Griffith University student Joshua Nicholson has always been one to dream big, but now he is reaching for the sky.

The first year Bachelor of Architectural Design student hopes to one day design award-winning skyscrapers and believes Griffith will help make that dream a reality.

Joshua, a quadruple amputee the result of contracting the meningococcal virus at the age of 14 months, has never let his physical challenges stop him in life.

“I’m living proof that I can do anything I set my mind to,” he says.

“I don’t have any specialised equipment — I use a computer or pen like anyone else.”

Joshua has moved from Mackay to the Gold Coast to live on campus. His hometown community helped raise the funds to bring him to Griffith, contributing to rent and day to day living expenses.

After taking a gap year following high school, Joshua is ready to hit the books and work hard.

He says his architectural aspirations stem from a passion for art: “I always liked design and drawing. I want to design skyscrapers.”

Joshua has had artwork displayed at the Brisbane Gallery of Modern Art and has represented Queensland in wheelchair basketball and rugby.

He plans to enrol in a Master of Architecture after completing his three-year Bachelor degree through Griffith’s School of Environment.