Graduate of Architecture
Name: Claire Oh
Career stage: Early career - less than 5 years' experience
Working: Office
High School Subjects: Extention 2 Maths, Extension 1 English, Modern History, Japanese
Favourite: Japanese, I went to a language school and I am part Japanese but never had the opportunity to learn the language before so I really enjoyed studying it during High School
Further study: University
where and what: Masters of Architecture, Bachelors of Computational Design and Bachelors of Architectural Studies at UNSW
"I feel strongly for sustainability, having found myself becoming increasingly conscious of my own carbon footprint."
the inside scoop…
What does a Graduate of Architecture actually do? I assist my team in developing drawings and designs to bring an idea to life. My role focuses largely on documentation that is required to get appropriate approvals from authorities which will allow the building to be constructed. I also have been participating in research to help reduce the amount of waste that the construction industry produces.
What does a day in your life at work look like? My typical day consists of lots of meetings, team discussions and documentation. As I have some additional responsibilities on the side, I would also be attending meetings and take part in event planning throughout the day.
What's the best part of your job? My favorite part of working as a grad would be going onto site and sketching!
What made you realise construction could be for you? I actually had dreamed of becoming a dentist growing up, but I come from a long line of female architects so when it came time to make the final decision it was a pretty easy decision. I really enjoyed the flexibility in design and thought that it would be a rewarding industry to be in.
What are you excited about in terms of sustainability in construction? I feel strongly for sustainability, having found myself becoming increasingly conscious of my own carbon footprint. It started with a few lifestyle changes such as limiting the amount of clothes I buy to five pieces a year, to growing and composting my own food. Whilst still studying, I asked myself, how could I do more? How could we reduce waste in the industry? It became a constant question in my mind which one day led me to shift my focus from architecture to computational design. Through academic research into the ramifications that the construction industry has on the environment, I became determined to explore how to integrate more regenerative and sustainable practices in architecture, and at work.
What are you excited about doing in the future, working in construction? I want to raise awareness of the concerns surrounding gender equity in the built environment. One major feedback that I have heard from The Vine which was a mentoring event that I co-hosted with Parlour, was the lack of confidence and worth that mentees in their early careers had when entering the industry. In the future I aim to reciprocate the advice and mentorship that I have received, particularly coming from a long line of female architects in my family who have taught me to have courage to pursue my goals but also the amazing mentors that I had at work and in my personal life. I would love to continue initiating and fostering ongoing relationships, to create a community of support for young women in the industry.
Claire is open to engaging further via: Mentoring a student
If you'd like to enquire more, please email hello@tomorrowswomeninconstruction.com.au with the subject: "Claire Oh engagement enquiry" and we'll pass your message on.