RMIT sweeps Design Institute of Australia graduate awards

From circus performer to Australian Graduate of the Year, RMIT students and alumni reflect on their unique pathways and what it means to be recognized by the Design Institute of Australia (DIA).

Career pathways are not always straightforward; they can take you in many unexpected directions.

No one knows this more than Wenting Ma and Kassie Kan, who were in very different careers – an accountant and circus performer, respectively – before pivoting to studying design at RMIT’s College of Vocational Education.

“Five years into my accounting career, I realized my true passion lay in design,” said Wenting.

“I’ve always been fascinated by architecture and interior spaces, so I decided it was time to pursue what I loved via RMIT's Diploma of Interior Design.”

“I’ve been a circus performer, a youth worker, team bonding facilitator, youth leadership program facilitator, landscaper, factory hand, and caterer,” said Kassie.

“My natural curiosity found a home in working with wood, and that’s why I chose the Associate Degree in Design (Furniture) at RMIT.”

Wenting and Kassie were recognized at this year’s DIA Graduate of the Year Awards, which celebrate the best of Australia’s emerging designers.

Telling stories through design

Kassie was awarded both the DIA Australian and Victorian Graduate of the Year in the ‘USE – Vocational’ category for her furniture promoting sustainability and inclusivity.

Shaped by her experiences with ADHD, her designs shine a spotlight on neurodivergence and invisible health conditions on a practical and conceptual level.

“My design Six Sticks was inspired by the profound impact lighting can have on sensory comfort. I designed it after gathering feedback from over 40 neurodivergent individuals, which shaped both the aesthetic and functional aspects of the design,” Kassie said.

“Pleuro is a coffee table that compares mushrooms and their vast hidden mycelium networks with the experience of chronic illness, which is also often unseen. Its unfinished appearance invites reflection on the value of revealing one’s unvarnished self.”

Kassie’s personal connection to her designs makes the award especially meaningful to her.

“It demonstrates that when we are judged by our output, autistic and ADHD students have great potential,” she said.

Kassie’s award-winning designs, Six Sticks (left) and Pleuro (right)

Wenting won the Victoria Graduate of the Year award in the ‘PLACE – Vocational’ category.

One of her projects is a warehouse renovation for a senior couple looking to buck the downsizing trend and relocate from rural Victoria to Melbourne.

“My goal was to make the entire house feel like a story unfolding room by room, where each space has its own narrative, but everything is connected,” Wenting said.

“I wanted to create a space that made the couple feel at home and connected to nature, despite their new environment. I drew on elements like the sea, moon, sand, and rocks to evoke a sense of adventure and tranquility.”

The bedroom design for Wenting’s refurbished warehouse project.

From award-winning design to start-up business

Maya Schwalb, who graduated from the Bachelor of Industrial Design (Honours) in 2023, received the Victorian Graduate of the Year in the ‘USE – Higher Education’ category.

An avid inventor from a young age, Maya was only 13 years old when she came up with the design for an automatic page turner for drummers using sheet music.

These early signs of ingenuity are present in her current work, which spans various applications – from a hallway bench that encourages people to limit their mobile phone usage to specific areas of the house, to a smart high-heeled shoe that prompts users to adjust their posture.

Her main project, PIVOT, is a hospital chair that allows nurses to face patients who are being transferred, enabling full patient engagement.

“My design addresses a wide range of needs, including those arising from mental health challenges and communication barriers,” Maya said.

“PIVOT minimises fall and flight risks without the use of restraints, enhances patient care delivery and improves occupational health and safety outcomes for staff.”

Maya’s bi-directional hospital transfer chair.

Since graduating from RMIT, Maya has continued working as a product manager and UX/UI designer at a Melbourne-based start-up, where she is gaining insights into how to turn her own ideas into the next big thing.

“I have continued to develop the PIVOT wheelchair and am exploring its potential as a start-up,” she said.

A supportive learning environment

Despite studying different programs and specialising in different areas of design, Wenting, Kassie and Maya share an unshakable curiosity that was nurtured during their studies at RMIT.

They all noted the support they received from their teachers and the value of RMIT’s industry-focused learning opportunities in helping them take their studies beyond the classroom.

Wenting said that the practical experiences she gained during her diploma prepared her well for her current role at a leading commercial and hospitality design firm.

Wenting with her award.

“The White Brick Studio, set up by our dedicated teachers, simulated a real design environment, allowing us to gain hands-on experience.”

“Additionally, the mentor program offered real-world experience by connecting me with a large-scale architectural firm, which was invaluable.”

“I am especially grateful for the support from Jenny Crowley, who was always willing to help me. I couldn’t have achieved as much without her guidance,” Wenting said.

Jenny, who is a Program Manager in the College of Vocational Education, is proud of her students' achievements and of how she is contributing to these as an educator.

“We have incredibly bright and talented students with big ideas. It’s an honor to be able to provide them with the tools to explore their passions and grow their skills and competencies, and see them achieve such amazing success as a result of their hard work,” Jenny said.

Congratulations to all RMIT students and alumni who were recognised at the DIA Graduate of the Year Awards

PLACE – Vocational:

Winner: Wenting Ma

Commendations: Vivian (Chunrui) Li, Ruby Shields, Tirada Sriwattana

PLACE – Higher Education:

High commendation: Anh Tran

USE – Vocational: State and National category

Winner: Kassie Kan

Commendation: Casey Lay

USE – Higher Education:

Winner: Maya Schwalb

Commendation: Alexandra Groves

04 November 2024

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RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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