Swinburne interior architecture student wins Australian Graduate of the Year

Interior architecture student Chrissa Drossopolous has won the 2018 Australian Graduate of the Year Award (AGOTYA).

The AGOTYA competition is an initiative by the Design Institute of Australia and celebrates the best of Australia’s young design graduates.

The AGOTYA judging panel was impressed by Ms Drossopolous’ bridging of architecture and interior design. 

The panel found Chrissa had produced a really solid folio of interior design, bridging architecture and interior design, that included strong sustainability solutions and innovative site-specific design responses.

 
Chrissa's proposed design of Campbell's arcade. | Image credit: The Upside of Under Brief 

Chrissa’s capstone project was based on Campbell Arcade, an underground shopping precinct that connects Degraves Street with Flinders Street Station in Melbourne. Her project sought to activate the retail spaces of the underground bypass by incorporating art, heritage and community engagement.

“This award has shaped my career by providing me with credibility,” says Ms Drossopolous.

“During my design journey at Swinburne, I gained practical experience through a design studio that evolved into a contract project. The support, knowledge, and dedication demonstrated by my tutors have been integral.”

Ms Drossopolous’ commitment to her studies has set her up for a promising design career, says Course Director of Interior Architecture, Dr Kirsten Day of Ms Drossopolous’ initial state-level recognition.

“Chrissa has developed into a very successful professional all-rounder. Her Capstone design for Campbell Arcade at Flinders Street Station is a sophisticated development of an engaging new public space,” says Dr Day.

Chrissa received a cash prize of $1000 and a mentorship with a design practice to ensure she will succeed in her future design ventures.  

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