SONA Leadership positions
SONA Leadership roles
2026 SONA Executive elections
The SONA (Student Organised Network for Architecture) Executive team leads a national network of students comprised of SONA Representatives from all Australian universities teaching Architecture.
These nationally elected Executive positions each have a unique portfolio and area of focus. Taking on a SONA Executive role is the next step in the student leadership journey, directly building upon the experience and insights gained as a valued SONA Representative.
The SONA Executive team sets the strategic direction, coordinates all national initiatives, and leads the expansive network of Representatives. By driving student advocacy, this team shapes the future of SONA and architecture across the country.
These crucial national positions are elected exclusively by you, the SONA members. Your vote is essential to ensure a robust and effective leadership team is in place for the upcoming term, offering you a direct opportunity to influence the governance and vision of the network.
Cast your vote now for your 2026 SONA leaders and help select the individuals who will steer SONA forward.
Voting has now closed, stay tuned for the announcements for the 2026 SONA Executive Team.
ABOUT THE SONA PRESIDENT ROLE
The SONA President is the highest student leadership position within the Institute, responsible for steering the strategic direction of the Student Organised Network for Architecture (SONA). This role carries a critical dual mandate: the President chairs the SONA National Committee, overseeing all operational and programmatic initiatives, and serves concurrently as an elected member of the Institute’s National Council, ensuring student representation and advocacy at the highest level of organisational governance.
NOMINEES FOR THE 2026 SONA PRESIDENT
Nominee for 2026 SONA President
Senlina Mayer
Master of Architecture student at Bond University
Senlina Mayer
I bring a deep commitment to championing student voices and a clear vision for uniting architecture and built environment students nationwide. Drawing on my professional practice studies and experience on the National Practice Committee, as well as my work in practice, I aim to enhance SONA’s understanding of industry intricacies—supporting students as they transition from study to practice and clarifying the evolving roles, rights, and expectations of students and graduates in architecture. My leadership as SuperStudio Creative Director showed how imagination and play can build community and re-energise engagement; I want to infuse that same creativity into SONA to make it both impactful and enjoyable. By prioritising accessibility, equity, and collaboration, I will strengthen relationships between students, educators, and industry. My goal is to ensure SONA remains a national platform that empowers every student, regardless of background or location, to be represented, inspired, and heard within the architectural profession.
Equity, sustainability, and wellbeing are the issues I care most deeply about in architectural education. Many students face barriers due to financial hardship, cultural background, or isolation, limiting their participation and growth. I aim to use this role to advocate for better support systems, such as financial aid awareness, culturally safe learning environments, and accessible mentoring networks. Sustainability, to me, is both ethical and professional responsibility. I want to embed climate-responsive and socially sustainable thinking into student-led initiatives through collaboration with industry and the RAIA. Mental health and studio culture also matter greatly; our course’s intensity impacts wellbeing, sleep, and relationships. I will advocate for positive studio practices and resources that foster balance and care. Using SONA’s national platform and voice within RAIA committees, I hope to ensure these values shape policies and become embedded in how we educate and support future professionals.
SONA President offers an opportunity to combine leadership experience, creative drive, and empathy with a deep understanding of the student experience. My experience working with SONA equips me to bridge education and professional practice, strengthening SONA’s advocacy within RAIA policy and governance discussions. Over the past year, I’ve built strong national relationships with SONA representatives and supported peers through Mentorloop, cultivating collaboration and accessibility across all levels of the organisation. I lead with transparency, optimism, and purpose, ensuring every student voice is heard and valued. My goal is to empower students nationally, elevate the visibility of their work, and ensure SONA continues to inspire and represent the next generation of architects.
Nominee for 2026 SONA President
Ellie Munn
Master of Architecture student at Notre Dame
Ellie Munn
I will focus on strengthening collaboration, engagement and visibility for students across Australia. Through my work as SONA Vice President for Community and Curtin University Representative, I’ve seen how powerful it is when students feel seen, supported and connected to the broader profession. I want to continue building on national initiatives that showcase student work and amplify local voices, while creating more accessible opportunities for everyone to participate. My goal is to ensure SONA continues to grow as a platform that celebrates student contribution and drives genuine connection between education and practice. By empowering students to take part in shaping the profession, we can ensure every member feels valued, represented and part of a collective future for Australian architecture.
I am passionate about closing the gap between architectural education and professional practice. Many students struggle to see where they fit in the industry or how their studies translate into real opportunities, and for some, finding a job after graduation feels out of reach. As SONA President, I would prioritise bridging this disconnect by creating pathways that help students transition confidently into the profession. I would also continue building on SONA’s strength in creating inclusive and welcoming environments, ensuring every student, whether from a major city or a regional campus, feels equally represented. Through national collaboration and strong local engagement, I aim to empower students to see themselves not just as future professionals, but as active contributors shaping the built environment today.
Having served as SONA Vice President for Community and previously as the WA Representative, I have firsthand experience leading national initiatives and strengthening student connection. I’ve built relationships with representatives, universities and industry members, and understand both the opportunities and challenges students face. I lead through collaboration, problem solving and open communication, always creating space for others to be heard and supported. My experience coordinating events, national campaigns and digital engagement has given me the practical leadership skills to represent SONA confidently. I would bring energy, commitment and a clear vision for how SONA can continue to empower students and strengthen our collective voice across the architectural profession.
ABOUT THE VICE-PRESIDENT ROLE | PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
NOMINEES FOR THE 2026 SONA VICE-PRESIDENT | PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Nominee for 2026 SONA Vice-President | Professional Development
Belal Reda
Master of Architecture student at Curtin University (online)
Belal Reda
With extensive experience in the built environment, I understand the value of early professional development in shaping confident, capable graduates. I’m seeking the role of SONA Vice President for Professional Development to help bridge the gap between study and practice through mentorship programs, beyond-uni events, and practical insights. As a former SONA Representative, I worked closely with my committee to foster student engagement and professional connections. Returning to study after five years in industry, I’ve faced the challenge of translating academic knowledge into real-world practice. I’m passionate about creating opportunities that support connection, confidence, and career readiness. In this role, I look forward to collaborating with the Creative Directors to deliver initiatives like Super Studio, depict, and mentorship programs that help students build diverse skills, embrace collaboration, and realise their potential to contribute meaningfully to the built environment.
As a student of the built environment, I believe what students need most to prepare for the profession is meaningful connections with industry, early exposure to real-world challenges, access to experienced mentors, and opportunities to build confidence and professional networks. While this is essential, success also requires collaboration, communication, and adaptability in a rapidly evolving field.
I’ve seen firsthand how guidance, encouragement, and practical experience can transform a student’s readiness for practice. As Vice President for Professional Development, I would use this role to strengthen links between students and the profession by promoting initiatives that go beyond the classroom.
To support SONA’s mission of fostering camaraderie among students of the built environment, I would ensure that Super Studio is not only a creative and engaging experience but also one that contributes meaningfully to students’ professional development.
Drawing on my industry experience, I would help shape a design brief with the creative directors that is relevant to real-world challenges, one that inspires creativity, critical thinking, and purposeful design.
If selected for this role, I would bring over 25 years of industry experience, including extensive skills in management, team coordination, organisation, and strategic thinking. My approach is always grounded in practical, real-world outcomes, ensuring that ambitious ideas are always balanced with real-world outcomes. I believe this mindset is essential for delivering Super Studio.
Nominee for 2026 SONA Vice-President | Professional Development
Zoeanna Upadhyay
Master of Architecture student at Swinburne University
Zoeanna Upadhyay
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE INCOMING 2026 SONA VICE PRESIDENTS FOR ADVOCACY AND COMMUNITY
We are also delighted to formally acknowledge and extend our sincerest congratulations to Shriya Jagadish and Breeze Matthew. Both individuals have been appointed directly to crucial leadership positions: Shriya Jagadish as Vice President of Advocacy and Breeze Matthew as Vice President of Community. Welcome to the SONA Executive leadership team for 2026!
Incoming 2026 SONA Vice President of Advocacy
Shriya Jagadish
Bachelor of Design (Architecture) student at Bond University
Shriya Jagadish
Through my time as SONA Representative at Bond University, I've seen firsthand how advocacy can connect students with the larger conversations shaping our discipline—from sustainability and housing to wellbeing and access to work.
What motivates me most is fostering meaningful dialogue between students and professionals, and helping our community feel represented beyond university walls. My past involvement, from directing the "Port Your Pavilion" design competition to speaking at the "Gold Coast and Northern Rivers Regional Awards," has demonstrated how collaboration can turn ideas into action. This role aligns closely with how I already engage with SONA: by giving students a space to contribute, feel seen, and feel part of the broader architectural community.
The challenges that resonate most deeply with me are accessibility, well-being, and professional readiness. Architecture students are deeply passionate but often unsure how to transition from study to practice, especially when opportunities feel limited or concentrated in certain cities. At the same time, the workload and competitiveness of design school can significantly impact confidence and mental health.
I believe effective advocacy can address these issues by improving access to mentorship, internships, and honest conversations about life after graduation. Students need more spaces to connect with professionals and each other—not just through formal events, but through casual, supportive environments where questions are encouraged. Sustainability is also a critical topic for me, particularly in how we, as students, can engage with real issues like climate change and ethical design in practical, achievable ways. The overarching goal is to make SONA a place that both supports and prepares us for the future of architecture.
This year, I directed “Port Your Pavilion”, a Queensland-wide student design competition that invited participants to reimagine public spaces for the Brisbane 2032 Olympics. The initiative gave students a voice in a national conversation and a chance to engage directly with professionals. I developed the brief, collaborated with multiple universities, coordinated jurors, and worked alongside the Australian Institute of Architects to make the event a huge success. Other moments of advocacy include representing SONA as a juror for the “Queensland State Architecture Awards”, promoting SONA through speeches at the “Gold Coast and Northern Rivers Regional Awards”, and coordinating firm outreach and promoting office crawls that connect students to real workplaces. My approach is always grounded in listening, understanding what students need, then building opportunities that make those goals feel achievable. These experiences have shaped how I see advocacy, as an ongoing commitment to amplifying student voices through real action.
Incoming 2026 SONA Vice President of Community
Breeze Mathew
Master of Architecture student at Adelaide University
Breeze Mathew
I’m passionate about creating spaces, both physical and social, where students feel empowered to collaborate, share ideas, and find purpose beyond their coursework. Having personally experienced how strong networks can inspire confidence and open doors, I want to extend that sense of belonging and opportunity across all SONA chapters. My focus would be on fostering inclusive, community-driven initiatives that bridge academia, practice, and student wellbeing. By proactively building relationships with universities, industry partners, and local communities, I aim to help SONA become not just a representative body, but a catalyst for meaningful engagement and growth within architectural education.
As an architecture student with a background in graphic communication, curation, and storytelling, I bring a strong understanding of visual narrative and publication design. I see de-PICT 2025 as more than a zine; it should be a powerful platform of voices, capturing the diverse experiences, experiments, and reflections of students across Australia. My vision is to make it interactive, visually bold, and thematically unifying, featuring student projects, opinion pieces, and sketches that explore the evolving role of architecture in culture and community. By merging design rigour with authenticity, I hope to make de-PICT a valuable space that documents the student journey while provoking thought about the future of our built environment.
I believe engagement begins with connection and purpose. To grow the SONA community, I would focus on creating consistent, inclusive, and value-driven opportunities for students to participate, both online and in person. This could include community-driven events, collaborative design challenges, and mentorship circles linking students with recent graduates and experienced practitioners. I’d also strengthen inter-chapter collaboration by spotlighting local initiatives nationally through digital platforms, allowing students to see themselves as part of a larger collective. My approach would centre on listening and co-creating; inviting members to actively shape the events and discussions they want to see. By amplifying student voices and celebrating shared achievements, I aim to make SONA a space where engagement feels natural, empowering, and continuous throughout the architectural journey.
SONA 2025 Executive Team
2025 SONA PRESIDENT
Matthew Sabransky
Master Architecture student at Deakin University
Matthew Sabransky
I have a keen interest in advancing architecture education outside the classroom, and creating opportunities for student engagement. My focus is on creating inclusive spaces where all students feel welcome. My experience with SONA has revealed that there are many missed opportunities for deeper student involvement. Often, students feel they aren’t the intended audience at certain events, leading to a sense of exclusion, even when discounted tickets are available. I aim to change this narrative by ensuring that students feel welcome and valued at all events, bridging the gap between students and professionals. I believe my leadership style is rooted in collaboration, ensuring that reps take on the student perspective from universities around the country, and that their voice is heard and valued.
One of the key issues I am passionate about is addressing the lack of accessible local opportunities for students to engage with built environment works. Many students feel disconnected from the real-world projects and initiatives happening in their communities. This means students could be missing out on practical learning experiences that could enhance their education. With access to national committees, I hope to gain momentum for these types of initiatives for students to expand their learning. This approach will not only enhance the student experience, but also empowers individuals to make meaningful contributions to their communities.
My year as SONA Vice President (Professional Development) has been a rewarding experience, where I’ve actively engaged with representatives from across the country. Through this engagement I have demonstrated insight into the diverse challenges and aspirations of architecture students nationwide, strengthening my commitment to advocacy and inclusivity. Where this has made a proven impact, it in one of the themes of Super Studio 2024, as a rural representative spoke about including regional aspects to the brief of the competition. This change had a meaningful effect on the national competition. This demonstrates where these contributions can prove vital to the broader architectural conversation for students. I hope to continue this dialogue, and build on SONAs impact on the architecture community in Australia.
2025 SONA VICE PRESIDENT FOR COMMUNITY
Ellie Munn
Bachelor of Design (Architecture) student at Curtin University
Ellie Munn
The role of SONA Vice President for Community excites me because I’m passionate about creating meaningful connections among students at university and between students and the broader industry. I see this role as an opportunity to create a stronger community where students can feel supported and connected. Throughout my experience as a SONA Rep, I’ve worked on events such as the Fremantle Office Tour and Super Studio, which provided students with direct access to firms and professionals. These kinds of initiatives align with my goals to bridge the gap between education and the profession, and I would love to expand these efforts on a larger scale.
I believe I have strong creative and organisational skills and a good connection to the student community that would greatly enhance de-PICT. Before studying architecture, I did a semester in a journalism degree path, as I really enjoy writing. When the opportunity to be a part of The Architect WA magazine came around, I was very excited to combine two things I love. For de-PICT in 2025, my vision would be to create editions of the magazine, filled with student work and other architecture pieces, however it would also be a goal to increase awareness of it across universities and create a stronger brand for the magazine.
To grow and engage the SONA community, I would focus on creating more opportunities for connection and collaboration among students and between the other SONA Reps. Building on my experience from this year as a Representative, having diverse events that are both social and professional, are key to creating strong engagement. Additionally, I’d utilise digital platforms, such as Instagram, to keep members engaged year-round, with interactive content, advertising virtual events, and opportunities for students to contribute to initiatives like de-PICT. As a Rep this year, I have been running the WA Instagram account and gained over 300 followers through active engagement, sharing pictures and creating reels which I have really enjoyed doing.
2025 SONA VICE PRESIDENT FOR ADVOCACY
Orlando Iliopoulos
Bachelor of Design (Architecture) student at the University of Technology Sydney
Orlando Iliopoulos
Diversifying the existing platforms within the Institute to have greater relevance for students. As the roles and values of architects evolve I seek to maintain student engagement. Through my years tenure as university representative I have advocated through the State Chapters and SONA network for increased student alignment with practicing architects. My role in the Institute currently has worked to increase the prominence of the student body through the various platforms of the institute. I have written frameworks for student engagement in the professionally targeted community platform as well as creating a students arms in the Institutes Podcast. My key concern of mine has been to increase the exposure and hireability of students in practice. hope to further engage the student voice at Chapter Council, shaping the field of architecture. I am currently working with the State Chapter Council in planning events and platforms that would, combined, facilitate this.
A key interest in my own works is equity in housing, sustainability and the connection of indigenous knowledge to the design process. I seek to work with the institute to create increased access to resources that are relevant to the student body. In advocating for this, I seek to engage the student body to like minded and pioneering architects, focussing on these various issues as well as others of concern to SONA members. In my representative role I have previously reached out to architects relevant to my concerns for guidance, a pipeline that I wish to extend to the students body to create with architects and practices that align with their values. In the role of VP I wish to give students the platform for activism, understanding it is important in the progression of the field we will inherit, putting students at the forefront of its evolution.
Within my own research from students, there was a perceived disconnect between the student body and practicing architects. Through engagement of the institute I developed two separate frameworks to diversify existing platforms for students to contribute to wider industry discourse. In minimizing the perceived distance between the different arms of practice, I worked with the institute in review of the Institute’s Community Page as well as creating a framework for an extension of the Institutes podcast to include the student voice and interest. Understanding the diversity of the student body, working with state representatives, we further increased the catchment of Superstudio, a key event in the connection of students to practice. Achieving these solutions involved extensive consultation with the student body as well as the Australian Institute of Architects to develop mutually beneficial outcomes, developing relationships in important groups that will help expedite the actioning of future advocacy.
2025 SONA VICE PRESIDENT FOR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Senlina Mayer
Master of Architecture student at Queensland University of Technology
Senlina Mayer
As Vice-President for Professional Development, I am eager to ensure individual student successes have a platform to be recognised and celebrated, and members are enabled in their architectural journey through unique opportunities to access the professional industry. SONA as a leading student body offers a multitude of opportunities to build student portfolios that contribute substantially to employability. Having personally benefitted from the mentorship, office crawl and competition programs through SONA, I look forward to advocating for more opportunities to grow industry-relevant skills on a local and national level and forming new student connections to architectural practice.
I believe that by working collaboratively across academia, practice, community forums and research, the exchange of knowledge (from both top-down, and bottom-up approaches) urges all levels of professionals to engage positively in forging our shared futures. I am committed to challenging conventional paradigms and fostering a holistic approach to architecture. The Vice-President for Professional Development therefore offers a platform for reducing the disparity between university content and work experience by presenting SONA members with the opportunity to be better equipped with tools, experience and exposure to professional practice. This includes organising conversations with architects and designers, fluency with software, mentorship with a professional, mock interviews, portfolio reviews, office immersions, site visits, student competitions and networking opportunities.
As a QLD jury member, mentor, state winner of SuperStudio and SONA representative, I have been actively involved in the organization and participation of SuperStudio and Upscale, and judging of winning teams. As a generative and speculative design competition, SuperStudio presents an opportunity for student voices to contribute to the greater architectural dialogue in responding to social, environmental and economic crises. On a practical level, I am committed to optimizing national student engagement in the competition, by drawing upon more networks in practice and university to facilitate effective mentor sessions and design talks, as well as introducing training sessions that allow for upskilling in the use of software (such as the Adobe suite, or Autodesk tools) for producing presentations, or iterating designs. Having participated in Design Charrettes in my workplace, Architectus, I am passionate about the collaborative environment that SuperStudio fosters, which reflects the design process in professional practice.
SONA representative
SONA Representatives are ambassadors for SONA and the Institute. Reps help to enhance students’ university study and social experiences and provide opportunities for professional networking and career development.
This is a voluntary position. Benefits of being a SONA Representative include:
- Free SONA membership for the year you are in the role.
- Learn more about the architecture profession.
- Learn new skills and develop your experience in a professional setting
- Be part of a like-minded community and raise your profile in the profession.
- Looks great on your CV and shows a keen interest in your chosen profession.
2026 Applications are now open!
Applications are still open for the following universities;
- Charles Darwin University,
We will begin the review and interview process immediately, and the position may be filled before the closing date. We encourage early applications.
SONA Executive role descriptions
NATIONAL SONA EXECUTIVE
Holding a SONA Executive position is the next step after being a SONA representative. The SONA Executive team leads the national SONA strategic direction and supports the SONA representative network.
SONA executives are nationally elected positions. Each member of the SONA executive team has a unique portfolio and position focus.
These are voluntary positions. Benefits of being on the SONA Executive include
- Free SONA membership for the year you are in the role.
- Learn more about the architecture profession.
- Learn new skills and develop your experience in a professional setting.
- Be part of a like-minded community and raise your profile in the profession.
- Looks great on your CV and shows a keen interest in your chosen profession.
- Enhance your professional skills by taking on a leadership role with national impact, gaining valuable experience and exposure.
Key 2026 Dates:
SONA Applications close | Monday, 27 October 2026 (extended dates).
SONA Exec Applications close | Closed
SONA Exec voting opens | Closed
Exec voting closed | Midnight on Sunday, 30 November 2025.
SONA EXECUTIVE ROLES
SONA President
The SONA President leads the Student Organised Network for Architecture (SONA) National Committee and is a member of the Institute’s National Council.
SONA Vice President for Advocacy
Champion the interests and concerns of the student body through advocacy efforts, researching, formulating, and promoting initiatives for students
SONA Vice President for Professional Development
Help plan and coordinate engaging and diverse competitions and events that enrich the student experience, foster a sense of community and provide opportunities for professional development.
SONA Vice President for Community
Help foster a vibrant and inclusive student community by contributing to member engagement initiatives and providing dedicated support and mentorship to SONA representatives creating an enriching and supportive environment for all student volunteers and members.
SONA Representative experiences
Architecture as an industry and interest for many demands a rich collaboration among contributors. As the SONA representative for QUT I was excited to be able to help facilitate those connections, and advocate for students that share my passion within this architectural field of study.
SONA offers a unique platform for connecting students and professionals from a variety of demographics and fields within architecture. Being able to coordinate events with work colleagues, Institute team members and students testifies to the convergence of SONA. Like with anything, what you invest is what you will reap. SONA is a fantastic platform for investing in your own experience as a student, as well as those of others! I personally forged many new relationships and networks, and would love to see future representatives continue to do so, within your own and with other universities nation-wide!
Senlina Mayer
Queensland University of Technology SONA Representative
Becoming a SONA representative has helped me to enter the professional world of Architecture much sooner. Being a SONA representative has given me opportunities to contact well established architects: the opportunity to talk to them, to know them and let them know me. Architecture world is a small community so it is good to show your face sooner than later. Being a SONA representative is also very empowering, and it gives you the responsibility to be the voice for all your fellow students. As you progress in life you will find out how crucial it is to have a voice and to be able to use your voice in the most effective way… this is an opportunity to learn how to speak up, how to defend your ideas.
Marco Pansini
Curtin University SONA Representative
I enjoyed organizing events and watching other people benefit from them at the end of the day. It was also great to meet new people who are passionate about the same things as I am. It's great to step out and meet people beyond your university and to explore the industry before actually stepping into it. It gives you a sneak peek and can inspire you a lot too!
Nuri Mohamd
University of Tasmania SONA Representative
I became a SONA rep to engage with the broader architectural community, make new friends and to support those going through the challenge of being an architecture student! My most rewarding experience was definitely working with others to help create really enjoyable events for students to participate in. More than ever, it's super important for our community to come together and support each other, especially as students. Being a SONA representative, you can make someone else's experience better through your initiatives.
James
RMIT SONA Representative
For me, SONA has been an opportunity to help architecture students, understand and advance the architectural profession. As a member of the SONA executive, I have been able to work together with like-minded people to deliver several initiatives and events. This continuous collaboration and culture of growth inspires me and instils me with hope for the future of SONA and the future of the profession. For anyone who is thinking about applying for a role on the SONA Executive, my advice would be to believe in yourself. If you have the drive to make a meaningful impact- anything is possible!
Nicole Mesquita Mendes
SONA President Elect