The University of Otago third-year design student spent two and a-half weeks at the orphanage in Jey-pore, in the east of India, researching ways to run it more effectively and sustainably.
Now, he is working on modifying existing systems and installing new ones to help the orphanage operate with increased crop and energy yields at a lower cost.
Mr Hawkey said food for the 50 children at the orphanage was cooked using a basic wood fire.
Buying wood for the fire cost about 200 rupees a day - a large percentage of the orphanage's small weekly budget.
Seeing an opportunity to make the cost of cooking more efficient, Mr Hawkey has set to, designing a burner which uses rice husks as fuel - something India has in abundance.
"It's much more efficient. It would only cost 14 rupees a day to run," he said.
"We are also looking for a solution to the disposal of their waste and effluent, and how it can be used to fertilise their crops."
Mr Hawkey hoped to continue the project into his honours year, and be able to implement some of his designs this year.
"I can see this becoming a lifelong career, " Mr Hawkey said.
He was inspired to make the trip after attending strategic design, industrial design and design futures lectures at the university.
A family history of aid work also contributed to the decision, he said.
"This is the first time I've been able to see what I really can do with my design training.
"I have family involved in aid work internationally, and I have been able to explore how to take the science of design beyond academic research earlier than most.
"I'm very thankful for this."
