One year after taking the University Medal for Architecture, UNSW graduate Felicity Stewart has again demonstrated her passion for her chosen profession by securing the NSW Board of Architects Medallion.

The medallion is awarded to architecture graduates who are recognised as contributors to the future of architecture.

Ms Stewart, who now works with Darlinghurst-based architects Bates Smart, was awarded the prestigious prize not only for her academic success but also her interest in nurturing new students and developing the profession of architecture.

"I'm looking forward to continuing to tutor - it's nice still having that tie to the uni and I like dealing with students in a way that I appreciated when I was studying," Ms Stewart said.

"I feel quite strongly about my future as a professional."

The 27-year-old tutors architecture students in the Faculty of Built Environment (FBE) and was also course convener for this year's high-profile CH4 project, in which FBE students built an eye-catching cardboard tube pavilion in the forecourt of Sydney's Customs House.

With an "inspirational" architect father and a love of buildings and design, architecture held a strong attraction, yet when Canberra-born Stewart first came to UNSW it was to study fine arts at the College of Fine Arts before deciding her true passion was for architecture.

"I think my fine arts background does still inform my approach to the design of buildings," she said.

FBE Architecture Program Director Ann Quinlan said graduates like Ms Stewart are "the future leaders of the profession".

"She's the real McCoy - a high academic achiever and a contributor in student and community life," she said.

UNSW Media Office: Peter Trute | 02 9385 1933 | p.trute@unsw.edu.au