Thao Nguyen’s journey of achievement began long before her introduction to Keystone. Just 13 years prior to receiving her study award, Thao, together with her mother and sibling, arrived in New Zealand as refugees from Vietnam. They could not speak any English. That meant a fast learning curve for Thao in particular, who had to immerse herself in English as a second language and assume the role as both lead family interpreter and teacher.

“I am so grateful to the trust for their support – not just financially, but in terms of the full wrap-around service they provided. They introduced me to an amazing network of hugely inspirational people.”

Thao Nguyen was a self-described “shy and awkward” 17-year-old who did her Keystone  interview by tele-conference from her Christchurch home.

Clearly, she persuaded the panel, becoming one of four recipients of a Keystone Study Award – then known as the Graeme Bringans Property Education Trust – in 1997. It set her on her dream path: to study architecture at the University of Auckland. And now, after completing her degree and working for key firms both locally and overseas, she heads her own boutique architecture practice. Along the way her projects have earned some significant architectural awards.

But Thao’s journey of achievement began long before her introduction to Keystone.

Just 13 years prior to receiving her study award, Thao, together with her mother and sibling, arrived in New Zealand as refugees from Vietnam. They could not speak any English. That meant a fast learning curve for Thao in particular, who had to immerse herself in English as a second language and assume the role as both lead family interpreter and teacher. “I had to grow up very quickly,” she says. “My mother relied on me for that.”

The family did not have much in the way of material possessions, but her mother impressed upon them the value of a good education. At Cashmere High School, Thao was an ace student, excelling in chemistry, physics, art and science – as well as English and Japanese. She also held down after-school jobs (mushroomer, fish-fryer, dressmaker and nanny included) from the age of 13.

Leaving Christchurch for Auckland University was not easy: it was her first year of tertiary studies and her first year away from home. But Keystone eased her path throughout. “I am so grateful to the trust for their support – not just financially, but in terms of the full wrap-around service they provided. They introduced me to an amazing network of hugely inspirational people,” Thao says. She pays particular recognition to Binty Bringans – Graeme Bringans’ widow and trust founder – who acted as her mentor during her tertiary studies.

One of Thao’s fondest student memories is gaining holiday employment through Keystone sponsor companies which exposed her to both on-site and office work. “They were so generous with their time.”

After completing her studies (studded with A-grade results), she joined Leuschke Group Architects in Auckland and gained registration before heading to London to work for global architectural firm Woods Bagot, specialising in high-end resorts.

Returning to Auckland, Thao rejoined Leuschke Group before marrying. She and her husband now have three young children. To accommodate the needs of her family, Thao not only established a sole practice, but also designed their dream home which she built with her husband.  The 5-bedroom, 3.5 bathroom house sits on a 225sqm site: quite a feat of engineering and design. That earned her a New Zealand Institute of Architects’ Award – premium peer recognition. “For me, that award was the culmination of my love for my family, my love of architecture and the backing of the trust,” she says.

The home, which has featured in glossy magazines, can also accommodate grandparents, who regularly stay. But there is a wider connection for Thao. “Keystone is a huge family, and I will forever be a part of it.”

Thao and family – Photo credit: Jane Ussher for New Zealand House & Garden Magazine