The Australian Institute of Architects is delighted to welcome Senlina Mayer into the role of National Student Organised Network for Architecture (SONA) President.
The National SONA President leads the national SONA Committee and is a member of the Institute’s National Council. These two responsibilities provide the SONA President with the ideal platform to focus attention on the important issues facing the student demographic and to advocate for changes that will better support the next generation of built environment professionals.
A message from senlina
I’m excited to be stepping into the role of Incoming President of the Student Organised Network for Architecture (SONA).
SONA is more than a student network, it’s a national community that celebrates student work, sparks critical conversations, and gives students a genuine voice within the architectural profession. It’s where ideas are tested, perspectives are shared, and future practitioners begin shaping the discipline together.
As students of the built environment, we are the designers of our future cities, and the issues we face now matter. I’m passionate about advocating for more inclusive, supportive, and accessible pathways into the profession. Sustainability, for me, extends beyond design outcomes and into how we learn, collaborate, and engage with industry. Just as importantly, we need to keep talking about mental wellbeing and work towards healthier, more sustainable studio cultures.
Over the coming year, my focus will be on:
- Advocating for the student membership body and bringing student voices directly to the table at AIA National Council
- Connecting students to practice through mentorship and engagement opportunities
- Supporting and strengthening student advocacy through the International Chapter
- Promoting meaningful student involvement in the National Architecture Conference in Brisbane, including exhibitions, panels, and student-led initiatives
- Celebrating student work from across the country and exploring new initiatives
If you’re an architecture or built environment student anywhere in Australia, I encourage you to register as a SONA member. Registration is how you gain access to opportunities, events, advocacy, and most importantly, a collective student voice shaping the future of the profession. SONA is strongest when students are actively involved.
I believe in leading by listening and connecting across campuses, studios, and conversations nationally and internationally. Whether you want to collaborate, share your work, contribute ideas, or simply stay connected, SONA is your network.
Join here: https://www.architecture.com.au/sona
Let’s shape this community together.
Senlina Mayer
President, SONA
About Senlina
Senlina Mayer is a student of Architecture at Architectus and the recipient of the Abedian Foundation Scholarship at Bond University and Vice-Chancellor’s Academic Excellence Scholarship at QUT. Senlina is an effective student and professional demonstrating a blend of technical aptitude and creative ability. Her experience spans public architecture, urban masterplan and competition projects, where Senlina is constantly learning from and investigating the architectural frontier. Environmental sustainability and the quality of client experiences are key interests that underpin her passion in this field.
Acknowledgment of country
The Australian Institute of Architects acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies of the continent now called Australia. We express our gratitude to their Elders and Knowledge Holders whose wisdom, actions and knowledge have kept culture alive. We recognise First Nations peoples as the first architects and builders. We appreciate their continuing work on Country from pre-invasion times to contemporary First Nations architects and respect their rights to continue to care for Country.