Engineering and Design student stories

“During my studies, I was consistently afforded freedom of choice. Both the BAS and MArch(Prof) challenged the traditional narrative that architecture is limited to buildings and bridges."

My work

“What I do as an Architectural Graduate depends on the projects I am involved in, and what stage they’re at. At the moment, I’m engaged with a large-scale aged-care project, a new residential build and a miniscule alteration. I could be drawing details, producing renders, iterating a developing design, or coordinating with engineers and other consultants."

My future

“Long term, I’m looking to transition into film and/or video game development. You would be surprised how malleable the skillset of an architect is. Our skills aren’t grounded in mere reality; we’re equipped to design entirely new worlds, stories and structures that are unbound by city councils or building codes, all while drawing on our learnt knowledge of design process, history and technology."

Making a positive impact

“As an architect, you’ll learn to shape the world around you. You’ll contribute to structures that, with any luck, will endure for centuries. That legacy isn’t without weight; our contribution to the planet ₋ environmentally and physically – is significant. I see our profession as one that has the opportunity to truly change the world we live in.”

Study boost
“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.

Career boost
“University was great for honing my design methodologies and presentation skills. It taught me the importance of curating and editing my ideas. 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 advocate for Māori-influenced design. I love being a part of collaborative processes where we can imbue design with meaning.

“Architecture is such a broad area of study, so it continues to excite and surprise. It will equip you with numerous skills and learnings that can lead to many different career paths. 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.”

A passion for sustainability
“I’ve always been passionate about the environment and sustainability. Almost everyone on this planet uses electricity, so I’m interested in the Energy Industry as a sector where changes can have maximum impact.

Women in Engineering
“My journey began at Open Day. The Women in Engineering (WEN) presentation was the decision point for me. It was exciting to know that I’d be part of an empowering and inspiring community of women.

“I feel great doing anything WEN! Last year I was chair of the Part 1 Team. We organised events for first years, helping them to meet new people and feel supported. This year I’m a content creator lead, and we’ve really expanded into social media.

The workplace
“I’ve worked every summer as an intern, for PWC in Sydney, Tesla, and others. I’ve gained priceless experience in many aspects of the energy sector and have recently accepted a permanent position with the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO).”
 

“The Design programme’s focus on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals was a big drawcard for me. It’s not just about designing pretty things. We need solutions to the growing number of crises happening on our planet. I love how the programme is pushing me to think about global issues in the context of problem-solving rather than problem-finding.”

My main project

“The big project that I’m working on at the moment is called The Future of X, where we undertake research into a field of design of our own choice, interview experts in the field and from that, create our own unique insight into the area.

“I am looking at sustainable biomimicry; it’s basically tapping into nature’s evolution – 3.8 billion years of reiterations and redesigns – to inform solutions to our problems. I am less interested in using biomimicry to inspire form and material, rather looking into the different processes that make nature infinitely sustainable and how to learn from them to design systems of our own.”

A focus on process

“The most useful thing I’ve learned on the course so far is ‘process’. We don’t just learn how to design, we learn why to design, what to design and who to design for. It’s taking a step back and saying we must figure out why we are even doing this in the first place by making informed and considered decisions. For decades to come, I can see myself referring back to the processes and models I’m learning this year.”

What is design
“Design isn’t about putting a fresh coat of paint on a project. It goes so much deeper, into truly thinking about the core problems that our users, stakeholders and the broader world are facing. It’s about meeting passion with purpose.

Study life
“The Design Programme is full of people from many different backgrounds and values. I’ve really enjoyed working on projects with and beside them. Building these connections has helped to shape who I am and who I want to be. You truly feel like you’re entering a space where you belong as a designer.

“The Design studios are amazing, from their location to the tools and materials available, and most importantly, the people. A lot of the tools needed for success, such as computers and software, are readily available. The FabLab is a great place to prototype and develop models, and the technicians are always happy to help.

Hands-on learning
“One of the best things about our lecturers is that they have industry experience. This means their teaching is based on experience with design in the real world. They are always great to chat with about your studies or about design careers.

“I love how practical Design and Computer Science is as a conjoint. You learn how to develop a stellar project and gain the technical skills to implement it yourself.”

A gateway to knowledge
“I’d always wanted a better understanding of the world, country, and system I live in. This degree is a gateway to that knowledge. It offers study in a broad variety of areas, such as environmental planning, heritage planning, transportation planning, economic development and much more.

Policies, regulations and laws
“Every course has deepened my knowledge of central and local government – and the many policies, regulations, and laws that dictate how our country will plan and develop over time.

“I’ve built understanding through very engaging discussions, lectures and assignments based around planning and cultural theory and their implications on the planning field. I now appreciate the varied social, economic, and environmental problems that affect the world around us. I’m also learning how to strategically apply this understanding to achieve better outcomes in the future.

Broad skills and interests
“Most people are a little unsure about what to study at university. It’s difficult to commit yourself when you don’t really understand what you’re getting into. I found that Urban Planning enabled me to develop a variety of skills, along with a broad understanding of law, policy, economics, politics and design. It allowed me to pursue many interests, and this gives me the flexibility to follow a variety of career paths.

Social atmosphere
“The social atmosphere is great due to smaller class sizes and the spaces provided for both work and relaxation. This fosters a friendly, interactive environment – and a lot of fun nights out!”

A varied programme with friendly classmates

“I liked the idea of an interdisciplinary degree that incorporates social sciences, environmental sciences, economics and design. No day is ever boring. The courses are very relevant to current social issues, and they offer avenues for creativity and collaboration.

“My lecturers were very approachable and also considerate of our workload and wellbeing. I got to know my classmates well, as we stayed together throughout the four years. Having familiar faces in my classes really helped.

Industry mentoring

“In my final year, I took part in the NZPI Emerging Planners Mentoring Programme and was partnered with a principal planner at Auckland Council. It was great to connect with professionals in the field and apply the knowledge I’d gained to real situations.

“As a resource consent planner, a large part of my role is ensuring that residential development proposals reflect the intended vision for Auckland’s urban form and adequately manage adverse effects arising from the proposed activity.

The art of Urban design

“Being involved in planning is like influencing the brushstrokes in a painting. You can either make a mess or an artwork. Similarly, with the city, you can positively influence its direction and growth, creating solutions for the present and the future.”

Watch Charlie talk about his experience as a Bachelor of Urban Planning (Honours) student. In particular, he describes how his studies with us made him highly employable.