En-Abyme Postgraduate Scholarship in Interior Architecture

History and purpose

Placed in the context of interior design, en-Abyme Postgraduate Scholarship for Interior Architecture is a directive, compelling students to approach the existing design languages of Aotearoa as sites for further reflection and discovery. Every creative discipline has its own distinct symbiotic vernacular, informed by the history and patterns of the surrounding landscape and tasked with evolving to reflect the ongoing growth of collective and diverse identities. This scholarship advocates for further expansion of interior design vernacular, both in size and dimensionality. Structured to provide financial support and additional resources with the aim of facilitating the ambition and creativity of postgraduate students, the intent is to enable further research and development of ideas that might otherwise remain unexplored. There are no additional demands accompanying the scholarship, its function being to equip the recipient with the tools needed to recognise and refine their own perspective, and as inferred by the name, strengthen the interior architecture industry of Aotearoa from within.

Harboured within this scholarship are multiple aspirations: to support a wider array of perspectives within the field of interior architecture and design; to see the industry itself strengthened; to witness our design languages broadening in concert with the expanding dimensionality of Aotearoa. Interconnected as these aims are, the overarching intent of this scholarship is to act as a conduit for internal growth, clearing the way for potential where it may have otherwise faltered, and imparting the experience and tools needed for the applicant to forge their place within the wider interior architecture and design industry. With a comprehensive view of our existing interior design languages as a backdrop, the scholarship hopes to aid the formation of new perspectives, pulling reference from both the existing design lexicon, and the multifaceted identities of contemporary Aotearoa as it continues to take shape.

Who is eligible?

• Must be a third-year student pursuing a Master of Interior Architecture degree at Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington, heading into years four and five.
• There are no minimum GPA requirements, however applicants must be in good academic standing.

Selection criteria

• Applicants will be assessed of the quality and depth of their final presentation in their third year Bachelor of Architectural Studies degree majoring in Interior Architecture.
• Financial hardship will also be taken into consideration.

Application process

A completed online application must be submitted by 4.30 pm on the closing date. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. Any required supporting documentation (including references) must also be received by 4.30 pm on the closing date in order for the application to be considered.

Applications will normally open one month prior to the closing date. If no application link is provided below, check back again closer to the closing date. Contact us if you have any queries.

Scholarship specific documentation

• A statement detailing why you wish to hold the scholarship
• One reference, from a Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington faculty member or personal referee outlining how they believe the applicant would benefit from the scholarship (to be requested via the online application)
• Documentation of applicant’s final submission from third year of Bachelor of Architectural Studies degree majoring in Interior Architecture
• Documentation of supplementary undergraduate or extra-curricular work the applicant wishes to put forward

Selection process

Decisions on scholarship winners will be determined by panel review and discussion.  The panel will be comprised of Rufus Knight, Director of Knight Associates, a second representative from Knight Associates Studio and a member of the Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington Interior Architecture Faculty.  The panel may expand to include alumni of the Scholarship and other professional practitioners or guest jurors.

Additional information

The value of the scholarship is $10,594 to be paid towards course fees ($9,534) and student levy ($1,060).

Scholarship is awarded at the end of third year there will be eventually be two scholarships in yearly rotation: a new fourth year student and returning fifth year student. Thus – total of two academic years, completing years four and five of the VUW Master’s in Interior Architecture Degree.

Recipients are expected to write a letter of thanks to the donor.

An offer of mentorship and internship might be available which will be arranged directly with Knight and Associates.

Regulations and conditions

1. A completed online application must be submitted by 4.30 pm on the closing date. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. Any required supporting documentation (including references) must also be received by 4:30pm on the closing date in order for the application to be considered.
2. All offers of the Scholarship will be conditional upon the recipient being fully enrolled in a full-year programme (full-time will be at the level of points considered by Studylink as full-time) within the stipulated criteria and tenure of the scholarship. No payment of the Scholarship will be made until this condition is met.
3. The Scholarship cannot be deferred to a later year.
4. The Scholarship may be held in conjunction with other awards.
5. Should the recipient withdraw from Victoria University of Wellington during the tenure of this scholarship or fail to achieve a satisfactory progress, partial repayment of the Scholarship will normally be expected. Recipients must advise the Scholarships Office if they intend to withdraw.
6. Recipients are expected to act as Ambassadors for Victoria University of Wellington and participate in appropriate events or marketing if requested.
7. At the discretion of the Deciding Authority, the application of the terms and conditions of the Scholarship may be modified in special circumstances or to avoid hardship to any candidate for the Scholarship.

Contact

Scholarships Office
scholarships-office@vuw.ac.nz
Phone 0800 04 04 04