Top Unitec Interior Design students awarded scholarships

Top Unitec Interior Design students awarded scholarships by industry icon

Nanette Cameron, one of the most recognisable names in New Zealand interior design, last night awarded two Unitec Bachelor of Design and Visual Arts (Interior Design) students $2500 each towards their course costs and materials.

Cameron has been a long time supporter of Unitec's Bachelor of Design and Visual Arts (Interior Design) programme and has been offering a scholarship for two stand-out students each year since 1992.

The awards were presented at the opening of the 2011 Nanette Cameron Scholarship Exhibition at Unitec's Mt Albert campus last night.

Nanette Cameron presented Anna Hobbs and Amanda Gore the awards in front of members of Interior Design Guild, friends and family of all Unitec Interior Design students, alumni and industry players.

On being awarded the scholarship for outstanding studio practice, Amanda Gore (24) says, "I am over the moon and really excited about receiving this scholarship. I feel extremely honoured to be recognised for all my hard work."

"Nanette Cameron is a really prominent figure in the industry and it's amazing to have her name on the scholarship as she is so well respected," she says.

Anna Hobbs, who completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts before enrolling to study Interior Design at Unitec, says she's been incredibly inspired by her tutors at Unitec and believes the reason she's been so motivated is due to their industry experience and passion for what they do.

"I always had an interest in interior design and have never looked back since starting the Unitec programme after my friend Lisa Sterling, who won this award last year, recommended the programme to me," Anna Hobbs says.

"I feel very privileged to have someone like Nanette Cameron giving me this scholarship towards my course costs and feel incredibly excited and very lucky," she says.

The exhibition was held in the building which houses Unitec's Department of Design and Visual Arts Interior Design which has had a recent make-over by award-winning architecture firm, Architectus.

The space was formerly an old gym at Unitec and has been transformed by the Architectus team, including Paul Millard and former Unitec Interior Design Graduate Antonia Walmsley, into an open plan studio environment for the interior design programme. Construction on the project was completed about three weeks ago.

Senior lecturer Dr Rachel Carley says the Department of Design and Visual Arts at Unitec is always honoured to have the support of Nanette Cameron and the Interior Design Guild.

"Nanette has made an extraordinary contribution to interior design education and practice within New Zealand and it is a privilege to have her endorsement of our interior design programme," she says.

"It's fantastic to be able hold this year's Nanette Cameron Scholarship exhibition in our stunning new exhibition space," says Dr Rachel Carley

"Having a purpose built studio design space really helps to facilitate collaborative learning amongst our students," she says. "The students love it, in particular the high quality finishes and sustainable materials that have been used such as the Interface carpet."

Cameron is best known as a teacher of design and has taught more than 8000 students during her career. Her School of Interior Design, based at Te Tuhi in Pakuranga, Auckland, is well recognised throughout the design industry.

In its 40-plus year history, Cameron's school has instilled an understanding and appreciation of design in thousands of students. In 2004, Cameron was awarded a Queen's Service Medal for her contribution to the community, and she is also an honorary member of the Designers Institute of New Zealand.

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