Tell us about your foundational years - where you grew up, what you liked to do, some of your most memorable experiences:

Growing up in Wellington, I have always been intrigued by the unique and diverse locals and their relationship with our built environment. This motivates me to always explore and discover new moments, whether it’s through travelling or local café hopping.

Why did you decide to study architecture?

I quickly learnt in High School that I am not built for sports nor Economics haha! I naturally gravitated towards design that had its own challenges, constraints and parameters established.

It made sense to pursue architecture in Wellington, as VUW had a great architecture and design programme - and Wellington is known as the design capital after all!

What was your favourite project you worked on in school?

‘Found’ (2016)

This project was part of SARC 455 - House and Home with Simon Twose.

An experiment was conducted to see how a house can still be a home even though it is not traditionally constructed, but instead collected, improvised, and curated with found materials.

Ten volunteers were tasked to collect random materials that conveyed one of the following words: safety, support, privacy, anticipation, comfort, warmth, nostalgia, devotion, acceptance, and harmony. Whilst these words reflect intangible emotions that are notable in a home, the outcome of this project showcased how it can be translated to built form.

This was one of my favourite projects in University, as I challenged myself to look at a project, and in this case, a common typology in a different perspective. It involved unknowns, risks, and few late nights for my liking, but it was rewarding and exhibited in the 'Re-imagining the House'​ Exhibition.

What are some of the initiatives you’ve focused on in school, and why?

During my time in VUW, I took part in the Wellington Plus Programme. This encouraged Students to get involved with volunteering for the University’s Student Support and the wider community.

Not only this programme further enhanced skills that I regularly implement to this day, it also provided me the opportunity to give back to Wellington! 

Tell us what’s important to you? or what inspires you?

It is important for me to work at various scales and consider how the end user in mind is celebrated and respectfully integrated to its local context. To achieve this, I always inspire to approach briefs at a tactile human scale, with a focus on the beauty and authenticity of how materials and people connect.

What do you hope to achieve next in your career?

I strive to push boundaries and to develop a bespoke design signature – like a makers stamp!