By CASEY NEILL
DANDENONG’S Christophe Rousselin has a passion for drafting and design – and the talent to match.
“I like the idea of leaving a footprint in a building,” he said.
“It’s a way to leave something from you.”
The 22-year-old received a commendation in the Best Digital Presentation by a Student category and a $200 prize at the recent Building Designers Association of Victoria (BDAV) Building Design Awards.
Christophe walked judges through his design for an upgrade to Dromana Surf Life Saving Club.
“It’s a site in front of the beach so we had to be really careful about the design of the building,” he said.
“We worked around the existing conditions and aimed to keep the identity of the building itself.
“I had a lot of fun doing the project. I think that’s the main thing.
“If you want to do something you should have fun doing it.
“Getting that prize was just a bonus.”
Christophe was thrilled to receive the recognition and to meet key players in the industry at the awards night.
He finished his Advanced Diploma in Building Design (Architectural) course at Chisholm Institute of TAFE about a month ago and is trying to find a job.
“I’ve actually met a few people there who gave me business cards,” he said.
Christophe went to high school in Mauritius and arrived in Australia almost three years ago.
“It was a bit challenging,” he said.
“There’s a lot of opportunity and there’s heaps of stuff to do here.”
His mum and dad remain in his homeland.
“They’re really happy. I called them straight away after the prize,” he said.
Christophe wants to work in the drafting and design field.
“Hopefully in three or four years or maybe five years, I could have my own practice or firm,” he said.
