When Recognition Comes Unexpectedly
In my final year at RMIT, every student had to enter the Bedroom Design Award, judged by industry leaders from BQ Design and Marco Fabrics.
I didn’t treat it like a competition at all. I’ve always been aware of how ego can distort the natural unfolding of an idea, so I purposely put the competition out of my mind. I focused entirely on the work itself, doing it the way I wanted, to the best of my abilities, without any care for judgement or comparison.
The original mood and materials board that was selected as the winning entry for the RMIT Bedroom Design Award, 2016.
Showing Up, Half an Hour Late
When the day came to reveal the winner, I rolled up half an hour late, completely unconcerned about the outcome.
It was funny, the organisers were stalling, waiting for me to arrive. As they started presenting the winning project, describing it to the gathered students and industry guests, I looked up at the board… and thought, “Gee, that looks familiar.”
It was my project.
A closer look at materials and lighting in my award-winning bedroom.
Surprised, Embarrassed, and Overjoyed
I was genuinely surprised, embarrassed, and overjoyed all at once. The award had completely caught me off guard.
My bedroom design was constructed and exhibited at BQ Design Headquarters, professionally photographed, and I was invited for an interview for their feature.
It was recognition of work I had done simply with care and authenticity, without expectation, without ego, and without competing.
Seeing my design constructed and exhibited at BQ Design HQ was a moment of complete surprise and joy.
A Lesson That Stays With Me
That moment has stayed with me. It reminded me that true work, done with integrity and focus, will be recognised in its own time, often in ways you never anticipate.
It’s a lesson I carry into every project today: stay true to the work, stay true to your process, and let the outcome unfold.
You can see the feature and interview with BQ Design here: BQ Design – Designer Profile