Our first indigenous graduate in Architecture

Graduations

On the cusp of its historic 50th anniversary, the University's School of Architecture, Landscape Architecture and Urban Design had good cause to celebrate when 125 of its students graduated last December.

Among them was mace-bearer Gary Shrubsole, the first indigenous person in the University's history to graduate with a Bachelor of Architecture.

The 23-year-old joins the growing ranks of students responding to the demand for architects, both in Australia and Asia. In 2007 the profession was listed second only to accountancy in the Hays Recruitment "hottest jobs" list.

But in Gary's case, the decision to study architecture was not spurred on by economic interests or market needs.

"According to my mother, even before I could say the word 'architect,' I knew it was the career path I wanted to take. In primary school I would produce a detailed house plan every time we were asked to draw our home environment," Gary said.

Gary is hoping to secure work with a local firm specialising in residential designs or light commercial buildings.

While studying he undertook work experience for the State Government, contributing to an Aboriginal housing project. Thanks to sponsorship from the Royal Australian Institute of Architects and the State Government, Gary attended an Aboriginal housing conference in Alice Springs, where he met some practising indigenous architects.

"It was a great privilege to meet Aboriginal architects such as Kevin O'Brien and Dillon Kombumerri, who inspired me greatly," he said.

Gary is keen to work with indigenous communities at some stage of his career and also hopes to get some experience under his belt in foreign shores.

"London and Berlin both really appeal as job destinations. Not only are they great cities, but architecture as a profession is given more kudos in those countries than in Australia," he said.

This year the School will take on a new direction, with an enhanced international focus and the addition of planning and urban design to its portfolio of degrees.

It will also build on its national reputation for being the first School of its kind in Australia to offer specialised indigenous studies in urban, rural and remote settings, including field trips to indigenous communities.

All indigenous students at the University of Adelaide are supported by Wilto Yerlo, the Centre for Australian Indigenous Research and Studies.

Story by Candy Gibson