SONA Connect
SONA CONNECT
SONA CONNECT is a program that aims to welcome students to enter the architecture profession by creating experiences that help demystify the industry and get them excited to continue on the pathway through architecture. The program introduces students with architectural practices and enable architectural practices a facilitated approach to students.
SONA CONNECT enables introductions between architectural practices and students, forgoing time consuming processes of advertising, interviewing, cold calling or emailing and or other forms of outreach.
How does it work?
SONA CONNECT is based on an opt-in EOI system. EOI’s are open all year. Practices propose experiences they wish to offer. Chapter staff and SONA representatives connect with the practices to curate the experience. The practices host the experience as per the agreed format.
What could be an experience?
Many students have never experienced being in a practice, and any opportunity to do so is rewarding for those yet to do so. Seeing how a practice is run, a day in the office, and site visits are all valuable experiences for our students. Practices are invited to propose an experience for a group of students.
How do you sign up?
Fill out the EOI Form. If you have questions, you can contact the Queensland Chapter on qld@architecture.com.au or (07)3828 4100.
What comes next?
We will be in touch twice a year for EOIs. SONA then hosts the experiences gathered from the EOI’s on it’s website after which it will advertise the experiences to members. The nominated practice in collaboration with the chapter and the SONA representatives are then responsible for facilitating the event.
EXPERIENCES OFFERED
How does it work?
Many students have never experienced being in a practice, and any opportunity to do so is rewarding for those yet to do so. Seeing how a practice is run, a day in the office, and site visits are all valuable experiences for our students. Practices are invited to propose an experience for a group of students.
What could be an experience?
Many students have never experienced being in a practice, and any opportunity to do so is rewarding for those yet to do so. Seeing how a practice is run, a day in the office, and site visits are all valuable experiences for our students. Practices are invited to propose an experience for a group of students.
Meet and Greet
Answer any burning questions that the student may have.
Get to know keen students face to face.
Create lasting impressions by connecting with students directly.
What Does That Look Like?
The nominated director/associate/architect host the student at their office space or a nominated third space. The students can come with a range of questions from early career advice, seeking insight on a university project, or having a chat about navigating the pathway of architecture.
What kind of time commitment can you expect?
We expect a meet up to last approximately 10-30 minutes, however you can absolutely elect to have more or less time! If you enjoyed this experience and want to get more involved consider signing up as a mentor on the Mentorloop platform.
Portfolio Review (One-on-one or in groups)
Want to help students get a lasting first impression and prepare them for the pathway ahead? Portfolio reviews are a great way to help students take the first step into the profession.
What Does That Look Like?
The nominated reviewer host the students at their office space or a nominated third space. The student can come with a range of questions from the basics needed for a portfolio, what people look for in a good portfolio, or how to select which projects to include.
What kind of time commitment can you expect?
We expect a meet up to last approximately 10-30 minutes, however you can absolutely elect to have more or less time!
Site or Project Visit
A great opportunity for students to get acquainted with the firm, its values, and any upcoming projects
Get face to face impressions with keen students who actively want to learn more about the firm
What Does That Look Like?
Ideally, your practice would host a limited number of students in your studio to show them some insight into the industry, what projects you have working on, your studio culture, and/or your studio space. This is an excellent chance to showcase your practice to students who may not be familiar with your firm and for students to have your practice in the front of their mind when looking at firms around their community.
What kind of time commitment can you expect?
We expect an office tour to last approximately 45-60 minutes, however you can absolutely elect to have more or less time! Sessions usually begin with a presentation from the firm on projects they’re working on and about themselves. This is typically followed by a quick tour of the studio space itself
Office Tour
The best way for students to get engaged and learn is to get practical knowledge and real world experience
Site visits help create lasting unique experiences for students outside the studio to learn and develop on their pathway through architecture
What Does That Look Like?
Site and Project Visits would involve the students coming onto the site of one of the firms ongoing projects to observe and study the details and precision that goes into taking the architecture off the A3 and onto site. This is a fantastic opportunity to create lasting impressions with students by providing them with an experience not many others have had the chance to.
What kind of preparation needs to be done?
As is a typical site visit with guests, please advise all participants of the sites requirements (ie. safety gear) and other nominal requirements your practice normally takes.
How do you sign up?
Fill out the EOI Form. If you have questions, you can contact the Queensland Chapter on qld@architecture.com.au or (07)3828 4100.
What comes next?
We will be in touch! SONA then curate the experience with the practice host. Once we have finalised availability and detail the chapter will set up registration and market the experience to our students. The nominated practice in collaboration with the chapter and the SONA representatives are then responsible for facilitating the event.
