Claudia has always had a passion for architecture but has found since completing her bachelor's degree she wanted to continue this career journey further.

“The Master of Architecture will help me on the pathway to becoming a registered Architect. It expands on the creative thinking of the bachelor's degree and focuses on higher research and self-directed projects, like real practice,” she said.

Recalling her studying experience, Claudia manages working part time in her field whilst studying full time.

“I currently work in a local architecture practice in Newcastle as an Architectural Technician. I work in a team on projects ranging from master planning to construction documentation.

“It is quite tricky to balance work and study, however my workplace is extremely supportive and flexible. Being able to use the studio 24/7 has been a huge help to get study done after work and on weekends,” Claudia said.

Having access to the studio at the University enabled Claudia the opportunity to have a workspace whilst studying to inspire her designs.

“Being able to set up a workspace for the year and be surrounded by those I’m studying with helps to make it an inspirational atmosphere,” she said.

Throughout her program, Claudia was able to present projects to gain further knowledge and confidence within a workspace environment.

“The graphic and verbal communication that comes from presenting projects to tutors and in exhibitions has been helpful in building my confidence in my workplace. Working to deadlines and collaboratively is also a huge part of architectural practice, which is fostered in this degree,” Claudia said.

Throughout her study experience, Claudia took part in elective study options to complete immersive architectural work within rural communities in NSW to engage in Australian vernacular architecture using a range of analysis and multi-media channels.

“During the specific studio project, ‘Dead Centre’ we were immersed in the towns through walking and completed ‘forensic mapping’ where we recorded drawings, photographs, haiku poems and frottages which reflect the evolution and variation of each place.

“Upon returning to Newcastle, we worked in small groups to collate all our individual fieldwork drawings, photographs, and poems as well as combined mapping and designs and held a public exhibition at the University of Newcastle’s Watt Space Gallery,” she said.

Claudia expresses her work integrated learning experience as having been integral to shaping her career direction.

“These experiences have been seminal in shaping and reinforcing the values that I hold and hope to take forward not only in the remainder of my master's thesis project, but also in my career beyond university.

“I was taken outside of the comfort zone associated with university and forced to put the skills I’ve learnt over the past 5 years into play. Stepping outside of the studio environment and seeing the various paths (e.g., creative community consultancy, research, advocacy, urban design) that others who have had the same formal architectural training at Uni as I have had was inspiring and opened my eyes to connections, opportunities and avenues beyond traditional careers associated with my degree, that align with my values and ambition. In doing this, it became clear the type of work I would like to be involved with after I graduate and the contribution that I would like to make,” Claudia said.

Excited to take the next steps in her master's program, Claudia sees this opportunity as one to make her stand out from the rest.

“The chance to dive into a yearlong thesis project for my final year is something that will stand out in my portfolio, showcasing the areas I am passionate about, in addition to skills and level of critical thinking,” she said.

Claudia encourages other students thinking of studying the Master of Architecture to consider their passions and use this as a guide for their study to have the best experience.

“I would try to put as much of your individual passion and ideas into it, so that you can really tailor and specialise your education and postgraduate study to place you in the best possible position heading out into a workplace or community,” Claudia said.

Find out more about the Master of Architecture

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Claudia Smith

Claudia Smith is using her Master of Architecture to take her passion and values of architecture to the next level from becoming a registered architect to exceeding her career expectations.

These experiences have been seminal in shaping and reinforcing the values that I hold and hope to take forward not only in the remainder of my master's thesis project, but also in my career beyond university.