I’m incredibly excited to be appointed to this role and look forward to building on the great work of previous Student Organised Network for Architecture (SONA) representative Stephanie Williamson, who represented students through the past two years.
I have just started my final year of the Bachelor of Built Environment (Architecture) at the University of Canberra and I am passionate about using creative design solutions to move Australian cities to a more sustainable trajectory that incorporates living infrastructure into our built environment.
My architecture and design studies build on a career in social policy, stakeholder engagement and advocacy roles in both the Commonwealth Government and private sector. I am keen to use these skills to ensure a platform for architecture and built environment student voices to be heard and elevated. It is a real privilege, as part of my SONA role, to participate in the ACT Chapter meetings to ensure the perspectives of students are considered in broader industry discussions.
SONA continues to offer great opportunities for its members including:
- connection with your peers,
- building strong professional networks,
- access to nationwide and ACT specific events, competitions, prizes, policies, and industry news, and
- supports for members to be job ready.
My main goal for 2023 is to better connect students with the ACT architecture sector, innovators and thought leaders. I plan to work with my EmAGN colleagues and ACT practices to grow student access to industry experts to better support career development of students and invite these experts into the university, outside of just the normal assessment review process, to see the work and skills of our student body.
Canberra architecture students are really lucky to have a welcoming and highly engaged architecture industry here in the ACT. So be prepared for me to come knocking on your doors asking for your assistance in supporting our student body in 2023.
