Foreword by Andrea Singeorzan

Foreword by Andrea Singeorzan

Marking the end of my journey as an architecture student at UWA, I am forced to reflect on the past seven years of experiences that have led me to this point. My architectural journey began in 2015 with an early acceptance letter and an eagerness to learn. I didn’t know much about architecture other than it involved maths and design, but with a passion and drive for all things creative and artistic, I embraced the unknown with full force. I scraped through my first three years with a credit pass uncertain about what I wanted to do. I, by chance, got my foot in the door with a firm 3 months after graduating and then returned for my Master’s part time at UWA a year and a half later.

My university journey was not without some failures, mishaps, and contemplations like many others. But with the support of the faculty, my teachers, and peers, I was also able to work harder and smarter, gaining traction and experience in the industry with multiple firms and professionals. I gave myself and my work adequate time and energy with a flexible working arrangement, pouring my heart and soul into every bit of work I submitted rather than cramming it all in just to get it done. I began reaching some pretty amazing milestones in my last few years as a student. I worked at the University’s HUB for two semesters, I got to teach and present my work to numerous groups of students and industry professionals. I went to Albany, Paris, became a finalist for a competition, won an award and graduated with a high distinction.

The university’s flexible arrangement of units helped me to discover where my passions lied in the field and in relation to the world in real time. They facilitated the freedom to push boundaries, uncover hidden interests, and encourage new ways of thinking.

I learnt that if you’re curious, passionate, and willing enough, then you’re already halfway to achieving your goals. I learnt that there are no truly bad ideas, no right or wrong answers, and that mistakes are an important part of success. I learnt that I could build lifelong friendships and bond with people who I shared hard times with. Finding balance between work and life is key to not burning yourself out, keeping yourself focused on the right goals rather than just ticking boxes, and results will follow. The support from my tutors helped build resilience and a sense of pride and confidence in my work. I learnt that stepping out of my comfort zone is an integral part of growth and that celebrating the little wins and staying connected was one of the things that kept me going. Ultimately learning that the relationships and memories we build will stay with us for a long time so that hopefully when we look back at our time as a university student, we remember the pivotal moments and people that helped shape our future selves.

I still have a lot to learn about myself and my place in the industry because learning and growth doesn’t end after university. We are constantly changing, evolving, and growing who we are, what we know, practice, and preach, but ultimately, I believe that being at UWA has helped me in establishing the ground roots and foundations of what I hope to be a long and successful career of ground-breaking contributions to the industry. I’m certainly not at the end of a journey, but merely a chapter and am excited to see what is next to come.

Andrea Singeorzan, Master of Architecture, 2022.

Image: Flower Ferry Terminal, Albany project awarded the Post-graduate Award for highest mark. Albany Summer Studio 2022 with Craig McCormack and Mark Jecks, The University of Western Australia.

Architecture