Recently, Associate Alexandra Kennedy had the privilege of sitting down with GB-A’s newest registered architects, Joelle Samaan (Melbourne Studio) and Shiva Kumar (Brisbane Studio), to celebrate their achievement and uncover the incredible journeys that have led to this milestone.
We’ll hand it over to Alie to share what she uncovered during these interesting interviews!
What is Involved in Becoming a Registered Architect?
For those unfamiliar with the process of becoming a registered architect, allow us to share. After studying a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Architecture, a person striving to become a registered architect must work in the industry for at least two years to record hours against an extensive list of required experiences. These range from site visits to writing up progress claims.
The candidate is required to write a statement, which could be classified as a thesis by the time it is completed, to explain their experiences, what they have learned and to demonstrate that they have met the criteria. Once the logbook and statement are accepted, they sit an exam. This primarily consists of scenarios that architects may encounter, and candidates are required to select the correct response.
This focuses on both legal liabilities and Australian standards. If this stage is passed, you will then have a face-to-face interview to discuss key topics. Completing through this three-step process can take up to six months, and those who are wise attend classes to prepare themselves for the exam and interview.
Although the process is arduous, it’s good that Australia takes the architectural profession so seriously. It also means that when you achieve the title of architect, it is very worthy of celebration – it’s no small feat!
Joelle Samaan
Two Journeys That Have Been Decades in the Making
Now that you understand the process these two amazing humans have just been through, you must hear about the journey that has brought them here. Both Shiva and Joelle have come from unique backgrounds that differ from the standard process of growing up in Australia, attending a prestigious university, and then securing a job in the industry. Joelle and Shiva’s stories couldn’t be further from it, and it makes us all the prouder of their achievements!
Joelle was born in Syria, so she grew up in a war-torn country. Fascinated by architects who celebrate and reflect history in their design, Joelle became passionate about pursuing a career in architecture. When reflecting on the registration process, Joelle spoke about the personal growth she has experienced. Having left Syria with her family, she began studying architecture in a new country and a different language. Further study was needed once she arrived in Australia, as she had to relearn concepts in English.
But giving up was never an option for Joelle. She and her family had gone through too much not to pursue the opportunity given to her – a rare and incredible gift to be able to study and get an education. The acknowledgement of where Joelle has come from and what she has left behind – people and history – demonstrates her passion for designing architecture for those who have lost everything and need to heal.
Shiva’s journey into architecture started when she was in Year 8, attending High School in Fiji. It was then that she was required to choose focus subjects and chose Technical Drawing. Her love of building huts and forts as a child, combined with her habit of flicking through House and Garden magazines, helped her make this decision. She was also interested in palaeontology and archaeology, which explains her love of old buildings and visiting ruins.
Shiva didn’t take the direct route either. After finishing school, she began her Diploma in Architectural Technology and came to Australia five years later to pursue a Bachelor of Design and a Master of Architecture. With a pragmatic thought process, having studied and worked for four years as a technician first, Shiva struggled with the university mindset of thinking sky-high with no limits. She would constantly find herself thinking, ‘that doesn’t work, it can’t be built!’
Shiva Kumar
Sources of Design Inspiration
Joelle is inspired by architects who have worked in the field of reflective architecture, as well as those who have designed significant historic spaces, such as the Holocaust Museum, which evoke moments of memory and connection to the past. Joelle spoke about her major project at university ‘Controversy’ that explored how during periods of war, architecture serves as an archive of its events, a catalogue of violence expressed as a shock in the built environment and by recognising the trauma of war, architecture could add a new, and more positive layer, to abandoned ruins.
Connecting with immigrants and people who have been displaced, Joelle would love to design a museum or archival centre to give back to the community.
Shiva is inspired by Mies van der Rohe and the way he changed architectural thinking with his designs and ‘less is more’ attitude. Shiva attempted replicating his designs at university but never achieved success. Closer to home, she is inspired by GB-A’s Director, Kavan Applegate, and Associate Director, Craig Blewitt, whom she works closely with in correctional design. Both Kavan and Craig have a passion for their work that Shiva hopes to replicate.
Having experienced many cyclones and witnessed the destruction and devastation that result, Shiva hopes to one day work in disaster recovery. She has seen aid organisations come into Fiji to assist in rebuilding, but the buildings haven’t reflected the place, lifestyle, or needs of the community. Like small one-bedroom flats that need to house multiple generations, or high-rise flats that house fishermen yet have no boat storage.
Thankful for the international friends who have come in and helped Fiji rebuild spaces that are better suited to their way of life, Shiva wants to return home and design for the people, using her local knowledge to create spaces that people need.
Congratulations on all your hard work!
Both Joelle and Shiva bring a great deal of depth to the GB-A team with their skills, experiences, motivations, and backgrounds. It’s inspiring to be among colleagues who have a strong passion for design. May nothing stop you both; we can’t wait to see what you bring to the world of architecture!
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