KBDi Student Design Awards FINALIST - 2025
PROJECT : Residential - Master Suite
TAFE assignment from 2024
3D GRAPHIC RENDERS : USING Sketchup & Enscape
CLIENT BRIEF :
Miranda (45y, 75kgs 165cm) and Evan (49y, 95kgs 185cm) require spatial planning to demonstrate workflow. Separate Zones for the ENSUITE and Walk-in robe for their WELL BEING.
Moodboard: Capture the Latest ideas in Future Thinking.
Style: Modern
Present 3 concepts on Duravit 3D Bathroom planner.
Select the most desired for you to configure the final design.
Duravit storage - individual Personal grooming stations with storage under and/or above in mirrored/ or tall cabinets.
Duravit integrated vanity bowls/ or above counter vessels.
Duravit tapware - wall or benchtop mounted depending on vanity selection.
Duravit Stonetto shower tray base. Size 1600mm x 1000mm #720171
Include overhead rain shower design with separate hand shower. Clients require two individual showers.
Include overhead rain shower design with separate hand shower. Clients require two individual showers.
Duravit Sensawash Shower toilet - wall or floor mounted
Duravit bath - freestanding bath and tap with hand shower. (see clients selections)
Heated towel rails and accessories.
Design Statement :
Miranda and Evan are pleased with their new Master Suite, which embraces a Modern aesthetic with a touch of Scandinavia. This design draws inspiration from the clients love of Iceland and its raw natural beauty.
From images of ice, snow, geo-thermal springs, black sand beaches, volcanoes, forests, granite and quartz. This vision evolved into a spa-like retreat that feels both contemporary and connected to nature.
A key feature of the space is the Austaron Kaynemaile. I have guided the clients through how it can be used to access the toilet area by sliding it to the side and how it subtly zones the space by separating the basins, while still allowing light and visual flow. It also provides privacy to the toilet area, which remains discreetly tucked away yet still connected to the overall space.
Although the assessment didn’t include the Walk in Robe for the formal assessment, I’ve incorporated it into the design to ensure functionality and storage align with the clients' lifestyle needs.
Although the assessment didn’t include the Walk in Robe for the formal assessment, I’ve incorporated it into the design to ensure functionality and storage align with the clients' lifestyle needs.
As the space developed, I identified an opportunity to include a steam room within the generous shower area. This is a feature the clients were excited about. It will serve as a space to relax after going to the gym. This will be especially appreciated by Miranda, who works for a natural skincare company and can use it for her beauty treatments.
Above the bath is the addition of a skylight, that also functions as a source of natural ventilation.
Above the bath is the addition of a skylight, that also functions as a source of natural ventilation.
The colour palette is distinctly Icelandic, with the icy blue waters and black volcanic ash and crisp white snow. Contrasted with the warm timber elements that bring balance and comfort to the space.
One design challenge was integrating a structural column in the centre of the bathroom. Rather than conceal it, I transformed it into a vertical garden feature, with a creeping vine adding organic texture. Another challenge was positioning the heated towel rails between the two showers. This was resolved using quartz stone panelling, which shields the towels from splashes while enhancing the space’s visual cohesion.
One design challenge was integrating a structural column in the centre of the bathroom. Rather than conceal it, I transformed it into a vertical garden feature, with a creeping vine adding organic texture. Another challenge was positioning the heated towel rails between the two showers. This was resolved using quartz stone panelling, which shields the towels from splashes while enhancing the space’s visual cohesion.
PROJECT : Commercial - Graphic Design Studio
TAFE assignment from 2025
3D GRAPHIC RENDERS : SketchUP & Enscape
WALL Artwork: Frida Las Vegas
CLIENT BRIEF :
Name of business: Edge Design
Type of business: Graphic design office
Project description: Ava green is the owner of an existing graphic design business & would like you to design a new design office & studio space for her business
Based on discussions with the client these are the following requirements for the new design:
Reception desk
Must include a lowered ceiling feature above the desk with feature pendant(s) lighting
Size of desk to suit one person –desk to be about 3m long
Desk must be custom designed & must have a raised hob section [to hide mess & cords etc.] do not copy & paste a desk from the sketchup warehouse
Must have a textured feature wall behind reception desk & allow for signage
Waiting area
Must be adjacent to reception desk
Provide individual seats for 4 people [no sofas or lounge seating]
Small table
Fresh, vibrant, fun, casual feel
Meeting room
Must be near reception & waiting area
Table + seating for 6 people only
To be surrounded by a timber textural wall – timber pieces or slats to be applied to the wall faces
Wall mounted custom storage unit or built in shelves designed to suit the space
Workstation space for four (4) workstations
Must be a system brand from an office furniture supplier - Not custom designed
It should be a generous size at least 1800mm wide x 800mm deep
Consider a partition or screen to provide privacy between each workstation
It is best to place workstations apart from each other
Breakout/brainstorming space
This is where staff discuss ideas & brainstorm designs – it will not be used by clients
It should be an informal space & must have a casual / relaxed feel /bright colours
Should have a variety of fun & unique individual seating options (no sofas please)
Must Include a lowered ceiling feature + feature pendant[s] lighting
Kitchen
Benchtop with overhead cupboards or shelves
Microwave oven, sink, fridge, coffee machine
Large island bench for at least 4 staff to sit at
Kitchen space should flow into breakout/ brainstorming space
Storage & equipment:
Please note: Storage is not to be a separate room, it should be a space that fits into the leftover spaces and should have easy access to workstations
Long bench top required (2-4m long) for laying out paper print outs. Include some shelves above
I.T. Server cupboard approx. 800mm wide x 1800mm high x 600mm deep
Space for photo copier approx. 1000mm wide x 800mm high x 600mm deep
Key requirements
The following items must be included in your design:
Style to be an open plan design, with minimal solid walls, to allow views and natural light into all spaces. The finished design should showcase the latest interior design trends
Client would like at least one curved wall near the waiting reception area
They would also like you to design the solid wall surrounding the meeting room to have a Timber texture applied to the outside face of wall.
Must include a lowered ceiling feature over the reception desk & breakout space
Allow lots of natural light to the enter space – avoid blocking windows
Include specific areas for indoor plants – to be in custom designed boxes or panels or wall frames integrated into the design – avoid using single pot plants
Must include a recycled product or materials in the new design
Other information
Your client would like the new design to allow for a positive and supportive workplace culture, that promotes good communication and creativity among the workers
Approval must be granted by the local council before any work commences on site
Please refer to the Commercial lease agreement for Lease details
PROJECT : Residential - Scandi House
TAFE assignment from 2024
3D GRAPHIC RENDERS : USING Sketchup & Enscape
CLIENT BRIEF :
The clients are a couple in their early 40s. Felix Sørensen (43) is a Danish national residing in Australia for two decades, while Angus Thornton (41) is an Australian citizen. They have been married for five years. Felix holds dual citizenship in Australia and Denmark.
Felix works as a mental-health consultant for SA Health and his job allows him to work from home two (2) days a week. Angus is a nurse at the Royal Adelaide Hospital. He does not work from home.
Felix and Angus own a four-bedroom house located in the St Peters suburb of Adelaide. They desire to update their home to better suit their lifestyle. Inspired by the minimalist Scandinavian style from Felix's home country, they wish to incorporate this aesthetic while also infusing contemporary Australian elements into the design.
Their objective is to have the entire floor plan of the house created as a 3D model. Initially, they would like the design work to focus on the kitchen, dining, living, and outdoor entertainment areas. The main bedroom, ensuite and home office will be addressed at a later stage.
In the model, they want their existing kitchen to be featured with new materials and colours that align with their chosen style. Additionally, they desire the overall styling to evoke a sense of calmness and promote well-being using Hygge (pronounced "hoo-ga").
Felix and Angus also aim to establish a connection between their home and nature by incorporating natural elements and biophilic design principles, reflecting their appreciation for the outdoors.
Here is a list of elements for Felix and Angus to consider during the research phase of their living space renovation:
Lifestyle Information:
- Nationality: Australian and Danish
- Occupants: Two individuals
- Age Group: 40-45 years old
- Embrace an outdoor lifestyle, including café culture, hiking, and running.
- Regularly entertain guests at home
- Enjoy traveling, particularly to Europe and Denmark to visit Felix's extended family.
- Passionate about reading.
- Felix has a strong affinity for plants and natural light, which should be considered.
- Angus owns an Art Deco mirror that was once owned by his grandmother. He would like to be
incorporated into the design. It is a family heirloom that means so much to him.
- They would like sustainable materials used where possible.
Functional Requirements:
- Incorporate the minimalist and functional aspects of Scandinavian design.
- Embody the Danish concept of Hygge in the styling.
- Blend current trends with a combination of modern and retro elements.
- Create a natural colour palette inspired by the Nordic landscape, organic shapes and patterns.
- Mix and match pieces from different eras to establish a unique and timeless yet trendy space.
- Consider incorporating elements that you, as the designer, believe represent future trends,
such as technology, cultural shifts, environmental factors, and economic factors.
- Jasper Lounge Sofa (Package 1A) – Total package value $11,000 (3D model must be produced).
- Dining table that seats eight people comfortably with pendant lights above the table.
- Large flat screen TV with entertainment unit, coffee table and large rug.
- Hard timber flooring in the living area.
- Wallpapered feature wall on alcove wall in the lounge room.
- Accessories, artwork, plants, curtains, blinds.
- Technology – add a smart home speaker such as Amazon Echo Show, Google Next Home,
Apple HomePod to the model.
- New bifold, sliding, or stacking doors can be installed at the rear for access to the outdoor
entertainment area. The opening can be modified to accommodate a larger opening to allow
for the indoor/outdoor living experience.
- Outdoor landscaping.
- Outdoor dining and BBQ.
Cultural Requirements:
- Scandinavian/Danish design should heavily influence the styling, complemented by Australian
reference pieces.
- Include a significant piece of Indigenous Australian artwork, taking cultural appropriation into
consideration – maximum budget $3,000 – source artwork from Art Lovers Australia
Restriction Requirements:
- Plumbing cannot be relocated due to budget constraints.
- Structural walls cannot be moved or demolished.
- Windows and front door cannot be moved.
Presentation Format Requirements:
- Residential design proposal must be presented to the client in a 3D SketchUp model format to
better comprehend their vision.
Perspective:
- Combining the use of historical elements with the sleek minimalist Scandinavian style, infusing
biophilic design, and adding smart-home technology allows for an evolving elegance that
embraces the past, present, and future, and prepares the space for the advancements of
tomorrow.
PROJECT : Commercial - LEArning space
CLIENT BRIEF : This was a TAFE assignment
3D GRAPHIC RENDERS : SketchUP
CLIENT BRIEF :
Name of client: City Primary School
Description of project: City Primary School requires you to re-design an existing classroom space into a new learning space for 10 - 12 year old students.
The new design will include the following:
All the furniture and spaces as required in the specifications below
Provide a functional space for the empty area under the existing staircase
Design a new feature to the entry arch
Transform the existing structural column into a functional decorative feature
Create a fun, modern, visually interesting learning space, with appropriate colour scheme
Learning space specifications
Your design must include all the following furniture and spaces as detailed below:
Table with 6 chairs – (Quantity required – 3)
These tables will be used by students to sit and complete their work.
The tables must be 720mm height with chairs to suit
The tables can be any shape and may fit together as smaller components or stand apart
The size of table must be large enough to comfortably accommodate 6 students
Large stand up table to suit 10 students (no chairs) – (Quantity required – 1)
This large table will suit student standing activities and group work
The table to be made from recycled timber, and can be any shape
The table height is to range from 800mm - 950mm high to be the correct scale and proportion to accommodate 10 standing students
Long Art /craft activity benchtop - (Quantity required – 1)
To be at least 5m long benchtop with four (4) stools at one end for students to sit and create art and craft work
The benchtop must include a large stainless steel washup trough
You must add five (5) large pendant task lights to be suspended above benchtop
The design must allow students to sit comfortably with knee space underneath benchtop
Reading area, to accommodate 8 students - (Quantity required – 1)
This will be a semi-private nested space for quiet reading and reflection
The reading space must be surrounded by a full height see-through timber slat screen wall (not glass)
It must have a lowered ceiling above, to be made from a timber material
Seating within the space should be a soft bean bag type to seat eight (8) students
Relaxation space, to accommodate 8 students - (Quantity required – 1)
This will be designed to be a quiet, relaxing nested space.
The floor finish will be soft carpet
The space is to be surrounded by at least six (6) plants, each plant must be inside a large stable planter box, or pot which will not easily tip over by students
A textural material or fabric to be hung over relaxation area as a soft ceiling
No furniture required as students will sit or lay on carpet
Custom design a large Storage unit with integrated seating–
the unit is to be at least 5m long and full height to touch ceiling - (Quantity required – 1)
It will be a large custom designed storage unit and it will have integrated (inside the unit) recessed seating space to accommodate at least two (2) students
It should also have an open shelf type of storage
It should be colourful and a visually interesting feature of the space
Redesign the existing column.
The existing column is to be clad or built around, to disguise its function as a column. The aim is to make this more of a decorative feature.
It will be custom designed to cover over or wrap around the existing column. It may also have seating or storage / shelving or another practical use
The aim is to hide the column and make it become a decorative feature of the space.
Decorate Entry archway.
Make the existing Entry archway more of a feature for the students when they arrive at class. You may use a variety of methods to do this including: timber cladding, wallpaper pattern, large scale text /graphics, 3D shapes or textured material to create a welcoming, visually interesting entry area
Colour scheme.
Select a colour scheme to suit the project brief. To do this, you will need to conduct some research to find out what colours are appropriate to suit 10 -12 year old students, in a modern contemporary learning space and apply this to your design.
PROJECT : Residential - ALL AGES & ABILITIES renovation
TAFE assignment from 2025 (Japandi)
3D GRAPHIC RENDERS : USING Sketchup & Enscape
CLIENT BRIEF :
Client details:
Address: 25 Founders Lane, Thebarton 5031
Background:
Kiyomi and Peter have been living in this house for 6 months.
Kiyomi’s mother sadly died 3 months ago and Takato has been struggling to stay at home on his own
since then.
As a result, Takato is to move in with Kiyomi and Peter which will mean that the house has to be
modified.
Kiyomi and Peter have been living in this house for 6 months.
Kiyomi’s mother sadly died 3 months ago and Takato has been struggling to stay at home on his own
since then.
As a result, Takato is to move in with Kiyomi and Peter which will mean that the house has to be
modified.
Kiyomi and Peter:
both work during the day so would prefer you to communicate with them via email initially.
They do not need a home office but an area to pay bills, write emails etc would be useful.
Kiyomi has low blood pressure and is prone to fainting so they would prefer not to have a central
coffee table or entertainment unit.
Their niece, Matilda, lives close by and visits often. She does not usually stay the night but it might
be something to consider in the future.
She plays the violin and has a close relationship with Takato. She is 14.
Peter and Kiyomi would also like an ensuite, if possible, but this can also be a main bathroom which
still has an accessible toilet.
Peter spent many years in Canada as an ice speed skating coach. He follows the Ottawa Senators in
the NHL and wakes in the middle of the night to watch games live.
They do not need a home office but an area to pay bills, write emails etc would be useful.
Kiyomi has low blood pressure and is prone to fainting so they would prefer not to have a central
coffee table or entertainment unit.
Their niece, Matilda, lives close by and visits often. She does not usually stay the night but it might
be something to consider in the future.
She plays the violin and has a close relationship with Takato. She is 14.
Peter and Kiyomi would also like an ensuite, if possible, but this can also be a main bathroom which
still has an accessible toilet.
Peter spent many years in Canada as an ice speed skating coach. He follows the Ottawa Senators in
the NHL and wakes in the middle of the night to watch games live.
Takato:
Lost his left foot in a rock-climbing accident a long time ago.
He does not use a prosthetic foot – he finds that walking with it is too clunky.
He does use crutches occasionally but find that he gets tired quickly so most of his time he uses his
compact manual wheelchair.
He is extremely proud of his Japanese heritage and teaches traditional Japanese wooden flute
(Shakuhachi) from home.
He does not have a lot of students, but there is 1 regular who comes once a week for a lesson. He
sometimes plays the Shamisen or Tsuzumi to accompany them.
He will need to store these somewhere.
He sometimes likes to have meals ready for Kiyomi and Peter when they get home from work. He
wants to be able to share the cooking evenly with them.
He will need an ensuite bathroom with a combined toilet/bidet.
Takato does not have a lot of clothes but does need some clothing storage.
He does not use a prosthetic foot – he finds that walking with it is too clunky.
He does use crutches occasionally but find that he gets tired quickly so most of his time he uses his
compact manual wheelchair.
He is extremely proud of his Japanese heritage and teaches traditional Japanese wooden flute
(Shakuhachi) from home.
He does not have a lot of students, but there is 1 regular who comes once a week for a lesson. He
sometimes plays the Shamisen or Tsuzumi to accompany them.
He will need to store these somewhere.
He sometimes likes to have meals ready for Kiyomi and Peter when they get home from work. He
wants to be able to share the cooking evenly with them.
He will need an ensuite bathroom with a combined toilet/bidet.
Takato does not have a lot of clothes but does need some clothing storage.
House design
The house has a slight step (60mm) up to get in the door, you will need to accommodate this and
indicate on floor plans.
You must keep the external walls intact but can remove any internal walls.
All doors, windows and plumbing can be moved.
There is currently an outdoor patio area which has a section 60mm lower than the rest of the house.
They need this to be incorporated into the house and repurposed. The section will remain lower.
The couple want natural light.
You will need to redesign the whole house but provide details of the Takato’s ensuite and kitchen.
The North East side of the house is adjacent to a busy road so you must include acoustic protection
to the house.
You are to redesign the whole house to accommodate Kiyomi, Peter and Takato. Particular emphasis
in the form of detailed drawings, will be put on the new areas for Takato
Style/colour
Kiyomi and Peter like a contemporary style.
Kiyomi likes pastel colours but nothing boring
Peter likes natural materials. He works as an environmental and sustainability educator so wants
sustainable products used where-ever possible
Both Kiyomi and Peter insist on products which are not harmful to the environment or cause any
health issues to themselves or Takato. They will need you to research and explain the environmental
credentials of materials, particularly, the flooring and the kitchen
Natural light is important to them all
They like lots of plants
Takato would like some reference to traditional Japanese style in his areas. This does not have to be
a reproduction of a Ryokan, he just wants you to acknowledge his heritage
They do not want white or beige/cream walls (White tiles in the bathroom are OK)
They would like the décor to have a connection to their interests and heritage
Curtains are the preferred window treatment in the living areas, but blinds are better in the practise
room
Activities
They are adventurous cooks and everyone, including Matilda, gets involved
Cooking and sharing a meal together are essential parts of family life for them all.
Peter has an interest in transformer collectibles and will need somewhere to display them
Matilda and Takato often play music together
Living and dining area
Lounge seating for 6 people
Bookshelf for books and artefacts
Dining for 6
Curtains
Storage for musical instruments
Laundry
Front load washer
No dryer
Both Kiyomi and Peter feel that using a dryer is bad for the environment so will need access to an
external washing line
Bathroom requirements:
There needs to be an ensuite bathroom as well as a main bathroom which could be used by guests.
Both need an accessible toilet
A combined toilet/bidet with concealed cistern must be used in both
Grab rails must be used
The shower in Takato’s ensuite must allow for a carer in the future
Overhead and handheld showers
Glass cannot be used as a shower screen
Shower seat in the ensuite
Vanity basins in both bathrooms to allow access below
There must be storage close to the toilet
Handles are preferred
Task lighting
Kitchen
Induction cooktop
Statement rangehood
600 side opening oven
Contrasting materials and task lighting
dishwasher
Small sink with one drainer
Existing LG 420L Bottom mount fridge: GB-455PL
Seating for at least 2 if there is room
Task lighting
seating
Budget and timeline
Kitchen appliances to come to no more than $10,000
They want the work completed within 6 months
PROJECT : Residential - Renovation project
TAFE assignment from 2025 (Australiana renovation)
3D GRAPHIC RENDERS : USING Sketchup & Enscape
CLIENT BRIEF :
Clients: Kayla Dean & Shawn Jones
Address: 105 Narinna Avenue, Cumberland Park, 5041, SA
Timeline: Design process 12 weeks
Construction Budget: 400k
General client information
The design should embrace a modern, comfortable lifestyle
It should enhance and explore the inside/outside relationship by allowing generous outside views
Currently there are very small windows, the clients would like to increase the north facing windows as large as possible to increase the views & allow maximum energy efficiency
The clients have a love of plants, trees, and shrubs. They want to see greenery from the interior – every window must have a view of greenery!
General design information
Existing internal wall to be demolished
Current steps down to alfresco level are not suitable for the new design, 2 new steps will be needed to suit new bi-fold doors
New brick wall to east side of alfresco to provide a barrier from strong winds
Must allow for maximum North sunlight to enter the new extension
Minimal West or East facing glass- most large glass should face North. Smaller, high level or low level glass to face east or west to reduce excess heat gain in summer
The kitchen must be a contemporary design with generous benchtop space and storage
Existing size of footprint to remain the same - no increase to existing floor plan area
The design should be a showcase of the latest finishes and materials
Must include the following items in your new design:
Kitchen
Family size modern style kitchen
Must be an ‘L’ shape with an Island bench with at least 3 stools
Natural stone, granite or engineered stone benchtops
Must provide:
Pantry cupboard, Fridge, Cooktop, Oven, Built in Microwave, Sink
Must have a lowered ceiling section over kitchen area
1 large pendant light or multiple smaller pendants to hang over the island bench
Dining
8 seater dining table
Easy access to kitchen
Large pendant feature lighting over dining table
Artwork on wall
Living
2 or 3 seat sofa + 2 single seats
Coffee table
Floor rug
Must Incorporate a large contemporary, custom designed feature wall unit including:
Modern fireplace
Storage/shelves
Large screen TV
Research to find images of the latest design trends
Alfresco
Provide 2 new steps to suit bifold doors
Provide a new brick wall on east side
Include a 6 - seater table and chairs
Include a built in BBQ grill & long benchtop
Allow for exhaust/rangehood above BBQ grill and splash back
Alfresco area must have integrated plants/garden/greenery