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Student wins international design award

Friday, 02 December 2022

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Student wins international design award

A “showstopping” design by a talented Interior Design student has scooped an award in a prestigious international competition.

Jaime Scholz won the category: Jury’s Favourite in Interior Design – Institutional in the BLT Built Design Awards.

The awards celebrate the best of architecture, interior design and construction worldwide and attract submissions from professionals, emerging designers and students.

Jamie, who hails from Melkbosstrand, said it was a huge honour to see her name and project between those of “such prestigious interior designers and architects’ projects “

“I am very grateful to have been given this opportunity and excited for what lies ahead.”

Referring to her design, she said she was guided by the brief to accommodate a primary care clinic, which focuses on wellness visits, physicals, vaccinations, screenings for illness, and acute illness and injury care for all patients.

“With a strong focus on inclusive design – I ensured specialised kitted examination rooms for paediatric, bariatric, disabled, elderly and the general patient. I focused on being environmentally conscious and reusing or refurbishing the existing walls instead of demolishing and rebuilding unnecessarily.”

She said the spatial design concept needed to maximise usable space “without sacrificing the hallway to promote a spa-like feel, creating a sense of comfort and well-being for all patients.” Most of the furniture and equipment would be sourced from local South African suppliers/manufacturers.

Jaime said she loves the puzzle of practical problem solving through design and this, together with her fascination with how the built environment affects our lives and its surrounding environment, led her to study interior design with the goal to study further in architecture.

Senior lecturer Colleen Cocotos said that when she heard about the competition, she did not want to miss the opportunity of highlighting the best work, which was submitted to the competition and won.

“It was a pleasure working with Jaime because she has an exceptional work ethic, and she is engaged and open to learning and receiving constructive feedback. The entire class reviewed exceptional case studies, which we critically discussed. Jaime had a clear understanding of how to execute her design, as she is a very intuitive designer. I know my guidance assisted the class, yet Jaime’s Clinic was indeed the showstopper.”

Written by Ilse Fredericks
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Staffer selected to jury of prestigious awards

Thursday, 01 January 1970

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Staffer selected to jury of prestigious awards

A senior lecturer in the Architectural Technology and Interior Design Department has been selected as a jury panel member for the prestigious International BLT Built Design Awards.

Colleen Cocotos said she felt privileged to have been selected as a jury panel member for the awards, which recognise and celebrate the contributions of professionals in architecture, interior design, construction and landscape architecture on a global scale.

“The jury consists of practitioners from around the world and I am honoured to represent South Africa alongside Phill Mashabane, principal at Mashabane and Rose Architects. I look forward to the awards event, which will showcase exceptional work. I find it inspiring to review the dedication and effort that have gone into these projects.”

She joined CPUT in 2009 from Nikheel, a Middle Eastern property developer.

“The most enjoyable part of my job is challenging students to become their best selves as designers. I believe that we have the power to make a positive impact on society through good design and there is no greater privilege than being able to create happy, environmentally responsible and supportive environments.”

Cocotos said being a juror for the BLT Built Design Awards would give her the opportunity to review a wide range of projects, buildings, and infrastructure that tackle the challenges of urbanisation.

“I appreciate the chance to witness first-hand the exceptional and human-centred approach that goes into these projects. It is creatively stimulating to be part of an awards event that celebrates excellence and shares it globally, with a broad audience, allowing others to aspire to the same level of greatness.”

For more on the awards, click here.

Written by Ilse Fredericks
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.