What do you enjoy most about the Graduate program at Woods Bagot so far?

Ashleigh: The graduate program has helped me by pairing me with a mentor, providing continual feedback and deepening my learning. With the goal of registration, the program has created a supportive community of individuals who share similar goals and face similar challenges.

Dante: I particularly enjoy how the graduate program allows me to enhance my skills both technically and creatively while receiving support across various projects and stages of those projects. One of the aspects I value most as a graduate is the opportunity to work collaboratively under the right mentorship, focusing on skills that contribute to my development as a future architect.

How has it been working with your mentors and team?

Ashleigh: The relationships I have built with the team in this short time have been highly rewarding and have helped me transition into studio life easily. I am constantly learning from them, and their support has made me feel confident in the work I am producing.

Dante: Having worked at Woods Bagot for over three years, I have collaborated with numerous project leaders and consultants. The work environment here has not only fostered my professional growth but has also deepened my passion for making meaningful contributions to the world of architecture and design.

We invited the graduates to share insights into their final projects, giving us a glimpse into their innovative approaches, creative problem-solving, and the unique perspectives that set them apart in the field of design.

Ashleigh: My final university project was “Instinct,” a holistic and natural space for women’s and children’s health. It was designed to honor the indigenous traditions and customs surrounding all aspects of birth, from pre-conception to a child’s adolescent years. On-site medicinal gardens support the hospital and create a hub for learning and connection within the broader community.

See more of Ashleigh’s grad work in the gallery below.

Dante: My graduate project focused on seed harvesting and agricultural biotechnology to enhance the rapid growth of vegetation and explore methods for improving agricultural production while protecting and restoring existing environments and neighboring ecosystems. Sustainable design principles are at the core of this project, incorporating green roofs, passive heating and cooling, and other techniques to create eco-friendly architecture. My goal was to avoid building a standalone structure and instead integrate the design into the landscape, resulting in a harmonious and sustainable outcome that coexists with nature. The mission was to create a seamless environment where vegetation thrives.

Explore Dante’s work below.

(Above) Ashleigh and Dante are working on several projects, including the major expansion of Market Square at Adelaide Central Market. This flagship mixed-use precinct will celebrate the market’s rich history while introducing new retail, commercial, and hospitality experiences. The project is an example of their involvement in various typologies and sectors across Woods Bagot, broadening their scope and expertise.

What has working on your Woods Bagot project/s taught you?

Ashleigh: As my projects have primarily focused on residential and mixed-use developments, I have learned the fundamentals of build ability on a larger scale. Collaborating with the team during the concept and schematic design phases has provided transparency, allowing me to understand and contribute to each stage. This experience has introduced me to the practical aspects of architecture and client relationships.

Dante: Through my experience with a range of digital tools, including Rhino, Grasshopper, and Revit, I have learned how to effectively model and develop architectural designs. Using rendering software like Twinmotion, Blender, and Enscape has taught me the importance of creating realistic visualisations to communicate concepts effectively. My proficiency in illustrative design software such as Adobe InDesign and Adobe Photoshop has enhanced my ability to present ideas clearly and professionally. Additionally, my involvement in model making and 3D printing has deepened my understanding of the physical aspects of design, enabling me to bring my ideas to life in tangible ways.