Studio culture and community shaping a career in architecture

For Harry Troup, studying architecture at the University of Newcastle has been about more than just design, it’s been about community, creativity and real-world experience.

“I am a 23-year-old Novocastrian who loves everything design related,” he says.

“Through the week is when I get involved in the most exciting form of design to me – Architecture, as I am currently working in a local architecture practice.”

Harry recently completed his Bachelor of Design (Architecture) and will continue his studies in the Master of Architecture, while gaining hands-on experience in industry.

For Harry, one of the defining aspects of studying at Newcastle has been the studio culture.

“The studio culture is the thing that sets the University of Newcastle apart from every other uni in Australia – there is nothing else like it,” he says.

“The best thing about studying architecture here is the community that develops through the shared love for architecture – which leads to friendships that have and will last long after graduation.”

That sense of community has extended beyond the studio, with Harry and his peers creating their own opportunities to collaborate and connect.

“Towards the end of my bachelor's degree… we had the idea to start a design-based student magazine called TRUSS Mag,” he says.

What started as a small idea quickly grew into something much bigger, including a social football league and even a custom-designed team jersey.

“To see such a large group of my peers come together for an idea my mates and I casually threw around after class is something that will stay with me for a long time,” he says.

Alongside his studies, Harry has also secured a role in industry, something he credits to the connections and consistency built throughout his time at university.

“Through making connections with tutors and fellow students at uni… this consistency leads to opportunities and conversations where students like myself are able to showcase what they have been working so hard on,” he says.

Now working as an architectural technician at a local firm, Harry is gaining hands-on experience across a diverse range of projects.

“My role varies greatly day to day… one day I could be working on an office fit out for a small business and the next I am helping on the design of a façade of an 80-metre-tall building,” he says.

He says the diversity of projects throughout his degree has also helped prepare him for the realities of working in architecture.

“The wide range of projects and contexts… has significantly aided my resilience and flexibility when it comes to moving between very different types of design work,” he explains.

Looking ahead, Harry hopes to continue building his experience across a range of projects, with the long-term goal of running his own practice.

“At the moment I am trying to learn as much as I can about the industry… a milestone a fair way down the track would be directing my own practice,” he says.

For students considering architecture, Harry’s advice is simple.

“Come for the studio culture and stay for the people you will meet and the things you will achieve because of it,” he says.

Come for the studio culture and stay for the people you will meet and the things you will achieve because of it.