nudge to enter a project I had completed prior. He has always been a supporter of all of us students, looking out for competitions and awards for us to enter. 

The judges are generally very excited about student work, and it is really nice to read up on all the projects that different individuals are developing in their university studies. It was an exciting opportunity to share and discuss work with current practitioners and people of the industry and also reframe your ideas, finding their application in real world scenarios.

How did you find the process of entering the awards?

AT: The process of entering was easy. There are a lot of guidelines, and the requirements are clear. The presentation to the judges was nerve-racking at first but a very good experience. It was fun to see the finalists in the other categories too.

What was it like presenting live to the jury after you had been named a finalist? How did you prepare for the presentation?

AT: Presenting to the jury was a wonderful experience; the panel was a table of knowledgeable professionals, many whose work I admire a lot. The presentation offered insightful thoughts on the project itself, and the jury was very patient and enthusiastic about our work. A few practices in a coffee shop before the presentation helped me quite a bit. 

What have you been up to professionally or academically since the awards? How did winning the Student category affect your architecture career?

AT: Winning the Interior Awards was a great moment, but the event itself also offered up a lot of opportunities to be part of conversations and meet people in the industry. Since the awards, I have been wrapping up my student thesis at the University of Auckland. Finishing in late February will mean I am going to be able to graduate this coming September, which I am very excited (and relieved) about. I have also started work as an architectural graduate at Warren and Mahoney this year. There is so much to learn there, and it is a great to be in an environment that promotes growth.

What are your hopes for the future in your architecture career? 

AT: For the time being, I am happy chasing work and learning the ropes of the industry from mentors and leading practitioners. I’m also still attending as many lectures or events as I can manage; my aim is registration in the future and gaining good experience in the field.

Would you recommend entering the Interior Awards to other students? What advice would you give to those thinking of entering?

AT: Most definitely, yes! I would encourage all students to enter a project that they are passionate about, with a strong narrative and clear vision on materiality and programme. 

Read more about Annie’s winning submission here.

The student category recognises a design concept (built or un-built) across all areas of interior design. Entries are accepted from individuals and teams.

Submit your entry now to the 2019 Interior Awards at interiorawards.co.nz.