Maryann Aziz has been named the recipient of Frasers Property Australia’s 2022 Architecture Scholarship for Women, which is eligible to Western Sydney University architecture students.

The $60,000 scholarship is designed to encourage more women to advance their careers in architecture. The money is split across the two-year Master of Architecture (Urban Transformation) course at the University. Full-time and part-time students both qualify.

“I’m the first woman in my immediate family to study architecture,” Aziz says.

“Mum’s uncle was one of the first architects in my home country, who established many buildings there. So, it’s a huge honour to be doing this.”

Aziz is of the belief that architecture reflects human diversity and connects cultures through design language. Following the completion of her studies, the budding architect hopes to follow in the footsteps of her idol, Dame Zaha Hadid.

“I really hope that in the coming years, the industry is celebrated as much for its diversity as it is for its creativity,” she says.

Frasers Property’s General Manager Delivery and Operations, Nicholle Sparkes, holds Aziz’s aspirations in similar regard.

“Architecture, and the wider property industry, have long been male-dominated, which is why initiatives such as the Master of Architecture (Urban Transformation) Scholarship for Women are so important – to encourage and support more women into the field,” she says.

“Diversity enriches everything we do, from our daily working lives to the built environments we create for current and future generations.

“As a WGEA (Workplace Gender Equality Act) Employer of Choice, and one of the only property-related companies in Australia to achieve this citation, Frasers Property is proud to continue as a sponsor of the scholarship and encourage more talented women like Maryann to forge successful careers in our industry.”

Western Sydney University, Dean of the School of Engineering, Design and Built Environment, Mike Kagioglou, says the university is delighted to have handed the scholarship to an outstanding student for the second year running.

"Western Sydney University is incredibly proud to partner with Frasers Property Australia on the Master of Architecture (Urban Transformation) Scholarship for Women which is supporting a second talented student,” he says.

“The scholarship will connect Maryann to one of Australia’s leading property developers with strong connections to Sydney’s west, providing valuable support and professional development opportunities.”

Sarah Abu Dareb preceded Aziz as the inaugural scholarship recipient in 2020. Abu Dareb says she is excited by the opportunity presented to her successor through the scholarship.

“The Master of Architecture (Urban Transformation) Scholarship for Women helped shape my academic development, provided me with an opportunity to embark on my career as an urban designer and heightened my confidence in the field,” she says.

“I have no doubt that Maryann, too, is able to use this wonderful opportunity for her academic growth and build her career in the design industry."

Jarrod Reedie

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