Illawarra Building Designer – Elise Sorge 

A decision to follow a passion in design as a mature age student has paid off for Illawarra Building Designer Elise Sorge, who recently won the student design open category of the Building Designers Association of Australia (BDAA) 2022 National Design Awards for her sustainably designed commercial building.

In addition to taking home a win, Elise also took home the commendation for her multi-residential project in the same category.

“I was blown away to have received the commendation for my apartments as I put a huge focus on passive design principals and sustainability. As I was designing this project during the second Sydney lockdown, I was inspired to ensure that each apartment I designed was flooded with natural light and also an abundant private garden space as there was so many people denied access to this.

To then be having my photo taken beside the stage and hear my name called as the winner was such an incredible moment!”

Elise, who has completed a Certificate IV in Building Design Drafting and a Diploma of Building Design with Built Form Design Academy, was honoured for her outstanding designs which were an integral part of the Diploma qualification.

“I really pushed my boundaries with this design and my teachers helped me to stay true to my vision when self-doubt crept in. To have my design recognised by the BDAA amongst incredibly talented professionals was such a beautiful moment. To then come home and see my little boys faces light up with proud excitement made all of the hard work and sacrifice worth it.”

The 2022 BDAA National Design Awards were held at the Museum of Melbourne and showcased the best residential and commercial designs by BDAA members across the country.

Built Form Design Academy, Australia’s First Private Building Design College is located in Sutherland. An online only provider they provide building design qualifications nationally.