Architecture and Planning students

Vasilije Rakovic

“My aim after I graduate is to go back to Christchurch and help rebuild the CBD area after the devastation of the recent earthquakes. I want to be able to contribute my architectural expertise to the city that I have spent a large portion of my life living in. Architects are privileged for being able to change the lives of people, whether through the building of a new home or the renovation and saving of heritage buildings.

“The University of Auckland’s School of Architecture and Planning has a reputation in the architectural industry as the place to get the best qualifications and design experience for your future career. This degree has allowed me to explore the greater design process, the highlight so far being the feeling of presenting a piece of work to a guest critic for the first time. A daunting, but personally informative experience.”

Vasilije Rakovic is currently studying for a Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS).

Shirin Heidari

“I have wanted to study architecture since I was twelve, to have the opportunity to be creative in what I do and express myself in my own way.

“This degree has shown me a different way of looking at the world around me, and taught me how to be confident about my ideas and what I do.  I am more aware of how I form my thoughts and handle them and am learning how to make them real. I am learning about things that I have never thought about before like how we can change the future by design.

“I want to use my new skills to make amazing buildings and skyscrapers.  I also would love to try to make a difference by designing homes for people in poorer parts of the world who suffer from lack of housing.”

Shirin Heidari is currently studying for a Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS).
 

Matt Ritani

"Architecture offers a unique challenge as we engage with the built environment in so many different ways. Our buildings have a strong reciprocal relationship with us as a society and as we continue into the future practising will be an increasingly chaotic and interesting arena.

"The Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS) appealed to me because it requires complex problem-solving and developing a wide range of skills, from conceptual critical thinking to pragmatic ‘real’ solutions. When I graduate I plan to practise, travel and create in many different ways. I am confident that the BAS will equip me to succeed in these endeavours."

Matt Ritani is currently studying for a Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS).

 

Esther Mecredy

"I decided to study architecture because I believe it is a discipline that combines creativity and practicality. During my last year of high school I attended a lecture by a professor at The University of Auckland who spoke of architecture as a vehicle of progress and problem-solving. I chose Auckland because of this philosophy and the School’s international reputation.
 
The best part of working in a studio is the constant discussion of ideas and company during intense periods of production. The most challenging and rewarding moments have been realising my designs through the building of structures at a human scale."

Esther has recently completed a Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS).

 

Jacob Lawrence

“At high school I was always interested in geography and a teacher suggested that I consider studying planning when I left school. Almost four years on, I am stoked with my choice.

“Studying planning at The University of Auckland has allowed me to develop core planning competencies as well as skills across a range of disciplines including law, design, economics, statistics and environmental science. In your fourth and final year you undertake a research project which provides an opportunity to work on an area of planning you are particularly passionate about. For me this has involved research into surf break protection. After graduating I am looking forward to applying the skills developed through the Bachelor of Planning by working as a planning consultant, with the intent to specialise in coastal planning applications.”

Jacob Lawrence is currently in his fourth year of a Bachelor of Planning (BPlan).

Courtney Bennett

“I wanted to become a planner so I could help shape the built environment within my community. I loved the idea that one day I would be able to walk down a road that was once just a drawing on my desk. Working with iwi is an area of planning that I would like to get into once I graduate.

“Auckland provides a very broad degree which allows students to be exposed to many different aspects of planning. My favourite thing about the degree is the small class size because, unlike other degrees, everybody knows each other
well and we have a lot of fun together. So far I have learnt that there is complex thought and process behind every decision that is made when it comes to planning. It means you need to think critically in many different ways which is a
skill that we are encouraged to develop.”

Courtney Bennett is currently in her first year of a Bachelor of Planning (BPlan).

Jayesh Parekh

“I never knew what planning was or that it even existed until the end of high school. I was very interested in graphics but also concerned with other aspects of design and planning was recommended to me by my teachers.

The best part of planning is the fact that it always seems to keep you interested because it covers such a broad range of things. It’s also quite fun because the people here are very close.

After I graduate I am thinking of gaining experience in the New Zealand workplace and then maybe travelling overseas for a couple of years to experience the planning profession in other countries and to broaden my general knowledge.”

Jayesh is currently studying for a Bachelor of Planning (BPlan).



 

Rhezza Layco

“I chose to study Planning as it incorporates my passion for people and the environment. In our studios we get practical opportunities to explore current environmental issues planners face and their possible solutions.

I will be proud to graduate from The University of Auckland.  It has reputation of academic excellence and a history of producing some of New Zealand’s best planners, and it continues to provide practical papers coordinated by expert lecturers.

Planning is not just about hard work.  We’re a close-knit school and I have made friends across all the year levels.”

Rhezza is currently studying for a Bachelor of Planning (BPlan).