Urbanist, designer and keen blogger are all titles easily applied to Queensland University of Technology (QUT) graduate Yen Trinh.
The young urban and regional planning graduate last week added to her growing list of accomplishments having been named Emerging Design Leader at the 2011 Queensland Premier's Design Awards on Thursday.
Having completed projects as diverse as public art displays, landscape, furniture and graphic design in Australia and abroad, Ms Trinh is also a passionate advocate for involving the local community in public discussions involving open spaces.
"I think it is really important to work with the community and people outside the design profession," she said.
"There is a lot of big stuff happening in the city and sometimes it goes over people's heads because they don't know how to become involved in the process."
Ms Trinh graduated from QUT with a Bachelor of Built Environment, and followed this up with a Graduate Diploma in Urban and Regional Planning in 2004.
She won the Planning Institute of Australia's Young Planner of the Year in 2008 and was the driving force behind Brisbane's PARK(ing) Day and the "I Just Wanted to Say" project, promoting friendlier cities by creating priority seating for those wanting to chat.
"There is definitely opportunities for a place like Brisbane - Melbourne is seen as the city where a lot of cool design projects happen, but there is growth happening in Brisbane and the community is critical in that process."
Arts Minister Rachel Nolan said the Emerging Design Leader Award recognises "the rising talent of the design sector", which was a fitting accolade for Ms Trinh.
"She is a passionate advocate for design as an agent for social change and is strongly involved in many programs focused on rethinking everyday experiences through innovative design," Ms Nolan said.
"The Emerging Design Leader Award winner is required to pursue professional development opportunities with their travel bursary, usually by attending international design events and festivals."
Media contact:
- Alita Pashley, QUT media officer, 07 3138 1841
