02 Apr 2024
We are pleased to announce Ashlee Bird as the recipient of the 2024 Studio Pacific Architecture and Design korahipi.
Ashlee's strong ties to her culture and her belief in architecture's potential to unite communities made her a standout candidate for this scholarship.
Ashlee's connection to her whakapapa shines through in her own words: "My Māori heritage has always had an important part in my life. When I hear stories about the past and the lives of my kaumatua I am astonished by their pure strength and dedication that they held." Her commitment to preserving and celebrating the stories of her ancestors aligns perfectly with the ethos of the scholarship.
Established in 2022, the Studio Pacific Architecture and Design Scholarship aims to support talented students in their first year of study at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington’s Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation. The scholarship is awarded to an individual who has the potential to succeed in a design discipline, as demonstrated by their academic record, design portfolio, and other assessment criteria.
Commenting on Ashlee's selection, Studio Pacific Managing Director Nick Barratt-Boyes said, "We established this scholarship to foster diversity and inclusion within the architecture industry. Ashlee’s passion for her heritage and her belief in the power of design to positively impact communities make her an exceptional recipient. We congratulate Ashlee on being awarded the scholarship for 2024 and wish her every success in her studies."
Congratulations, Ashlee! We wish you all the best as you embark on this exciting journey.
Applications for the 2025 Studio Pacific Architecture and Design Scholarship will open later this year.
