Diploma of Graphic Design graduate, Pip Armstrong, was announced as the winner of an innovative design competition at Hunter TAFE’s Graduate Exhibition last week.

Local accounting, financial and business advisory firm, PKF Newcastle, offered its building façade on Hunter Street as a blank canvas for Hunter TAFE design students, with Pip taking out the $1,000 prize with one of her concepts.

The owners of 755 Hunter Street felt the exterior of the recently redeveloped space needed a facelift, and local young creatives were the perfect partners to develop some progressive concepts.

Over the course of a TAFE semester, Design Teacher, Roger Quinn, and his students worked with PKF to scope, plan and finally present a range of design concepts to the building owners. The broad aim from the outset was to improve the building’s street appeal.

Managing Director of PKF Newcastle, Steve Meyn, said the project was a great outcome for everyone involved.

“It gave the students an excellent opportunity to work on a pitch for a real life project, and the lucky winner will eventually see their work come to life,” Steve said.

“For PKF, it allowed us to continue to work in innovative ways with our local community and to support the next crop of great minds. Of course, it also gave us some excellent ideas around how we can brighten up the front of our building.”

The Hunter TAFE Graduate Exhibition was held at Newcastle Museum, and was a showcase of the design works created by the students over the past two years.