As part of our series on graduate life at Woods Bagot, Melbourne grads Simone Louey and Crystal Zhu talk about going to site, meeting clients, coordinating across large teams and learning how different inputs shape a design.
A design is shaped by more than the drawings; clients, sites, materials, consultants and the wider project team all play a part. For Woods Bagot graduates, learning how those pieces come together is a big part of the experience.
Simone and Crystal have seen it from different angles. Simone has been out on site, meeting clients and learning about materials and consultants. Crystal has been coordinating across disciplines on a large project. Both describe a supportive studio that has helped them grow.
Simone studied a Bachelor of Design (Interior Architecture) with Honours at Swinburne University and joined the Melbourne studio earlier this year. She has been working on a workplace interiors project.
“What I have enjoyed most about the grad program has been the opportunity to work on real-world projects and learn from others in the studio,” she says. “Getting to go to site, meet with the client, understand their needs and see how these affect the design outcome have been incredibly eye-opening. I’ve also really enjoyed gaining an understanding of different materials and how these can be used in unexpected ways.”
Project work has also shown her how consultants feed into the design.
“Project work has also taught me about different material properties and applications, and has given me better insight into the role of consultants on projects and how their documentation and advice are integrated into our design work,” she says.
Her technical skills have grown too. “Working on projects during the grad program has given me an opportunity to develop more industry-specific Revit skills, as well as a better understanding of Australian standards and how these are applied to projects.”
Crystal studied a Master of Architecture at the University of Melbourne and joined the studio this year. She has been working on a large project, where she has seen how each part affects the others.
“I’ve learned how interconnected each part of a large project is,” she says. “From testing planning options in Revit and developing 3D design options in Rhino, to coordinating with design, planning, services and interiors, I’ve gained a better understanding of how different inputs shape the overall design.”
She also led the project’s final Concept Design Report.
“Leading the final Concept Design Report also taught me the importance of clear communication and coordination across a large team.”
Both grads say the people around them have shaped their experience.
“It’s been a really positive and supportive experience,” Crystal says. “I’ve appreciated the guidance from my project leader while being trusted with meaningful responsibilities, and I’ve really enjoyed learning from the wider team.”
Simone has worked with different project leaders and teams, and she says each one has taught her something.
“The studio is full of talented designers and each team has taught me something new,” she says. “It’s been a very supportive environment to learn in, and everyone has been more than happy to answer questions, teach new skills and explain ways of working.”
For Crystal, the role has been about growth. “I’ve really enjoyed the learning and growth that comes with the graduate role. It’s been rewarding to build my confidence, take on more responsibility and develop both my design and technical skills.”
Their graduate projects show an interest in spaces that bring people together.
Simone’s project, Kin, explored intergenerational living as a future-proof way to reuse empty buildings. It reimagined an empty orphanage in Surrey Hills as a medium-density, intergenerational living complex, with shared social and garden spaces for residents and the wider community. The proposal aimed to help an ageing population age in place, while providing accessible housing for a younger generation navigating the housing crisis.
Crystal’s thesis, The Re-Lit Vaults, reimagined the Banana Alley Vaults as a 24-hour mixed-use public space, responding to a lack of accessible late-night public environments. “I worked to balance the existing heritage fabric with new, lightweight interventions that enhance usability without overpowering the original structure and character,” she says.
Those interests still come through in how they talk about design. Simone is drawn to sectors that “create spaces for connection between the people who use them, to make space for community and to drive change”. Crystal wants to create spaces “that feel welcoming, memorable and purposeful”.
At Woods Bagot, we are committed to creating an environment where difference is celebrated, valued and respected, practices are equitable, and our people feel like they belong. We accept that none of us is smarter than all of us. We believe building a diverse workforce is the foundation to creativity and innovative design – it is only by working together that we can realise the potential of our people, clients and communities around us.
Through our inclusive leadership and our truly global studio network, you will find your voice and have the support and flexibility required to bring your whole self to work and build an exceptional career.
Learn more about the Graduate Program.
12 Oct 26