A Sunbury woman who completed an advanced diploma of building design as a mature-age student has won a statewide competition.
Melinda Sanz, who is continuing her studies at Melbourne Polytechnic, was among the rising stars recognised during the Building Designers Association of Victoria’s recent awards night.
She says the honour for drafting excellence by a student came as a nice surprise as she only entered the first stage of the competition at the last minute.
The budding architect spent many years working in freight-forwarding before stepping out to chase her dream.
‘‘I’ve always been fascinated with buildings and design … I’m the type who reads all the house magazines,’’ Ms Sanz said. ‘‘But it wasn’t until my children got older that I decided it was something I would pursue.’’
Her advice for anyone feeling as though life has passed them by is simple: ‘‘It’s never too late.’’
‘‘That’s the cliche, but it’s true,’’ she said.
‘‘If you really want it, you might have to give up some of the things you’re used to – like concert tickets and new clothes. But with part-time or online study and hard work, you can do it.’’
