Sabrina Young

Graduate Designer, Studio DB
Bachelor of Design in Spatial Design

Deciding to study spatial design was easy for her, says Sabrina Young who completed a Bachelor of Design in Spatial Design and now works as a graduate designer at Studio DB.

“Spatial design was a no brainer for me after seeing the high-calibre work produced by past students and alumni. Alongside the enthusiasm, passion and support the AUT spatial design teaching team beamed with, this was enough to draw me in immediately. Not to mention the amazing facilities AUT has to offer to help you on the journey of creating and making cool things.

“I still remember sitting in our spatial design studio class in in my first year and being told that we needed to have a daily drawing journal. I was thinking ‘How cool is this? Drawing every day? Yes please!’. I felt a sense of belonging just being in the spatial design studio environment. It was about exploring the world from our own lens, drawing on our own experiences and translating this to space and environment.”

Now working at Studio DB, she loves having a career in spatial design and constantly thinking about ways to create experiences in a space.

“A day in the life of a spatial designer varies – whether you’re doodling, generating technical drawings or choosing beautiful, tactile materials and pieces to be used for projects; no two days are the same. I really enjoy exploring the aesthetics of interior design and problem solving along the way. It’s a very collaborative job, and being able to constantly learn and be inspired by others is super exciting. I love the perspective that spatial design has given me to see the world in a different way, and the way we approach space in a more empathetic, interactive and holistic way.”

Making the most of uni life
AUT’s learning environment really encourages you to get involved and learn by doing, says Sabrina who had previously completed a physiotherapy degree before deciding to study spatial design.

“It was a safe space to make mistakes and learn how to embrace them. Getting access to 3D printing or laser cutter facilities with the wealth of knowledge of the technical teaching staff and the genuine connections with the other students you’re collaborating on projects with was a particular highlight. Although being a student can be stressful, a lot of fun came out of it, whether it was having snack runs with my friends, bonding over two-minute noodles, or making cool models and artefacts I could have never even imagined.”

During her time at AUT she had a number of achievements she is particularly proud of.

“I was really lucky that my final-year spatial design project was recognised at the Retail Excellence Design (RED) Awards and won the student category 2023. It was also displayed on the corner of Nuffield Street and Newmarket in partnership with Westfield, AUT and Scentre Group. It was cool to see my work being displayed and felt like a pinch me moment. Recently it was also a finalist in the 2024 Best Awards. Another achievement I was especially proud of was being a peer mentor for other spatial design students – being able to help others was truly rewarding.

“A highlight that still brings me joy when I think about my time at AUT was being a part of the AUT student ambassador team and making lifelong friends. My responsibilities ranged from helping with student engagement initiatives to helping out at orientation and open days. It enabled me to meet other people who were also navigating through university life at the same time. This diverse group would be so welcoming and approachable, and offered a great sense of community and support.”

Advice for other students
Sabrina, who completed her spatial design degree in 2023, has some great advice for other students.

“I’d highly encourage you to take up as many opportunities, especially to get involved in the various extracurricular activities and clubs AUT has to offer. Not only does it help to balance out the academic side of things, but you also get to have fun and meet a diverse group of people who become lifelong friends. Also don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are so many support systems and resources put in place at AUT, and they’re always willing to help.”

Her other piece of advice is simple: just say yes.

“AUT is such an amazing and safe space to learn in, and it’s totally normal to feel nervous. Whether you’re wanting to project yourself into the world, launch into a career pathway or to learn more about yourself, the opportunities are endless! Even if it’s not quite right the first time, there’s bound to be a course or programme that will give you that aha moment and that feeling of ‘Yes, this is me!’.”