AYLA SANDERS ARCHITECTURE STUDENT
PORT FO LIO.
Current Education
Queensland University of Technology
From 2021 - Bacholer of Design (Architecture)
Graphic Summer School Program
David McEvoy - Datum Studio 2023 Sem Break
ABOUT ME. SKILLS EDUCATION
Design Oriented:
Proficient
I am a maker, a dreamer, and a doer, ready to pursue my path in architecture. As a passionate and hardworking individual, I’m deeply invested in all things architecture and design. Currently in my third year of a Bachelor of Design majoring in Architecture at Queensland University of Technology, I take pride in my creativity and actively engage in activities that enrich my design skills—whether it’s designing furniture, model-making, painting, or drawing, I’m always exploring and eager to learn
With experience in customer service since the age of 14, I’ve developed strong communication skills, enabling me to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and thrive in team environments. Sustainability is a core value for me; I’m continually finding ways to use recycled materials and prioritise environmental impact throughout a project’s lifecycle.
Highly proficient across various digital platforms, from Adobe Suite to Autodesk, I especially enjoy working with Adobe Suite and Revit, where I have advanced skills. I’m also dedicated to hand-drawing, valuing accuracy and attention to detail.
I am open-minded and a dedicated team player, motivated to work with diverse personalities in collaborative settings. I believe in mutual empowerment and strive to create a positive, supportive environment in both personal and professional contexts.
Contact Information
Aylaciana03@gmail.com
0472 520 495
Ayla Sanders
Hand Drawing
Model Making
Developing
Interpersonal:
Communication
Creativity
Dedication
Organisation
Summer SchoolSkills Programs and Sites learnt: - Open Street Map - Maperitive - Queensland Spatial Catalogue - Nearmaps
AutoCad - QGIS
WORK EXPERIENCE
FEB 2024 - Current
Hortum Landscaping - Landscape Designer
• Conduct preliminary design work through to final revisions for landscape projects
• Collaborate with a team of designers, landscapers, and directors to meet project goals
• Utilise Adobe Suite and AutoCAD for design creation and project documentation
OCT 2020 - Current JB HI-FI
• Customers service at both the counter and on the sales floor
• Merchandising, banner writing and stock management
• Managing over 50 customer phone calls per day
• Handling online orders and stock processing
2017 - 2020
Hampton Store Cafe
• Catered to a range of different customers and their needs
• Maintained a clean and neat store
• Trained new employees
LEADERSHIP
2023 Sem 2 & 2024 Sem 1
STIMulate Peer Learning Facilitator at QUT
Invited to join due to outstanding academic results
• Assist other students with units that I have completed
• Develop my leadership skills and communication within a field I am passionate about
2020
College Sports Captain
• I learnt and adjusted to the unknown during the Covid-19 Pandemic
• I created innovative lesson plans when switching to online learning
• I worked collaboratively with the Leadership team
03
MULTI-RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE: SOCIAL HOUSING
01 2024
BUILDING SERVICES: RE-DESIGN
COMMERCIAL ARCHITECTURE: MUSEUM OF THE MOVING IMAGE 2023 2023
MULTI-RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE: PRODUCTIVE COMMUNITIES
04
05
MULTI-RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE:
SOCIAL
HOUSING 01
Project Brief:
The purpose of this project was to create a social housing complex designed around a specific user group, prioritising their needs while contributing to the broader community. The main challenge was the location on a floodplain, which required innovative solutions to ensure user safety and maintain focus on their needs.
YURA HOUSING
Yura Housing offers safe and supportive social housing for women and children escaping domestic violence in Brisbane and surrounding areas. It addresses the rental crisis with flexible accommodation options, ranging from emergency to long-term housing, tailored to individual needs. Designed to foster community interaction, Yura also ensures privacy, places of refuge, and independence, with mental health and legal support services on-site. The name “Yura,” meaning “people” or “community” in several Indigenous languages, reflects the project’s focus on strength and unity, offering a sanctuary where residents can heal and rebuild their lives amidst sustainable, green spaces.
MOUNTJOY
DESHON STREET LUCINDASTREET
BRIEF PLANT PALETTE AUSTRALIAN NATIVES +TROPICAL SHRUBS
Alocasia brisbanensis Calathea orbifolia
Monstera deliciosa
Ligularia reniformis
Licuala grandis Asplenium australasicum
Cyathea cooperi Philodendron xanadu
Calathea zebrina Dichondra repens
Lomandra 'Lime Tuff' Festuca glauca 'Beyond Blue'
RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE: HYDROGEN HOUSE 02
Shortlisted to present to Tafe Queensland Representatives
Project Brief:
The purpose of this project was to create an innovative house for display on the Tafe Queensland Eagle Farm Campus. Exempars were analysed to create a solution. The house needed to evoke excitement within the community and energy efficiency needed to be considered through thoughful placement of spaces.
This project taught how to design a space with specific requirements while remaining unique. I was able to analyse the environment to create a space that allows for human comfortability within the Brisbane climate.
I learnt how to:
- analyse examplars
- construct a useable space with thoughtful room placement
- use the environment as an advantage for passive cooling systems
- use Lumion as a rendering software to further express my design intent
Massing Diagram
THE RT HOUSE
The Reverse Terrarium House offers a serene, slow-paced living experience. It uses design strategies such as natural ventilation, noise filtration, and integrated vegetation. The integration of vegetation throughout the modular shape brings access to vegetation within the home from beyond the building footprint, resembling a terrarium. The vegetation and staggered Southern façade also act as a noise filter from the city. The design prioritises energy efficiency with cross-ventilation components; openable glass louvers and roof windows ensure year-round comfort. The design accommodates North-Eastern winds for continuous circulation. This design can shapeshift and adapt for further hydrogen-powered services without compromising comfortable living.
BUILDING SERVICES: RE-DESIGN 03
Project Brief:
The purpose of this project was to redesign level 4 of D-Block at QUT within a group of four. We had to consider the spatial arrangement as well as the building services to ensure they all worked together. I was tasked with the electrical and lighting services, as well as conducting the clash detection process.
Research Derived from:
• Dwelling House (small lot) code Brisbane City Council
• Queensland Development Code Queensland Government
• National Construction Code
• Timber Framing - Australian Standard 1984
• LHA Guidelines
• Flood Resilient Building Guidance
This project taught me so much about all the different building services. I hadn’t given these services a whole lot of thought previously; however, now I understand the importance of these services within the ecosystem of a building.
I learnt how to:
- create demolition plans, electrical plans and clash overlays
- understand code and different requirements
- work closely within a team environment, including organisation, management and minute taking
COMMERCIAL ARCHITECTURE: MUSEUM OF THE MOVING IMAGE
Project Brief:
The purpose of this project was to create a museum for the moving image located in Kangaroo point. I had to consider the form, functionality and circulation when designing this building, as well as the urban context of the site to ensure it would intergrate within the broader context of Kangaroo Point.
This project allowed me to think creatively about materials and forms to create a unique building envelope as well as functional interior spaces.
DIMA is the Digital Image Museum of Australia located on River Terrace, Kangaroo Point, Brisbane. The building form was initially devised by scaling down the outline of the chosen site. It was then extruded up, divided into three floors and each floor was then rotated 15o creating the staggered envelope. Weathered copper external vertical panels wrap around the building form and are purposely angled to diffuse daylight and create a light common space while ensuring the exhibition spaces remain dark.
THIRD FLOOR
05
MULTI-RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE: PRODUCTIVE COMMUNITIES
Project Brief:
The purpose of this project was to design a housing complex focused on five distinct user groups, creating a cohesive housing unit that addresses each group’s needs and how they interact to form an innovative, integrated community. Additionally, the design considers the broader neighborhood and the floodplain on which it is located. This project directly relates to the first project within the portfolio and is situated adjacent to that building.
GREEN GRID
The 7 Lucinda Street housing complex is a sustainable, affordable, and community-focused development designed to address the housing crisis. Prioritising diverse resident needs, it offers shared amenities like coworking and study rooms, a toolshed, gym, communal laundry, library, event spaces, and green areas with allotment gardens. With eco-friendly features, including an e-bike station, bike parking, and recycling options, it encourages sustainable living. Its 7.3 x 7.3m structural grid supports adaptability, enabling modifications for future needs. The project embodies a circular resource model and serves as a model for affordable, sustainable urban housing.
Ayla Sanders
Celebrating wood in its natural form.