I want to take what it means to be Indigenous into a future career as an interior designer. Hopefully, I can be a catalyst for other young Indigenous students interested in studying built environment.
JEROME WU
Interior design student and Blaklash Scholarship recipient
Learn how to design, plan and manage natural and built environments to improve sustainability and community health and wellbeing.
Architecture plays a vital role in our economy. The building industry is one of Australia’s largest employers – which also means that our field has a significant impact on both society and the environment. Now more than ever, embedding sustainable principles in design is essential. We have a responsibility to create buildings and spaces that are welcoming and enhance community health and wellbeing.
At QUT’s School of Architecture and Built Environment, our staff bring a wealth of international experience, offering diverse perspectives, and we regularly invite industry colleagues to collaborate with students to offer valuable, real-world insights.
We also have a strong focus on cutting edge technology and applied research, always exploring new tools and sustainable processes to stay ahead.
I’ve been involved in the field of architecture for 20 years. I’ve had the opportunity to work with local communities and stakeholders to transform their ideas into meaningful and tangible public spaces, both in Australia and overseas, and my passion and curiosity never fades.
Associate Professor Mirko Guaralda QUT School of Architecture & Built Environment
As a professor at QUT, my role is just as diverse and rewarding. I support students in building their own architecture careers –encouraging them to stay curious, explore new ideas and embrace real-world challenges. You could join by studying a QUT Bachelor of Architectural Design or Bachelor of Built Environment (Honours) to gain the skills, insight and hands-on experience you need. Everything you need to know about working as an architect, interior designer or landscape architect is in this kit. Discover what it takes to build a successful career and learn about the exciting opportunities that await you.
Dr Mirko Guaralda, Associate Professor, QUT School of Architecture & Built Environment
The world is changing. It demands true sustainability, climate resilience and inclusive design for all. A career in architecture means you can be a part of that change, using your creativity and innovation to design the cities and spaces of tomorrow. You can literally help create a better world. Inspired? Keep reading...
ADr dan nyandega landscape architect and qut Lecturer
s a landscape architect you will be driving change in your local community and around the world.
You’ll work on different projects, with different clients, in different places. Every project is a new and exciting challenge.
$7 billion
The size of the architectural services market in Australia* www.ibisworld.com/australia/industry/architectural-services/550
Claudia Cuttriss Interior Design student
Architects, interior designers and landscape architects work at the intersection of immediate real-world challenges and potential future challenges.
You’ll be leading the drive to optimise design and construction processes. Think computational design, digital fabrication, smart building design and the use of robotics in construction.
This is a chance to work with highly imaginative people across multiple disciplines, which means you’ll always be learning and progressing change.
Dr Dan Nyandega, Lecturer, School of Architecture and Built Environment, QUT
Claudia Cuttriss is a QUT interior design student and dreams of landing her dream job as production designer on a big Hollywood film. Chris Jenkinson studied both a Bachelor and Master of Architecture at QUT and has since scored a full-time role at KIRK Studio. What do they think about studying at QUT... ?
Coolest uni project… “For a group assignment I had the opportunity to work alongside charity Orange Sky Australia. We were tasked with delivering a design brief that addressed the increase in unhoused youth – a laundry service on uni campuses which exists now in real life!” Uni life… “QUT has a real sense of community. I’ve made friends, and I feel like I belong here!” Studying design … “I love the versatility. My units have covered everything from sustainable and accessible design to the psychology of colours and lighting – it’s all fascinating!”
Uni highlight… “The access to cutting-edge technology, state-of-the-art resources and the expertise of faculty members and professors!” Graduating… “I learnt advanced skills that meant I could confidently tackle complex design challenges and excel in professional architecture studios.”
Job perks… “Witnessing my ideas take shape. I’ve enjoyed collaborating with talented peers and industry professionals.”
Chris Jenkinson Architectural Graduate, KIRK Studio
Becoming an architect, interior designer or landscape architect helps build a future that’s sustainable, healthy and tech-driven
Architects, interior designers and landscape architects are just some of the pieces in the puzzle when it comes to a place-making project. You’ll also work side-by-side with contributors including:
• Builders
• Clients
• Construction managers
• Engineers
• Environmental & sustainability officers
• Land developers
• Project managers
• Real estate agents
• Tradespeople
• Urban & regional planning supervisors
Architects design structures for people to use, live in, work in, exercise in, eat in… An architect has designed almost any built space you encounter. Their job is to draw plans that can be interpreted by builders to enable construction. Architects look at how a space, room or building will flow. As well as user experience, they consider council or government requirements, urban surroundings and environmental impact. Everything from a house to an office building or a complete urban centre starts with an architect’s drawings.
Study this at QUT: Bachelor of Architectural Design or Diploma in Architectural Studies
Interior designers bring an eye for detail, technical know-how and excellent communication skills to design beautiful spaces that improve people’s lives. An empathetic approach is needed to combine knowledge of sustainable materials, building codes, social impact, wellbeing, creativity and design thinking to small-scale projects like retail and restaurants to large-scale projects like hotels, hospitals and airports. Their highly detailed drawings form the basis for the construction of interior environments that are healthy, inclusive and sustainable.
Study this at QUT: Bachelor of Built Environment (Honours) (Interior Design)
Applying design fundamentals to create beautiful, liveable spaces is just as important outdoors as indoors. Considering impacts on biodiversity, weather and green space is essential for a landscape architect. Landscape architects design attractive and functional spaces within both natural and built landscapes. Projects can include planning and designing public parks, gardens, residential areas, campuses and public spaces.
Study this at QUT: Bachelor of Built Environment (Honours) (Landscape Architecture)
The Gold Coast’s Home of the Arts (HOTA) shakes up everything we thought we knew about urban design. The arts space is a 17-hectare cultural hub set among impressive botanicals. A collaboration between landscape architects, designers and engineers, the centre boasts a diverse list of plant species suited to the local climate – and provides visitors a unique ‘green’ experience right in the heart of the busy city. www.hota.com.au
A project manager heads up the whole team – making sure plans stay on track (and to budget). Coordinating stakeholders, resources and goals is all in a day’s work, along with ensuring projects are responsive to community needs and addressing issues of access and sustainability. You’ll find project managers at the head of designing functional public spaces, planning transportation systems and drafting development proposals.
Study this at QUT: Bachelor of Built Environment (Honours)/Master of Project Management
Gain in-demand skills by completing a bachelor degree and master degree in five years with QUT’s Bachelor of Built Environment/Master of Project Management . Position yourself to lead complex projects in construction management, interior design, landscape architecture, or urban and regional planning.
When his architectural assessment scored top marks in high school, Connor Pukallus knew he was on the right career path
As a recent graduate of a Master of Architecture at QUT, Connor is already on the road to smashing some serious life goals.
“I hope that architecture can lead me to a stable career where I can live comfortably while enjoying everything I do. It may take time, but the pay-off will be worth it,” he says.
“At school I studied maths and engineering tech, but it was graphics that introduced me to architecture.”
It was a no-brainer when Connor decided to pursue a degree and enrol to study architecture at QUT.
Connor believes studying at QUT has not only given him course knowledge, it’s also helped ensure he’s on the right pathway in life.
As part of his studies at QUT, Connor had the chance to work with a client in a real-life architectural firm, Populous, where he had “the opportunity to present my proposal to the entire Brisbane studio”. Through a uni partnership, he also witnessed the IRL construction of an IKEA store from start to finish.
“We got to see everything from the concrete foundations to the electrical fittings,” Connor says.
The role of architecture is to push the limits of what can and cannot be done”
“The role of architecture is to always push the limits of what can and cannot be done. You need to have persistence and the drive to learn new things, and that isn’t just theoretical knowledge. It is the ability to find new tools and technologies to better the work you produce.”
The opportunities at QUT have helped Connor elevate his own learning – a highlight being a press release from the uni featuring Connor and his achievements working with Populous which “gave me the knowledge that I’m in the right course and on the right pathway,” he says.
“Architecture is a big commitment,” Connor adds, “but I believe it’s a bigger pay-off in the end, too.”
Iit’s the right job for you, it doesn’t feel like you’re working”
An itch for something more creative led Nadia Dubreuil to explore interior design as a new career direction
nterior designers create indoor spaces that are functional, safe and enjoyable. After working as a civil engineer, Nadia was looking for a career that combined her creative and technical sides – interior design was a perfect match. Now Nadia continues to work in construction but contributes in a way that optimises interior spaces to improve people’s lives.
Here’s how Nadia might spend an average work day:
8am
Arrive at work and set myself up with a coffee, read my emails and prepare for the day.
9am
Have a planning meeting with the team. We go through current and upcoming projects. For example, we’re designing the fit-out for a prestigious venue in Brisbane.
10am
Site visit to one of our projects currently under construction to talk through any issues with the builder or client.
12pm
I have lunch and chat with my colleagues.
1:30pm
Another site visit to a workshop to review a furniture prototype. We made some custom chairs for one of our projects with a local Brisbane furniture maker.
2:30pm
A quick coffee and head back to my desk for an afternoon working on projects, updates and admin.
5:30pm
I like to reset my task list before I leave and go through my diary in preparation for the next day.
6pm
Attend an industry event hosted by local suppliers. It is a good way to keep up to date with new technology and products, and see old friends in the industry.
