We asked School of Design alumni Lyndsay about her journey into architecture and the path it's taken her after graduating.
Meet Lyndsay
"Hi, I’m Lyndsay. I studied Architecture at UWA, completing a Bachelor of Environmental Design and a Master of Architecture. My studies focused on social impact design."
Why did you choose UWA over other universities?
"Growing up, I visited Perth during school holidays and often tagged along with my older siblings, who studied at various Perth universities. My older brother once showed me around UWA’s Crawley campus, and I was captivated by its stunning grounds and atmosphere. From that moment, UWA was always going to be my first choice."
Did you always know that you wanted to be an architect?
"When I was younger, I wanted to be an inventor and spent hours cutting cardboard and crafting new creations. Even when playing with dolls, I was more interested in designing and building their little homes rather than role-playing. Creativity was always part of me, and I excelled in sciences at school, so architecture became the perfect combination of my interests in art and problem-solving."
What was your experience like studying Bachelor of Environmental Design and Master of Architecture?
"I enjoyed my undergraduate studies, but it wasn’t until my final studio unit in Portugal that I truly found my stride. That experience gave me a deeper appreciation for how architecture connects generations and communities. The collaborative environment at UWA also offered invaluable support, from professors to peers, they all helped shape my journey.
The School of Design fostered a creative and collaborative community that I’m proud to be a part of. The master’s program offered the freedom to explore diverse units and discover areas that aligned with my personal philosophy and passions."
Do you feel that growing up in a regional area has influenced your perspective and/or approach to architecture?
"Growing up in a close-knit community like Albany has deeply influenced my approach to architecture. Living in a place where everyone knows each other gave me a first-hand understanding of how interconnected communities function. This perspective has shaped my ability to prioritise the human experience in my designs, and really make sure that spaces truly serve the people who use them. It also allows me to test new ideas by imagining how the diverse groups I’ve encountered might experience and interact with these spaces."
Now that you’ve graduated, can you please share what your current role is?
"I’m currently a graduate architect at a regional firm, working towards completing my registration in 2025. My role spans all phases of architecture, from concept design to contract administration, and I’m gaining invaluable experience on a diverse range of projects."
Can you give us an overview of what a typical workday looks like for you?
"I usually start my day at 8 am with a coffee and a prioritised list of goals to keep on top of my projects. My day usually includes tasks like drawing, designing, problem-solving, and liaising with clients and consultants to ensure projects stay on track and meet the brief."
Did you always plan on going back to Albany to work?
"I didn’t, having an interest in social impact design and designing for better city health, I thought my next move was going to be working in Scandinavia for a short term to gain more knowledge from the cities leading the way in city liveability. I was drawn back to Albany to gain experience in a wider variety of projects and was lucky enough to be able to take on social housing projects which is teaching me so much about the community I live in and love so much. It’s wild to me that the type of work I thought I’d have to travel halfway across the globe for was waiting for me in my hometown the entire time."
What is your ultimate career goal?
"My dream is to make great, conscious design accessible to everyone, and to help people realise that living in spaces which enhance their lives, is achievable. I also want to empower first-time builders to create sustainable homes that improve their quality of life while leaving a positive impact on the environment."
Are you ready to bring your passion to life? UWA's School of Design is introducing Design@Home in 2025 for regional and rural WA students who are interested in architecture and landscape architecture, giving you the opportunity to remain at home for your first year of studies. Apply now!
