“I’m on cloud nine” – Student Vicky Licha wins national award for nostalgic kitchen design

SKIP TO CONTENT

“I’m on cloud nine” – Student Vicky Licha wins national award for nostalgic kitchen design

RMIT Vocational Education student Vicky Licha has cemented herself as a rising star in interior design as she prepares to graduate from her diploma.

Vicky has always had a strong creative drive and was drawn to art from a young age. Her interest in interior design came years later, when, like many people, she took up a new hobby during the pandemic.

“During COVID-19, I was living in a beautiful house with poor lighting, which made me acutely aware of how our surroundings affect our wellbeing, sparking my interest in interior design,” said Vicky.

She began her Diploma of Interior Design at RMIT last year, hoping to put her newfound passion into practice but feeling uncertain about where it could take her.

“I began my course without a clear direction, but it has led me to a place of immense satisfaction and fulfilment.”

In August, Vicky received the 2024 Student Design Award from the Kitchen and Bathroom Designers Institute (KBDi), Australia’s leading specialist kitchen and bathroom designers’ association.

The award was presented at a special ceremony attended by key industry representatives, and has cemented Vicky as a talented designer who pairs style and functionality with heart.

Vicky Licha

RMIT student Vicky Licha receiving her award.

Her kitchen design was inspired by memories of growing up in Argentina with her Lebanese grandfather.

Growing up, I was surrounded by beautiful tiles, spices, and warm colours and textures. I wanted to infuse these elements into my design.

“After hours of searching for similar kitchen designs with arches on Pinterest and finding none, I realised I had the opportunity to create something entirely new and extraordinary.”

Alt Text is not present for this image, Taking dc:title 'Vicky Licha design'

Vicky Licha's award winning design.

Her innovative use of colours and patterns was questioned by some, and she was even advised to overhaul her entire design just hours before submitting her award entry.

But Vicky believed in her vision – a belief instilled in her through her studies at RMIT.

“I decided to trust my instincts and stick with my original design. [The award] signifies that hard work and self-belief truly pay off.”

“Being part of a welcoming community [at RMIT] that supports and helps you thrive has been incredibly rewarding.”

As she prepares to graduate, she’s keeping an open mind about the future.

“I’m eager to embrace whatever opportunities come my way. Ideally, I’d love to be mentored by an experienced interior design to continue learning and improving my skills.”

Check out Vicky’s Instagram where she showcases her latest designs: @vicky__licha

Read more about RMIT’s Diploma of Interior Design

09 September 2024

Share

More student news

Stretch your budget with your student card: Get to know the student discounts around Melbourne.

25 Feb 2026

Being a student (while fun) can get expensive. The good news? Your RMIT student card can unlock a whole world of student discounts to help you stay on budget while still squeezing in a bit of fun.

Group photo of program participants

Bringing together female thinkers for greater impact: Applications open for Women in Tech cohort of Apple Foundation Program

24 Feb 2026

The Apple Foundation Program at RMIT provides a supportive environment for learners to build technical skills and confidence, connect with experts, and unlock future opportunities in technology.

Message from the Vice-Chancellor: Racism@Uni Study findings released

18 Feb 2026

The findings of the Racism@Uni Study have been released, following a nation-wide survey all Australian university students and staff  were invited to complete in September 2025.

Thinking about a minor as part of your undergraduate degree?

18 Feb 2026

STEM College has introduced new minors available to all undergraduate students, no matter your discipline, designed to equip you with future-ready digital skills.

Show more

aboriginal flag float-start

torres strait flag float-start

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

Learn more about our commitment to Indigenous cultures