Arcadia is delighted to announce that QUT student, Jada Gilbert, is the recipient of the 2023 Arcadia Landscape Architecture Scholarship for Indigenous Students. In its third year, Jada is the sixth student to be awarded the Arcadia scholarship and by the end of 2023, three First Nations students will have graduated from Landscape Architecture.
“We are proud that we are able to support these exceptional and inspiring individuals through their studies, and delighted to announce that Jada is the latest recipient, in recognition of her achievements and potential in the field of landscape architecture and urban design,” says Alex Longley, Principal of Arcadia Landscape Architecture.
“We are excited to work with Jada as she develops her design and industry skills and builds on her knowledge of her ancestors to understand how this can be used to her future work to deliver positive outcomes for Country and community.”
Currently studying a double degree in Landscape Architecture and Urban Development, Jada impressed the panel with her passion for the built environment, having received an Award for Planning Excellence for her Year 12 Geography project.
“My passion for the planning aspect of geography led me to study Urban Development while the study of Landscape Architecture will allow me to expand my knowledge of the natural aspect of planning. I believe this will allow me to further value the land as it embodies the traditional First Nations knowledge of spirits, places, land uses and ecology,” says Jada Gilbert.
While Jada completes her studies, she will be working in the Arcadia Brisbane studio as a student Landscape Architect.
“As year 12 students around the country heading into their final exams, and we hope to see more First Nations students considering Landscape Architecture as a career option that allows them to create a meaningful difference in caring for Country through design and sharing of Traditional Knowledge,” says Longley.
About the Scholarship
Arcadia established the scholarship to encourage Indigenous students to enter Landscape Architecture, as proper representation of Indigenous people in this industry will increase the capacity to care for and connect with Country and place. This will result in better performing, more meaningful spaces where stories and knowledge can be shared, and true custodianship and care is allowed for.
The scholarship is currently offered through the following universities:
- Queensland University of Technology
- Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology
- University of New South Wales
- University of Western Australia
- University of Canberra
- University of Technology Sydney
All Indigenous students enrolled in an AILA-accredited Landscape Architecture program are invited to apply for an Arcadia scholarship. Each scholarship will provide support to each student for the duration of the course. This scholarship will be available to one student per university, per year.
Arcadia offers additional support to scholarship students including:
- Introductions to senior staff to provide mentoring, career and coursework advice and guidance
- Opportunity to take on a paid student role within one of our studios in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Canberra.
- Opportunity to build their network of Indigenous contacts, by connecting them to other Indigenous designers, practitioners and Indigenous Knowledge Holders.
If you, or someone you know, is interested in finding out more about the Arcadia Scholarships for Indigenous students studying Landscape Architecture, please get in touch with Pip Meachin at pipm@arcadiala.com.au.
