Danielle Koni

“I loved that the Bachelor of Architectural Studies was so focused on hands-on learning. I had incredibly insightful and passionate lecturers and tutors who constantly inspired me to find new ways of seeing and sensing. I was always encouraged to learn through experimentation and alternative modes of exploration."

“In my fourth year of study, I had the opportunity to intern at Jasmax and get a taste of working in an architectural practice. I immediately loved the atmosphere and was inspired by their buildings. I am now lucky to work there as an Architectural Graduate and member of Waka Māia, Jasmax’s Māori cultural design and advisory team.”

“Every day, I learn from experienced and emerging Māori design leaders and emerging leaders in the Māori and bi-cultural architecture design space. I am always advocating for Māori-influenced design when working on projects and am deeply interested in the ancestral narratives embedded within the contexts in which we build. I love being a part of collaborative processes where we can imbue design with meaning through authentic engagements.

“I’ve had the opportunity to work on large-scale projects across education, urban, civic realm, cultural and commercial. On the day to day I work on CAD drawings and details, sketching and solving design problems conceptual and technical.”

“Architecture is such a broad area of study, so it’s a subject that continues to excite and surprise. It will equip you with numerous skills and learnings that can lead to many different career paths. Going into the degree with an open mind and heart is crucial. Working in this field presents many opportunities to create change in the built environment and inform the way we interact, socialise and build identity through space making.”