C147/09
Interior architecture has always fascinated Leonie Edwards who is now living her dream on the Nine Network’s new renovation competition homeMADE.
Twenty-seven-year-old Ms Edwards, of Subiaco, graduated from Curtin University of Technology with a Bachelor of Arts (Interior Architecture) with honours in 2004.
“homeMADE is an amazing experience, I had no idea what to expect and I have never worked so hard in my whole life,” Ms Edwards said.
“I have Curtin to thank for this wonderful opportunity that came to me while I was tutoring at the University last year.
“I got an email from my colleague, Ms Nancy Spanbroek of the Department of Architecture and Interior Architecture, about a casting agency that was looking for graduates to audition for a new TV show.
“I thought I would give it a go because it sounded different and I was at a point in my career where I had a few years experience working on commercial projects such as schools and hotels.
“I had to submit a short video and audition and I could not believe it when I made the short list. When I got the call to say I was chosen I left my job and now I am happy looking for new opportunities.”
Born in South Korea, Ms Edwards moved to Australia with her biological brother when adopted by an Australian couple at the age of two.
“I always loved designing things as a hobby so when a friend mentioned that Curtin had an interior architecture course I enrolled,” Ms Edwards said.
“I loved studying at Curtin as the course gives you a lot of practical experience in drawing, working with materials and construction.
“When I started my first job I felt I had all the knowledge and experience I needed to be a success. This is one of the reasons why I tutor as I got so much out of my time studying at Curtin that I enjoy giving something back and helping students.”
Curtin’s Nancy Spanbroek is happy for her colleague.
“Leonie is a talented designer and a good tutor and we wish her all the best in her endeavours,” Ms Spanbroek said.
The only Western Australian on the show, Ms Edward’s motto is KIT, “keep it together” and her style is classic and a little bit quirky.
