Socially responsible architecture drives graduate’s vision for change

Many people find themselves at a crossroads in their careers, wondering if the path they've chosen truly reflects who they are.

For Leith Macfarlane, that realisation came after years spent working in corporate law, when she discovered her true passion was in a field where she felt she could make a more immediate and meaningful difference.

“It took me many years to figure out that law wasn't my thing. And once my son was born, I knew I wanted to set an example for him by taking a leap into something new and pursuing a more creative path,” says Leith.

With a love for design, Leith made the decision to return to university to study architecture, juggling the demands of motherhood and the challenges of a completely new discipline. On 5 September, after five years of hard work, she graduated with a masters degree in architecture with first class honours.

Over the course of her studies, she earned numerous academic awards, including both Senior and Postgraduate Scholar Awards, the Warren Trust Prize and the Vernon Brown Memorial Award. Leith was also awarded a Gold Pin from the Best Design Awards for her undergraduate design project titled UP.

“Going back to university felt like a second chance. I knew myself better and had a clearer sense of what I valued. It wasn’t easy, but I loved every aspect of it.”

She now channels her passion into socially responsible architecture, designing spaces that strengthen community ties and address pressing social issues.

Her honours dissertation in law, which examined family violence courts, reflects a longstanding interest in social justice that now informs her architectural work.

“I’m drawn to questions of equity and justice, and I think there’s a huge potential for the built environment to play a role in creating a more socially sustainable, just society.”

Her masters’ thesis, To the Lighthouse, introduced the concept of suburban lighthouses that are intended to dot our suburban streets and act as every day community spaces and beacons of hope. They are both a call to care and critique of Aotearoa’s troubling rates of family violence, says Leith.

“Architecture has this incredible ability to make an impact in a tangible way. I think of it as a tool to bring communities together and reflect the values we care about.”

Her commitment to community-based architecture is already being realised. She is currently overseeing her first built project, a community hub in the Pāpāmoa Hills, working in partnership with the Summerhill Charitable Trust.

The project began as a live design studio during her undergraduate studies and was selected by the Trust to develop into a fully-fledged construction endeavour that is expected to be completed in 2025.

“It’s amazing to see something you’ve designed become a reality. I’ve been lucky enough to have my studio tutor, Matt Liggins, guide me through the process. The project has been such a rewarding experience, and I feel extremely fortunate for the opportunity.”

In addition to her architectural practice, Leith has taken on teaching and research roles at Te Pare School of Architecture and Planning. The opportunity to work with students has been another source of fulfilment, as she helps guide the next generation of architects.

“I'm hoping to work with architects who have similar values, while balancing my teaching at the University, which I’m truly passionate about.”

Her advice for those contemplating a career change is to be bold and, if you have the opportunity, take the leap.

“It’s been incredibly rewarding and worth every bit of effort. If you’re considering it and you have the right support, you’ll get so much out of it.”