TAFE SA graduate Fareeha Saif has won a national bathroom design award with a creative concept catering for all abilities.

Fareeha says her aim was to show that incorporating accessibility into building design “doesn’t need to be boring”.

Her concept, which was developed as part of her course work at TAFE SA, was named national winner of the Student Design – Bathroom category at the recent Kitchen and Bathroom Designers Institute (KBDi) of Australia Awards.

Fareeha, who completed the Diploma of Building Design in 2023, says the award win has boosted her confidence and belief in her skills.

“My lecturers were always encouraging but the award has made me feel like I’ve achieved something and that I have the skills I need for the industry,” she says.

Her award-winning design was created to meet the needs of fictional clients, a gay couple - one of whom is in a wheelchair - working in the music industry, and in keeping with industry standards.

The design incorporates a range of materials with different textures, forms and colours to add definition and contrast, creating visual interest.

Two wall-hung basins are set at different heights either side of a central cabinet with doors also at different heights to suit someone standing or sitting in a wheelchair. The shower recess also features two shower heights and separate controls.

“The design provides clear options for both occupants - they don’t have to compromise their own needs,” she says.

The TAFE SA Building Design program was well represented at the KBDi national awards, with seven student entries named as state finalists.

Fareeha had two designs shortlisted in the Student Design category, while fellow students Eden Gorecki, Melanie Whittlesea, Tao Zou, Jeime Bjordal and Daniel Evans were also finalists. Their lecturer Robert Bayly was a state finalist in the KBDi’s Large Kitchen category.

Fareeha says she appreciates the upskilling opportunities TAFE SA offers for “people of all ages and different backgrounds”.

After migrating from Pakistan with her family 11 years ago, Fareeha attended classes to advance her English conversation skills through TAFE SA and last year she completed a Retail Skill Set.

Her decision to enrol in the Building Design course at the Tonsley Campus was motivated by a desire to learn something new and gain an Australian qualification.

“I studied for my own development and learnt a lot of skills along the way. Overall, it was an exciting journey,” she says.

Pictured (from left) are Robert Bayly, TAFE SA lecturer and KBDi representative, Fareeha Saif, Andie Grummett, TAFE SA lecturer, and Justin Busse, Acting Director of Future Industry and Trade at TAFE SA.