From late-night architectural model building to stepping onto global platforms, Robyn Erasmus has never shied away from grand ambitions. Yet, even for someone who effortlessly balances high-profile pageantry, content creation, and running a small business, this year delivered an unprecedented streak of celebration.

In a matter of six days, the University of Johannesburg (UJ) alumna achieved two life-defining milestones: tying the knot with her high school sweetheart and walking across the UJ graduation stage to collect her Bachelor of Arts Honours in Interior Design, with distinction.

“My wedding was on 14 March 2026, and my graduation was on 19 March 2026, so they were less than a week apart,” Robyn shares. “It was definitely a crazy month. Between planning a wedding, preparing for graduation, slowly moving into our first apartment together, and working a full-time job, there was a lot happening at once.

They were two moments I had been waiting for and was so excited to experience. There was definitely a bittersweet feeling in closing one chapter while beginning another, but stepping into this new chapter of my life has been everything I could have dreamed of.”

Designing Purposeful Spaces

Robyn’s academic journey at UJ was characterised by intensive dedication, shifting her perspective on the true scope of design.

“One thing I learnt at UJ is that interior design is so much more than interior decorating. It is about creating spaces that are not only aesthetically beautiful, but also functional, purposeful and responsive to the people who use them,” she explains.

Her Honours year demanded total focus in a single, year-long major project. “There were definitely plenty of late nights and all-nighters, but seeing an idea evolve from a concept into a fully realised design made it all worthwhile.”

During her time at UJ, Robyn gained real-world exposure by joining the design team for UJ’s Transportation and Mining departments, working on a boardroom design, and job-shadowing a studio-owning architect. “Ultimately, the most defining part of my academic journey was reaching the finish line and knowing that I had given it my all. Graduating with distinction, or cum laude, made that feeling even more special.”

The Power of Discipline and Mentorship

Navigating academics alongside advocacy, modeling, and entrepreneurship required relentless time management.

“Having a strict calendar and learning to prioritise became essential,” Robyn reflects. “UJ taught me how to work under pressure, stay organised, and keep going even when things felt overwhelming. Pageantry also contributed to that discipline… I think the combination of both experiences taught me a lot about consistency, resilience and showing up for myself.”

Key mentors played a vital role along the way.

“Mrs Sadiyah Geyer was definitely one of the lecturers who made a lasting impact on my journey. I’m sure I gave her a few grey hairs along the way, but she constantly pushed me, believed in me, and showed me that I was capable of making it this far.”

Behind the scenes, her husband, also an architect, provided an unwavering foundation. “He understood the pressures I was experiencing firsthand. We were both dealing with late nights, deadlines, presentations, and the occasional academic meltdown. We would often stay up late helping each other with construction work or building models, and when I felt overwhelmed, he was always there to encourage me to keep pushing.”

Merging Sustainability and the Future

With experiences ranging from Miss Earth to working with global initiatives like the Earthshot Prize, Robyn is determined to channel her advocacy into sustainable architecture and adaptive reuse.

“I want to create spaces that are not only beautiful and functional, but also considerate of the environment,” she says. “As we move into an era of rapid technological development, I think it’s important that we continue to ask how we can innovate and create incredible spaces while still caring for our planet.”

Her advice to UJ students balancing multiple ambitions is simple: “Never feel like you have to choose between your academic ambitions and the things you are passionate about… You just have to believe in yourself enough to try.”

“I would also encourage young women to surround themselves with people who genuinely

support their ambitions and not be afraid to ask for help. Most importantly, don’t compare your journey to anyone else’s. Everyone’s timeline looks different, and sometimes life doesn’t go according to the way you planned, and that’s okay. Sometimes something even better is waiting for you. You don’t have to wait until you graduate to start pursuing your passions. Whether it’s pageantry, advocacy, entrepreneurship, or something completely different, there is always a way to make space for the things you love while working towards your academic goals.”

One of her biggest career goals is to see one of her designs featured in SCAPE Magazine eventually.

“I’ve also gained some valuable industry experience already and have a few more projects lined up, so I’m excited to continue learning and building my portfolio.”

Looking ahead, Robyn is focusing on expanding her business, growing her modeling portfolio, with sights set on Miss South Africa, and building a life with her husband.

“To have graduated and gotten married within the same week feels like such a significant transition. There’s a lot I want to achieve, but I also want to enjoy the journey along the way.”