Finn’s Pall Mall design takes top award

A DIGITAL design for development of a property in Pall Mall has won a Bendigo TAFE student a national award for excellence.

Finn Galvin was named the winner of the Best Digital Presentation by an Emerging Designer Award at the recent DMN (Design Matters National) Excellence and Innovation Summit held at Melbourne’s Federation Square.

DMN is the peak body representing building designers, energy assessors and other built environment professionals in Australia.

Mr Galvin’s award was the fourth year in a row that a Bendigo TAFE student has been successful at the event.

Mr Galvin completed the Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural) earlier this year.

“Winning such a prestigious award was definitely a bit of a shock,” he said. “I have spent a good part of the year dedicated to the project; it has been a huge relief to have my commitment and design concepts validated.”

Mr Galvin said he now wanted to continue architecture studies at university.

“In the meantime I am open to work opportunities within the industry,” he said.

Mr Galvin’s entry was a mixed use development for the Pall Mall site. According to DMN, it “impressed judges with its innovative approach to urban renewal while respecting local heritage values.”

The project takes inspiration from architect David Chipperfield and integrates commercial hospitality, gallery spaces, cooperative workspaces and private residences.

It features sustainable design elements including bio-filtration gardens, solar panels and locally sourced materials.

The design will be on display with work by other building design students at Bendigo TAFE’s Life in the Laneways exhbition from 18-29 November at the City Campus (Building E, Innovation Centre) in Hargreaves Street

DMN chief executive officer Danielle Johnston praised Mr Galvin’s design as an achievement for regional development.

“Finn’s work demonstrates exceptional maturity in addressing complex urban design challenges,” Ms Johnston said.

“His innovative approach to blending heritage considerations with modern sustainability requirements shows exactly the kind of thinking we needs as regional centres evolve.

“This project exemplifies the high calibre of design talent within Design Matters National and emerging talent from institutions like Bendigo TAFE.”

Judging panel chair Sean Hamilton described the quality of Mr Galvin’s digital presentation as “outstanding”.

“This year’s submissions set new standards for innovation and excellence, but Finn’s work stood out for its sophisticated approach to digital storytelling,” Mr Hamilton said.

“His presentation beautifully captured both technical excellence and design sensitivity, particularly in demonstrating how modern development can enhance heritage streetscapes while respecting Indigenous heritage.”

Mr Galvin’s project features a colonnade facade that complements the existing heritage streetscape while introducing contemporary elements through materials like unpolished granite, concrete panels and glazed terracotta tiles.

A rooftop terrace with a translucent viewing gallery adds a modern touch while remaining hidden from street view.