Award winning architect Kate Shepherd is living out her passion for design by immersing herself completely in the lifestyle and demands of architecture. After graduating with her Bachelor and Master of architecture degrees (with a study in Finland as part of UC's international network), Kate went on to complete her architectural registration whilst working at local firm, Stewart Architecture. Currently Kate is working as project architect with multi-award winning Australian architecture practice, FJMT in their U.K. studio. Finally getting a chance to put her UC-instilled architecture skills to the test, Kate is now directly involved in the design process, master planning, leading her own projects, and working with high profile clients and government organisations.

"I think in the design environment, there is always an aspect of unknowingness and uncertainty in your own work," Kate says. "If I was to give one piece of advice to future graduates, it would be to take a risk, trust yourself and your ideas."

It wasn't just luck that helped Kate land an architect position right after graduating – it was dedication, talent, and networking. Throughout her time at UC, Kate entered several architecture exhibitions, including the 2010 ACT Government Light Rail Exhibition, the 2012 Canberra International Music Festival, and the 2012 and 2013 University of Canberra's Best of the Best Exhibition at the Gallery of Australian Design (GAD). Most recently, Kate was a finalist in the ACT Government's Chief Minister's Challenge in 2015 and won second place at the 2014 ACT Light Rail Idea's competition (along with fellow UC Graduate Sarah Herbert) and her design was displayed at the GAD. Kate also won UC's Deans Excellence Award for both 2012 and 2013 and the Daryl Jackson Alistair Swayn Graduates Prize, the UC's highest architectural honor.

"The thing I miss most about UC is the element of open collaboration that you get working in the studio environment", Kate fondly recalls. "UC promoted a healthy level of competition and collaboration that has provided me with invaluable skills to confidently put forward my own views and ideas in a professional setting. This experience has been completely invaluable to me progressing as a young architect."