Cover letter
I am writing to express my interest in gaining experience within your company. With a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture as well as Spatial Design, and as a current Master of Architecture (Professional) student, I am eager to contribute my skills and academic knowledge to your team while further refining my expertise in a professional environment.
As an Expert Paint Advisor at Bunnings Warehouse, I apply my knowledge of architecture and interior design to help customers achieve functional and aesthetic results in residential, commercial, and professional projects. I collaborate with professionals like architects, project managers, contractors, and interior designers, and I work with leading brands such as Dulux and PPG Paints for accurate colour matching. I offer advice on design trends, materials, and how paint choices affect spatial perception, lighting, and mood. Additionally, I help customers visualise their spaces using digital tools and sketches while maintaining expertise in Bunnings' products and contributing across various departments.
My academic background has equipped me with a strong foundation in conceptualising and crafting functional and aesthetic spaces. Through my Bachelor of Architecture, I gained technical proficiency in design software, structural analysis, and sustainable design principles, which I have continued to refine in my master’s studies.
Key skills and experiences I bring include:
Proficiency in Revit, SketchUp, Rhino, AutoCAD, Lumion, Photoshop, etc.
An ability to balance form and function in design solutions.
Flexible and adaptable.
Collaboration within multidisciplinary teams, ensuring project objectives are met efficiently and creatively. Always able to think outside the box and demonstrate a problem-solving mindset.
I am eager to engage in hands-on, real-world projects where I can apply my academic training and professional experience. My dedication to learning, combined with my practical expertise, ensures I can contribute meaningfully to your team’s success while growing as a professional.
I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experiences align with your team’s needs. I am available at your convenience for an interview and look forward to the possibility of contributing to your team. Thank you for considering my application.
In The space of architecture
Project one: Anchor Youth Shelter
This project is designed for homeless male youth aged 14-25 and consists of 77 units. Shelters for the homeless are essential because they provide short-term housing, meals, and access to assistance programmes. Day centers are crucial in providing services such as food, laundry, showers, and access to healthcare, counseling,andemploymentsupportduringtheday.Inadditiontodeliveringseminars,educationalprogrammes,andrecreationalactivitiestopromoteasense of community and belonging, community centers can be helpful in collaborating with neighborhood organizations to provide support services and resources. Publiclibrariescanactaswelcomingplaces,offeringacalmandsecuresettingforreading,usingtheinternet,andotheractivities.
Intermsoffosteringpositivesocialinteractions,connectedness,andengagementamongindividualsinthecommunity,apatternlanguageprovidesinsightsand suggestions for creating spaces and environments. The concepts of Christopher Alexander's work can be used in conceptual and social design even if his work mainly concentrates on physical design. The specific extracts that have informed my design are predominantly theories on how to enhance the community througharchitecturaltechniquesandtheadvantagesofimplementingthesetechniques.
To provide a shelter for men's youth, my design focuses on implementing fundamental design strategies which portray and deliver essential principles of stability,security,andthedevelopmentoftheconceptofacommunitythatisabletoupliftthosethatseekshelterandhelpweavethembackintosociety.
A key component to consider during the development of this project is the spaces that will be of use to the occupants of the project. Another key aspect to examine would be spaces within which the occupants will have better opportunities to connect with each other and develop good relationships with each other, through the community as well as the wider society of Parnell. As I am proposing a shelter for the youth a few typologies and amenities that are required to help weave themselves back into society are:
studio
1-bed room
Library
Lobby/reception/admin
Educational area
Workshop area
Communal kitchen/dining area
Communal restroom
Office/meeting room
Childcare/play area
Medical Centre
Rehablitation centre
This building follows a wooden construction approach, incorporating Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) panels for both walls and floors, creating a sustainable and environmentally friendly framework. In keeping with the architectural context of the neighborhood, the exterior of the Anchor building features a brick façade that harmonizes with the aesthetic of the nearby Cathedral. Structurally, steel universal beam and column configurations play a vital role in the building's stability. These elements function as portal frames, providing robust support and ensuring the building's structural integrity. Additionally, a ring beam is attached at each floor level, further reinforcing the building's strength and stability. To maintain a clean and unobtrusive appearance, the steel beam is clad with concrete, effectively concealing the drainage services that run through it. This not only ensures the functional operation of the building's infrastructure but also contributes to the building's aesthetic cohesiveness.
In summary, the Anchor building combines an eco-friendly wooden structure with a visually appealing brick façade and strategically placed steel structures to create a balanced, functional, and architecturally pleasing urban presence.
BR CKS This no ony ensures struc u a we beng but also bends nto the surrounding buidings, ke the chu ch across thest eetno drawngattentonotheyou hsheter
Elevator
Retail & Cafe Space
Workshop/Trade skills area
Therapy Room
Admin Room
Reception/Waiting area
Main office / Conflict resolution room Educational Classrooms
The ground level of the project plays a pivotal role in providing the essential amenities and facilities required for the overall functionality of the space. This level has been thoughtfully designed to cater to the needs of both project occupants and non-resident homeless individuals.
The buildings' first and second levels have ten units each, with three different typologies to suit varying living preferences. Typology A offers spacious doublebedroom units with an attached lounge, while Typology B features smaller doublebedroom units for more compact living. Both A and B share a common balcony connecting two apartments. Typology C includes small single-bedroom units without private balconies, but with large shared balconies and larger lounge areas to foster social interaction. All units have a private bathroom.
On the third level, the floor plan transforms to include an open rooftop garden and green space for the building closest to Parnell Road, offering a peaceful communal area for relaxation and connection with nature. The other buildings on this level maintain the same layout as the first and second levels. The rooftop garden aims to foster community and social interaction while creating a human-scale, inviting frontage along Parnell Road. It enhances the residents' quality of life, contributes to the building's sleek, modern aesthetic, and adds to the neighborhood's overall contemporary feel.
Project Two: Indian Consulate
This conceptual studio project was conceived in the heart of Newmarket with the goal of creating an expansive 40m x 40m long span, free from structural obstructions, alongside a consulate space dedicated to a specific country. The vast long span area is designed to seamlessly integrate with the Indian consulate. Additional features include a library focused on Indian history, a dance studio, a café and retail store, two studio apartments, a two-story office building, and extensive outdoor social spaces all designed to be easily accessible from the exterior.
The overall structure features a combination of Glue Laminated Timber (GLT), utilised for the modified Warren trusses, cross bracing, columns, and exterior concrete cladding. The design incorporates both primary and secondary trusses, with two cross-bracings on each facade of the open space. The columns intersect the trusses at a 90-degree angle, providing strong structural support. The walls of the open space are defined by five arches on each facade, drawing inspiration from Indian architectural traditions. The entire facade is composed of arches with glazing, incorporating a distinctive Jali design as an external shading element. This perforated shading device is not only a representation of traditional Indian architecture but also serves a functional purpose, reflecting the Jali patterns commonly used in India to ventilate large buildings and respond to the country’s climate. The foundation of the event space was polished concrete top slab and reinforced concrete flooring and a 250 micron vapour barrier underneath. The flooring was supported with compacted fill and 20m concrete piles.
Project three: Urban Vertical Village
This conceptual studio project, located in Auckland City, was envisioned as a high-rise mixed-use development. The final design consists of four buildings of varying heights, ranging from 15 to 30 stories, with the shortest building positioned at the northern corner to ensure optimal sunlight for the surrounding structures. Each building features two apartments per floor, with every apartment offering its own private balcony, reinforcing the concept of personal outdoor space even at higher levels. The buildings are interconnected by sky bridges, which not only provide external access between the towers but also serve as communal spaces for residents to socialise. Each building is equipped with separate elevators and rooftop garden spaces, offering a relaxing and communal environment for residents. The first five levels of the three tallest buildings are designated for office spaces and private function rooms, ensuring a seamless integration of residential and commercial functions. The design approach aimed to create a dynamic skyline, with the varying building heights adding visual interest, while also prioritising environmental, economic, and social sustainability. Key design drivers for the project included enhancing connectivity, creating social interaction, and creating seamless transitions between interior and exterior spaces.
The overall structural system of the buildings consisted of a combination of 500mm x 500mm steel columns and trusses, paired with 300mm prefabricated concrete slabs for the flooring. The trusses and columns provided support for the cantilevered balconies and sky bridges, while the vertical core, housing the elevator structure, served as the primary support for the building. The green roofing system incorporates a 500mm concrete substrate, a vapor barrier, a 100mm GreenStuf building insulation blanket, a roofing membrane, a drainage board with filter, a 500mm green roof buildup, and a variety of greenery and plant life.
The design incorporates a range of environmental strategies to enhance sustainability and energy efficiency, including:
A green roof providing natural insulation and shading
Water storage tanks for efficient water management
The use of low-carbon materials to reduce environmental impact
Double-glazed, airtight windows for improved thermal performance
A compact building form to minimize heat loss
Strategic orientation toward the north to maximize natural lighting and passive heating
Overhanging balconies designed to function as light shelves
Natural shading elements on balconies and at ground level to reduce solar heat gain
WINDOWS
Shear Wall
Floor Slabs
Piles Cantilever Trusses
Green Roof Design
Environmental Design Strategies
In The space of spatial design
Project Four: Ascend Club
This hypothetical project was situated at the intersection of Fort Street and Fort Lane, taking inspiration from the dynamic and vibrant urban context of Auckland's CBD. The objective was to create a pop-up installation that seamlessly integrates with its surroundings while enhancing the social and cultural fabric of the area, known for its concentration of bars, clubs, and nightlife. The centerpiece of the installation is a sculptural staircase, designed as both a functional and symbolic element. It represents the vertical transitions and layered urban fabric of Fort Lane and Fort Street, echoing the interplay of levels, movement, and spatial thresholds found in the area. In terms of spatial design, the project emphasizes flexibility, interaction, and the layering of experiences. The compact footprint responds to the constraints of the urban site, while the modular and temporary nature of the installation reflects the evolving and ephemeral character of pop-up architecture. Materials and finishes are carefully selected to align with the industrial aesthetic of the surrounding context, incorporating raw, tactile elements like steel, timber, and glass to create a cohesive yet distinctive intervention in the urban landscape.
The design envisions a two-level structure with distinct spatial experiences:
Ground Level (Bar Area): The lower section functions as an open, welcoming bar area, providing a social hub where patrons can gather, mingle, and enjoy drinks. The layout is intentionally porous, allowing interaction between the interior and the lively pedestrian environment of Fort Street and Fort Lane.
Upper Level (Dance Floor/Club Space): The upper section transforms into a dynamic club and dance floor, embodying the energy and rhythm of the nightlife scene. A semi-transparent facade allows glimpses of activity inside, creating a visual connection with the street below and enticing passersby.
Overhanging Private Seating Area: A cantilevered space extends above Fort Lane, offering a secluded yet connected experience. This intimate seating area provides a vantage point overlooking the street, fostering a sense of exclusivity while maintaining a connection to the urban buzz.
Project Five: Winter Garden Getaway
This project was situated within the Auckland Domain Wintergardens, responding to a brief for an installation show casing the essence of the greenhouses, which include the temperate and tropical glasshouses as well as the fernery. The design aimed to create an immersive indoor seating area where visitors could relax, interact, and experience the unique atmospheres of these diverse botanical environments. The installation was created as a sensory and educational space, showcasing native plants from both temperate and tropical climates. Carefully curated plant displays were integrated into the seating arrangements, allowing visitors to observe the vegetation up close while being enveloped by the distinctive humidity, light, and textures of the tropical and temperate environments. This experiential design invited visitors to feel a deeper connection to the plants and their natural habitats, encouraging moments of calm and reflection within the surroundings of the Wintergardens.
Materials and Functionality
To reinforce the theme of connection to nature, the material palette was thoughtfully chosen to complement the greenery and create a harmonious environment:
Timber: Locally sourced timber was used as the primary structural and surface material, reflecting a commitment to sustainability and providing a warm, tactile contrast to the lush greenery. The timber also lent a sense of organic simplicity, reinforcing the installation’s connection to the natural world.
Glass: Transparent and semi-transparent glass elements were incorporated to create light, open spaces that mimicked the greenhouse aesthetic. Glass also provided a sense of continuity between the installation and its surroundings, allowing natural light to filter through and enhancing the visibility of plant displays.
Metal Accents: Subtle metal details were used to frame the seating and plant displays, ensuring durability and structural stability while adding a modern touch to the design.
Spatial Design Features:
Integrated Seating and Plant Displays: Seating elements were designed to blend seamlessly with the plant displays, using tiered arrangements and planters to create a layered visual effect. This not only optimized space but also encouraged visitors to interact closely with the plants.
Microclimate Zones: The installation subtly differentiated between tropical and temperate zones, using elements like misting systems and shading screens to replicate the environmental conditions in which the plants thrive. These zones allowed visitors to experience the distinctive sensory qualities of each climate.
Circular Flow: A flowing, circular layout was adopted to guide visitors naturally through the space, encouraging exploration and interaction while maintaining a sense of intimacy.
The installation’s primary function was to serve as a resting and gathering space, but it also provided educational and sensory experiences. Informational plaques and subtle digital elements highlighted the ecological significance of the plants and their native environments, fostering awareness and appreciation for New Zealand’s biodiversity. This project combined thoughtful materiality, spatial design, and environmental storytelling to create an immersive experience that celebrated the natural beauty and diversity of the Wintergardens. By blending functionality with inspiration from nature, the installation aimed to offer visitors a tranquil and enriching retreat in the heart of Auckland Domain.
In The space of 3d modeling / Model Making
The project aimed to create digital drawings and a 1:10 scale model of the Zespri building in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand, focusing on the building's envelope design. Using Rhino software, the digital drawings captured the building’s form, materiality, and structural components.
The physical model was constructed with concrete, plasma-cut steel, aluminum, 3D print material, and acrylic, representing various aspects of the envelope’s design. These materials were chosen for their ability to mimic the building's textures and finishes.
The project aimed to bridge the gap between digital and physical representation, providing a detailed and tangible understanding of the Zespri building’s envelope design. The combination of digital tools and physical model construction allowed for an indepth exploration of the materials, proportions, and construction techniques, offering valuable insights into the building’s design and its interaction with the surrounding environment.
Project seven: Fabric Simulation
This simulation was created using rhino along with grasshopper and blender. the objective was to create a fabric falling over objects and showcased within a art studio space. This small project emphasizes the use of design software's as well as the importance of surrounding spatial qualities and textures.
Bachelor Technology 3rd Year (2021)
Software: Rhino/ Grasshopper
Editing Software: Illustrator/ Photoshop
Project eight: Rings & Mirror Simulation
This simulation was created using rhino and grasshopper. The objective of this project was to explore different textures, colours and lighting within shapes and spaces. The shapes selected were rings and mirrors of various materials, hues and finishes. This includes matt or low reflective and lit up rings as well as glass and highly reflective mirror surfaces.
Bachelor Technology 3rd Year (2021)
Software: Rhino/ Grasshopper
Editing Software: Illustrator/ Photoshop
Project Nine: Donut digital Image Sequence
Bachelor Technology 3rd Year (2021) Software: Rhino/ Grasshopper
In The space of hand drawing
Project ten: Fort Lane Sequence
The project aimed to create a hand-drawn series of images depicting the story of Fort Lane in Auckland's CBD. The drawings, alongside the literature, focuses on the transformation of the space from day to night. The narrative highlights the red light above the lane, symbolising its energy and identity. While Fort Lane serves as a daytime walkway, at night it becomes a hub for popular bars and nightclubs. The tall buildings on either side limit natural light, illustrating the transformation throughout the day. The project explores both the tangible aspects, like entrances to bars and nightclubs, and the intangible aspects, such as how the space shifts from a shared business area during the day to a lively, crowded space at night.
In The space of photography
Project eleven: Indian Monuments
This project was part of the research for designing Project Two: The Indian Consulate, focusing on understanding North Indian architecture. The research studied monuments from Delhi, Rajasthan, and Jaipur to explore their architectural features, spatial layouts, and cultural significance. A key focus was how these buildings adapt to North India's hot, arid climate using elements like courtyards, thick walls, and high ceilings for ventilation and shading. The use of local materials such as sandstone, marble, and wood was also examined for their aesthetic and functional qualities. The research informed the design of the Indian Consulate in New Zealand by integrating Indian architectural elements like courtyards, arches, and carvings, while adapting them to the local climate and context. Despite differences in climate, features such as high ceilings, overhangs, and natural ventilation (inspired by traditional jharokhas) would be used for passive cooling. Local New Zealand materials like timber, stone, and glass would be combined with Indian materials, creating a design that reflects both cultural identities. The consulate’s design aims to act as a cultural bridge between India and New Zealand, blending spiritual and secular aspects of Indian culture while fostering diplomatic ties. The project demonstrates how Indian architectural principles can be adapted to modern, sustainable designs, creating a functional and visually impactful building that represents India's heritage in New Zealand.
ARCHITECTURE & CREATIVE DESIGN
Portfolio
Astrid Amber Aarons