STUDENT OF ARCHITECTUREMY BACKGROUND I am Annaliese McCarthy: a passionate Architecture student studying a Bachelor of Design (Honours) (Architecture) with a minor in Urban Planning. I am a proud Aboriginal woman with a passion for Indigenous art and design. My mob, the Gadigal people, originate from Sydney. I was lucky to have to have the opportunity to learn more about their history whilst working for Lendlease in Sydney after my first year at university. I am an active member of CareerTrackers, an organisation that supports Aboriginal university students in their career development. The adjacent picture was taken at CareerTracker's annual Gala Dinner in 2018 where I received an award for having a GPA above a Distinction.
Being an Aboriginal woman myself, I hope to include our rich culture and its people in Architecture. In Australia, less than 0.5% of registered architects represent as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. I believe indigenous representation in Architecture and Design would add depth and diversity to Australia’s cities. In the future, I hope we Aboriginal Australians can help shape the aesthetics and culture of our land. |
MY STUDIES
I am currently in my third year of a Bachelor of Design (Honours) (Architecture) at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT). The course has allowed me to engage with numerous facets of Architecture; from practical designing and technical drawing to academic writing and history. I take pride in the work I produce at university hence I have included some of my past assignments in my portfolio. One of the benefits of studying at QUT has been the opportunity to minor in Urban Planning as well as taking advantage of the short-term exchange programs available. Travelling has been instrumental in my education so I am a QUT Exchange Ambassador to help pass on my experiences.
Aurora Indigenous Study Tour, United States & EnglandOctober - November 2019
_______ The Aurora Indigenous Study Tour encourages high-achieving Indigenous Australian students to pursue post-graduate study overseas. The six-week programme allowed me to connect with leading academics at some of the world's most prestigious institutions. The universities included:
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University of Stuttgart, Germany
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LUISS Guido Carli University, Italy
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DESIGN INTERESTS
Since I was a teenager, I have always had a love and fascination for chairs and their history and production. One of my favourite
design books is 'Chairs by Architects' by Agata Tormanoff. I find it so interesting how a design philosophy and style can be
translated from the built environment to a chair. I recently wrote an illustrated essay on how furniture and homewares act as
'small-scale architecture'. The Thonet bentwood chairs I have restored (pictured) now proudly reside in my home in Brisbane.
design books is 'Chairs by Architects' by Agata Tormanoff. I find it so interesting how a design philosophy and style can be
translated from the built environment to a chair. I recently wrote an illustrated essay on how furniture and homewares act as
'small-scale architecture'. The Thonet bentwood chairs I have restored (pictured) now proudly reside in my home in Brisbane.
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EXTRACURRICULAR
AURORA EDUCATION FOUNDATION
Established in 2012, Aurora Education Foundation is a national not for profit organisation with Public Benevolent Institution status that focuses on supporting Indigenous education. Transforming lives by investing in potential and inspiring excellence through education at the highest level. Their objective is to have a future where there is no education gap and where the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians achieve equitable participation at the highest level – in the professions, in boardrooms and across government.
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION
The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) has been instrumental in my career development. I participated in their inaugural mentoring program in 2018 which connected me to talented women in the construction industry. The mentorship program includes multiple networking which focus on professional and personal development. The monthly catch-ups with my mentor, Dee Passenger from Cottee Parker, have been invaluable for my personal and professional growth.
CAREERTRACKERS
CareerTrackers is a national non-profit with the goal of creating pathways and support systems for Indigenous young adults to attend and graduate from university, with high marks, industry experience and bright professional futures. Through attending networking and professional development events, CareerTrackers has connected me to a diverse network of ambitious Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people. My Student Advisor, Ann-Maree Long, has mentored me with abundant support and care. Our monthly meetings have given me a way to hold myself accountable to my goals, whether it's university, work or another opportunity.
"Annaliese currently holds a GPA of 6.125, this is a testament to the determined, hardworking and organised nature of her academic excellence, as well as her focus and passion towards her field of study.”
- Ann-Maree Long, CareerTrackers Advisor
MORE ABOUT ME
If you want to find out more about myself or my work, please check out more of the website:
ABN: 176 241 940 07