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MEET YOUR national SONA Executive team

NATIONAL SONA EXECUTIVE

The SONA team is comprised of an executive committee of five student members and 26 student SONA representatives from accredited universities (or those on the pathway to becoming accredited) across Australia.

It is this team of dedicated students that volunteer their time and energy to make positive things happen for Australian students of architecture.

Contact us: sona@architecture.com.au

Follow us: @sona_australia

SONA President

Blake Hillebrand

Master of Architecture | Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology

Blake Hillebrand

SONA is guided by three central missions: Advocacy, Professional Development, and Community. Drawing upon my background as a SONA Vice President, council member for both the Victorian and International Chapters, as well as my involvement with the National Climate Action & Sustainability committee and past presidency of the RMIT Architecture Student Collective, I bring a wealth of experience, knowledge, and leadership capabilities. My overarching objective is to amplify the voices of emerging professionals within the built environment by developing opportunities and systems that enrich the student experience. My unwavering dedication lies in catalysing positive change and fostering collaboration, not only within our organisation but also extending across the Institute and throughout the broader industry. Through the role of President, my central objectives for the forthcoming year will center on three priorities:Establishing robust networks within and across disciplines, emphasising mentorship and collaborative efforts.  Championing sustainability education and empowerment, with a focus on equipping students with the knowledge and tools for a more sustainable future.  Elevating international and national student connectivity to foster relationships that transcend borders and enrich the professional landscape. In today's ever-evolving landscape, it is imperative that aspiring professionals acquire the skills to forge enduring relationships. These connections, both locally and globally, hold the key to effecting transformative changes that will benefit generations to come. In 2023, I was deeply honored to receive the prestigious "National Student Prize for the Advancement of Architecture." This award not only recognised my active involvement but celebrated my commitment to driving change through a spirit of generosity in my initiatives and events, epitomising my motto, "You get out what you put in, and you don't get if you don't ask." Serving on numerous committees and industry panels, I have strived to embody this ethos in all my endeavours. As I look ahead to 2024, my dedication to sustaining my leadership, involvement, and passion for advocating student representation on a national scale within the architectural industry remains unwavering. I firmly believe that by embracing generosity, we can continue to foster inclusivity, collaboration, and positive change while nurturing the future leaders of our profession. 

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SONA Vice President for COMMUNITY

Shirin Kilinc 

Bachelor of Architectural Design | Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology

Shirin Kilinc

Being a SONA Vice President for Community interests me as it is a way of voicing the general concerns of current issues. It is an environment that allows everyone to connect. A lot of my close friends and understanding of Architecture have been built upon through the SONA community by engaging with other Institute members. I envision my contribution of connecting different levels of members together and opening up discussions about the profession while harbouring comradery through a sense of shared support. I see a hesitation to connect with others out of fear so I hope in my role I can create icebreakers.There is a disruption with engagement and different levels of cultural involvement within the universities based on the juggle of personal life, external factors and course demand. Through the role I hope to better understand how these differences arise and how to enrich the fostering of community that can help alleviate any stresses that impact study and connection. The value of Community is so important for architecture students as it builds upon generations of knowledge and resource as well as support.SONA members engage with the community is a key priority of mine. I see the value you in having inclusive discussion with everyone and engaging with different levels of experience. The Australian Institute of Architects becomes a successful outlet to open up discussion with people nationally and internationally. I believe actively engaging with conversations will allow for an enriching progression of community. By organising aways and forums to connect everyone to share knowledge and experience will allow the opportunity for members to engage with the industry as well as their peers . 

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SONA VICE PRESIDENT for advocacy

Liam Leblond 

Bachelor of Architectural Design | University of Queensland

Liam Leblond

While still in the early stages of my architectural career I've heard loud and clear outcry from student voices across Australia for advocacy, support, and change. It's a struggle that impacts all students in all year levels. I strongly advocate for initiatives and changes both within SONA and the wider built environment community through my own personal initiatives in SONA CONNECT - which I would continue to oversee and foster should I embark in the role - alongside other programs with SONA that I would love to explore further such as in further bridging the gap between other professions as well as between students and professionals. SONA's resources have been paramount in my initial push with SONA CONNECT, which started as a recognition of a lack of resources, connection, and platform for students to connect with professionals in the built environment. Throughout my degree I've seen and heard countless times of the difficulty to find jobs or even to get their foot in the proverbial door from different students across all year levels and states. This is a sentiment that I do not believe is unique to myself, but one that I have championed throughout my time as SONA rep for UQ as well as my entire academic career. The role of SONA VP for Advocacy gives me a more versatile platform to continue to fight for students’ voices and implement change through advocacy that allows for students to have a place in the conversation for the future of architecture. A common stress amongst students across Australia is the common questions of how they are going to enter the workforce and how they can be prepared? I hear these questions everyday and even find myself asking the same questions. Luckily, I had the fortune of being both SONA rep as well as VP for my university's Architecture Society, BRUCE, to be able to help address these questions and possibly provide some clarity for myself and others. Through SONA I helped organize a joint event with EmAGN QLD to create a segment of their value talk series focused on year out discussions and more importantly, what experiences people had with it. Similarly, with BRUCE I had organized another event of similar scope to address the UQ architecture students more directly. These two events helped both myself as well as others to formulate a better idea of what to do after graduation. 

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SONA Vice president for professional Development

Matthew Sabransky

Bachelor of Design (Architecture) and  Bachelor of Construction Management (Hons) | Deakin University 

Matthew Sabransky

SONA aims to foster a community with a culture of mateship and growing into industry professionals together. Through my connection to SONA I have made valuable networks and lifelong friendships. This is something I hope to continue to do, and pave the way for other students like me, to have the same positive experience. We often joke about the grueling expectations of studying architecture, so the support SONA offers to not only socialize, network, extends to supporting each other through the difficulties of balancing university and life. As VP for Professional Development, I hope to celebrate student work, and individuals aspirations within the field of architecture and design.  The seemingly endless call for social housing and access to programs including healthcare, education, sport and leisure are issues that I am interested in exploring possible solutions. Taking on these typologies that often require gentle design are crucial for the ever expanding population. Through the study of architecture and design, students learn a myriad of techniques to develop a project in place. As VP of Professional Development I would hope to create events that bring light to how different user groups may interact in space. These experiences would aim to make students more adept at designing around different user groups, and ideally better future architects.As a representative of SONA in 2022, and an active member this year, I have help to curate events both in city and regional locations. I assisted in delivering SuperStudio, SONA's biggest annual event, in Victoria and Western Australia in my capacity as an intern within the AIA. Through my connection to SONA, I have been developing a potential Beyond Uni series that connect professionals to the national student body. Promoting further education and networking opportunities is essential for professional development outside the boundaries of university.  

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IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT

Thomas Huntingford

Master of Architecture | University of Melbourne, Victoria

MEET YOUR sona representatives

VICTORIA

Contact us: sonavic@architecture.com.au

Follow us: @sonavictoria

Shantel Gilmore

Bachelor of Architectural Design  | Monash University

Shantel Gilmore

In my capacity as a SONA representative, I intend to have a meaningful impact on fellow built environment students. Having recently completed my third year of university, I empathise with the challenges of academic life. My primary goal is to guide and support students, offering insights into navigating university life and the professional world. Sharing valuable tips and tricks that have propelled my success in my Bachelor of Architectural Design, I aim to empower fellow students to excel and reach their full potential. 
  
Moreover, my passion for the positive influence of architecture and built environments on people's well-being, psychology, behaviours, and lifestyles is a driving force. As a SONA representative, I commit to upholding this ethos, fostering collaboration among current peers and future colleagues, thus contributing to the enrichment of the SONA community and the success of our fellow students.

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Eve Fetherstonhaugh 

Bachelor of Design (Architecture), Deakin University

Eve Fetherstonhaugh 

I have found that the built environment is an area that is constantly evolving as attitudes towards construction, sustainability and even aesthetics changes with our culture and government regulations. Having a place where students can be connected, learn about the current events in the built environment and have the resources to begin their careers on a strong footing is integral. Through a role as a SONA representative I would aim to engage more students from my university and ensure that they are aware of the opportunities that a SONA membership can provide. 

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Mandisa Sarker

Master of Architecture , RMIT

Mandisa Sarker

I am a big dreamer, and I am very passionate about working collectively within the built environment. I want to see my fellow peers and students thrive as individuals and be a part of bringing out their best potential. Being a student in the built environment isn't always comfortable, and at times, it can feel like you're torn between maintaining a vibrant social life and excelling in your studies. One thing I've observed through my participation in Sona events and my role as the Social Events Coordinator at Rascol (RMIT Architecture Student Collective) is that if you aren't enjoying your time while studying and aren't forming the connections, friendships, and new experiences you need, things can become even more overwhelming and challenging. 
  
As a Sona representative, I am committed to actively organizing events and fostering interpersonal connections among students in the vast fields of the built environment. 

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Bhargabi Mukherjee

Master of Architecture, University of Melbourne

Bhargabi Mukherjee

Built environment students are famously known to be under a lot of pressure during their teaching periods, and more often than not, they don’t have a safe space to discuss their work related issues. With the classes changing every semester, students barely have the opportunity to form bonds with their peers that transcend the timeframe of one semester. If given the opportunity to be a SONA rep, I would like to work towards building small student groups, that can be a safe space for students to discuss their issues with their peers, get advice from seniors, or even just vent. I strongly believe this will help students (myself included) to deal with stress of work better, and will therefore make them more confident in their work. 

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Josh McBeath 

Bachelor of Design (Architecture), Swinburne University

Josh McBeath

Seeing how incredible the SONA community is from my time as a Rep in 2023, I'd love to continuing strengthening the relationships I've formed this year while delivering key social events for our community of victorian architecture students.

I'd love to leverage my network of contacts I've created this year through both the Institute, SONA, and Archimarathon to bring more awareness, through events and social meet ups to the importance of community and collaboration in the field of architecture, and for the general well-being of all of us as human beings.

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Queensland

Contact us: sonaqld@architecture.com.au

Follow us: @sonaqld

Alex Lopez

Master of Architecture, Queensland University of Technology

Alex Lopez

As a SONA representative, I aim to empower and inspire new and current students. Also, I'll facilitate enriching workshops, forging industry partnerships, and organising site visits to provide invaluable hands-on experiences. Additionally, I'll amplify student voices, ensuring they're heard in SONA decision-making processes. Through these efforts, I aim to motivate new students and equip the next generation of architects to shape a more inclusive environment. 

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Lucy Stefanivoc

Master of Architecture, University of Queensland

Lucy Stefanovic

I believe I could make a difference through my involvement as a SONA rep by drawing on my extensive involvement in SONA throughout my undergraduate degree. My participation in SuperStudio 2021, Upscale 2021 and SuperStudio 2022 as an entrant, as well as SuperStudio 2023 as a jury member, were all valuable experiences that instilled confidence in me as a student and enabled me to build new friendships and connections with industry professionals. Additionally, I had the opportunity to attend numerous networking events organised by SONA whilst at university and two office immersion days at local Brisbane practices. I thoroughly understand what the SONA rep role entails and am eager to have the opportunity to give back to SONA and The Institute after the valuable experiences it has afforded me. 

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Harvey Rogers

Bachelor of Design (Architecture) , Bond University

Harvey Rogers

I’d like to provide information for my colleges as the SONA rep through an engaging and open forum style. I’m easily approachable so anyone with concerns knows and feels comfortable to chat.  I stand for honesty, integrity, a genuine nature and love design.  

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Nicka Bazvand

Bachelor of Design (Architecture), Griffith University 

Sissel Morley

By sharing the great opportunities that SONA provides to members, like the "GOLD COAST AND NORTHERN RIVERS PRESIDENT’S LUNCH at White Rhino Bar & Eats", "VENICE BIENNALE – OPEN ARCHIVE CALL OUT" in addition of Six issues of Architecture Australia are published each year, plus more.

By showcasing the quality of information and work provides to members. by giving everyone a place to belong, support and engage. 

I take great pride in my work, and I am totally dedicated to meet and even exceeding the expectations. 
Throughout my career, I have been most effective to accomplish project goals. The key to my success has been my ability to efficiently manage multiple and varied activities, all taking place simultaneously. Given the opportunity, I can demonstrate this in any project situation. In addition, I am receptive to new learning experiences; welcome challenges.

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Western Australia

Contact us: sonawa@architecture.com.au

Follow us: @sonawesternaustralia

Libby Clough

Master of Architecture, University of Western Australia

Libby Clough

As a mature age student with a young family, I think I will bring a unique perspective to the role. I hope to demonstrate to others that it doesn't matter what your age is, you can always continue to learn and balance a family life with furthering your own education and personal development. 

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Ellie Munn

Bachelor of Architectural Design, Curtin University

Ellie Munn

This year I have had the opportunity to join many SONA events, from volunteering with the current reps at the WA Chapter's presentation to jury day, to entering in Super Studio 2023. Along with this, I have attended Institute events and EmAGN Open Firms. 
  
It is through my participation I have discovered how important the SONA representatives are for making people feel welcome and a part of a larger community.  
 
If I were to be chosen as a SONA rep, I would love the opportunity to organise events where students from all year levels and different universities have the ability to mingle and learn from one another. I would love to help make people feel a part a community and for them to have others to talk to who understand the highs and the lows of our degree! These events could include small presentations from industry guests who can provide insight to students about what architecture is beyond studying it.  

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Untitled design (41)

Position Vacant 

University of Notre-Dame

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South Australia

Contact us: sonasa@architecture.com.au

Follow us: @sona_southaustralia

Christina Akele

Bachelor of Architectural Design, University of Adelaide

Christina Akele

I am an enthusiastic, hardworking, committed and conscientious student who strives to ensure all tasks are completed diligently, and to the utmost of my abilities. I would aim to work with the best interests of my fellow students in mind by considering the opinions of others, promoting events, providing a student perspective, and as stated by SONA, facilitating “opportunities for professional and social networking at [my] university”. Furthermore, I am passionate about architecture, and learning about the profession. This interest means that I would be committed to helping SONA organise events and communicate with others to ensure that students are aware of the versatile opportunities provided by SONA.  

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James Smith

Master of Architecture, University of South Australia

James Smith

Over the last two years of attending SONA events; they had a large focus on specifically architecture (naturally). An expansion into diverging yet, overlapping industries in addition to the status quo would help to expand the N -Networking in SONA. 
 Opportunities to include locally based, Adelaide design-orientated enterprises such as the Jam Factory and 4FE could be a consideration to this expansion. 
  
Implementation of the Firm Fridays; an idea to have students and local firms interact further, indulging in drinks and potential critiques of the work for the university students could be implemented. This idea is adjacent to what the Melbourne-based Archimarathon Studio by Kevin Huii tries to achieve. 
  
This would lead to more interest through direct contact with firms, before post-graduation applications. Thus, constant communication with firms would help to increase the quality and community of architecture in South Australia. This too helps with the hangover from COVID. 

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Northern territory

Contact us: sonant@architecture.com.au

Follow us: @sona_northern_territory

Position vacant 

 

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NEW SOUTH WALES

Contact us: sonansw@architecture.com.au

Follow us: @sona_nsw

Shawn Lee 

Bachelor of Architectural Studies, University of New South Wales

Shawn Lee

I aim to make a difference by bringing all built environment students together not only across NSW but also whole Australia and I believe that representing my university is a great starting point for this. 
 By speaking on behalf of UNSW built environment students and getting involved in SONA activities l'll try my best to let people know of SONA and build a supportive community. 

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Yifan Xing

Bachelor of Architecture and Environments, University of Sydney

Yifan Xing

My primary goal as the University of Sydney's SONA representative is to make an impact in the lives of Built Environment students. I aim to accomplish this by actively promoting SONA and Australian Institute of Architects, highlighting the benefits of membership in SONA, and inspiring more students to participate. Through social media outreach, I will seek to engage students and expand the reach of SONA. In order to develop a sense of community, I will also endeavour to establish networking opportunities and foster connections amongst students, professionals, and professors. My goal with these initiatives is to enhance the built environment students' university experiences by providing them with useful tools and contacts to promote their academic and professional development. 

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Orlando Iliopoulos 

Bachelor of Design (Architecture),  University of Technology Sydney

Orlando Iliopoulos 

Architecture exists beyond the individual building and it is important to view architecture in relation to its surroundings at both the micro urban and macro suburban scale. Given the platform of SONA to converse directly with those involved in industry, I seek to extend this connection to students of the faculty, encouraging primary research into the field beyond the basic requirements of their degree. This research will assist shaping the architectural vision of students to incorporate emerging technologies and frameworks of thinking, shifting the status quo of the current architectural field to effectively and in new ways deal with societal problems that proliferate into the field of architecture. In the role of SONA representative, I seek to be a bridge of information to students regarding events, with my own sentiment being that attending architectural talks and events is important for students not only to network but also to exchange ideas with industry professionals and experts in respective fields of architecture.

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Mary Anne Yosef 

Bachelor of Architectural Design, Western Sydney University

Mary Anne Yosef 

As a Sona Representative, it is important to be an advocate for the built environment students and their voice within the organisation. I will actively engage with students to understand their unique challenges and aspirations, making sure their concerns or circumstances are addressed and heard.  
 
Actively creating opportunities for mentorship, growth, and skill development together with the community as well as having effective communication and resources, to help inspire students within the field and prepare them for the future.  

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Kate Widdup 

Bachelor of Design (Architecture), University of Newcastle 

Kate Widdup

I would like to establish a community of sharing, bringing students together to share skills and knowledge. I would hope to achieve this through social days, student-led tutorials and workshops by more experienced or former students. 
  
Beyond that, I hope to expand student work beyond what is produced at Newcastle by encouraging participation in Super Studio and attending exhibitions of other universities and establishing cross-institutional networking opportunities. 

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TASMANIA

Contact us: sonatas@architecture.com.au

Follow us: @sona_tasmania

Natasha Mackinnon

Bachelor of Architecture and Environments, University of Tasmania

Natasha Mackinnon

I would ensure important information from SONA was communicated with students. 
  
I would make sure their voices/feedback was heard through my communication with SONA/Uni. 
  
I would organise events to cater for the diverse needs of students. This would include student social events, networking with the Tasmanian architecture community, celebrating days significant to our community and training/presentations. 
  
I would be committed to the SONA rep role and ensure I fully participated in all aspects of the role. This will enable me to maximise my opportunities to be a strong ambassador.  

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Australian capital territory

Contact us: sonaact@architecture.com.au

Follow us: @sona_act

Nicholas Brown

Bachelor of Built Environment (Architecture), University of Canberra

Nicholas Brown

If successful, I would have three core goals as the University of Canberra and ACT SONA representative: 
 
1.Ensure a platform for architecture and built environment student voices to be heard and elevated: I would work with students and the university to create a safe space for discussion, build a strong studio culture and support peer discussions with greater collaboration across the year groups. 
 
2.Connect students with the architecture sector, innovators and thought leaders: I will work with ACT practices to grow access to industry experts and thought leaders to support career development of students and invite these experts into the university, outside of just the normal assessment review process, to see the work and skills of our student body. 
 
3.Grow membership through face-to-face engagement with students and industry: Through regular in person promotions in studios, participating in university events and regular peer discussions. 
 
Students must have a place and a voice at the table in discussions that impact our profession. 

 

 

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ONLINE

Contact us: sona@architecture.com.au

Follow us: @sona_australia

Karyn Bogus

Bachelor of Applied Science Interior Architecture Honours, Curtin University (online) 

Karyn Bogus

SONA enhances student education journey becoming valued professionals, facing future industry challenges within industry community.  I will promote collaborative cultural goals advancing architecture, providing career building resources through fun, shared love of architecture.  Online Curtin OUA studies throughout COVID-19, have strengthened my desire to create a contact place for greater social, industry connections between online students, who only interact through classes, increasing diverse year group, on campus/online, interdisciplinary relationships driven from advocacy, wellbeing focus.  Online equity allows remote study.  I seek inclusive, accessible membership, equitable event participation.  Facing societal, challenges, students work life balance is marginalised through diverse regional issues questioning who can afford education and how can it be experienced?  Our place is unique, our opinion should be valued.  How can we help? By encouraging participation and contribution.  I seek affordable membership to AIA events, to encourage online students to participate in closest regional events including Superstudio, the Gold Medal tour, AIA CPD and Emagn events.  

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View The 2022 SONA Representatives Here

SONA REPRESENTATIVE ROLE AND APPLICATION

SONA REPRESENTATIVES

SONA Representatives are ambassadors for SONA and the Australian Institute of Architects at your University. Reps help to intensify student’s university study and social experiences, providing opportunities for professional networking and career development.

Learn more about the role
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The Institute

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.

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