SONA Australia

Join us for the first Sustainability Snack for 2026 on Tuesday 5 May | 12:30pm - 1pm AEST

This session will provide an overview on the importance of carbon modelling in the design phase of residential projects and how you can get involved by modelling your own low to medium density projects. We’ll show you where to find all the important info to help you get started and join architects from all around the country who are making a difference by reducing upfront carbon and life cycle operating energy in buildings.

Key Themes / Takeaways
•Why is Carbon Modelling Urgent?
• What are the Benefits of Modelling in the Design Phase?
• How can you Carbon Model Low to Medium Density Residential?

Sustainability Snacks is a series of concise online sessions designed to demystify sustainable design practices for residential projects. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from an expert!

There will be a chance for Q&A after the talk.

Please register via the link in bio.

Sustainability Snacks is a series of short online sessions that aim to demystify sustainability in practice. An initiative of The Institute’s EmAGN and SONA committees, in just 30 minutes we will hear from a practitioner on how they are reducing their impact.

You’ve built the foundation. Now it’s about who you meet and where you show up.

Step into the room where architecture is being shaped.
Connect with future employers, collaborators, and mentors.

Opportunities like this don’t come to every student.
Be one of the ones who takes it.

Get your exclusively priced conference tickets via the link in bio.

This International Women’s Day we join conversations happening across the profession and globally under the theme “Balance the Scales.”

While progress has been made, gender equality in architecture and the built environment remains unrealised. Across the Institute, members are coming together through events and discussions that focus on equitable access to opportunities, resources, and support.

Keep an eye out next week as we share more about the initiatives and conversations taking place across our community.

2024 SONA President, Blake Hillebrand | ADR 30 Under 30. Top 30 list.

Congratulations to 2024 SONA President, Blake Hillebrand, named in Australian Design Review’s (ADR) 30UNDER30. Blake was selected from a 66-person shortlist, drawn from 250+ entries across interior design, architecture, product design and built-environment innovation. Blake will attend a creativity and leadership retreat in Bali, which will continue with a 12–month mentorship.

Cox Director Brooke Lloyd extract: “The finalists showcased an abundance of creativity and clarity of thought. The future of our industry is in good hands.”

WELL DONE BLAKE! 👏👏

Image Credit: Blake Hillebrand

https://www.australiandesignreview.com/30under30/2025-26/shortlist/

What your lecturers won’t tell you, but SONA will:

How to survive your first semester without losing your mind

Meeting people who actually get what architecture is like

Tips from students and grads who’ve been exactly where you are

SONA is 2,847 architecture students who stopped pretending they had it all figured out.

Real friends. Real connections. Real talk about the stuff uni doesn’t cover.

Semester 1 kicks off soon. Want in? Click the link in bio.

That's a wrap for 2025!

As the year comes to a close, we wanted to take a moment to say a massive thank you for your incredible support and energy.

From local studio hangouts to national competitions, SONA has been buzzing this year. We’ve seen unforgettable events and a constant stream of fresh, vibrant ideas coming from every corner of the country. It’s your passion for architecture and design that makes this community what it is.

A big thank you to our SONA reps, committees, and members.

Wishing everyone a joyous holiday season! See you in the new year!

📢 Meet Your 2026 SONA Leaders!
We are absolutely thrilled to officially announce and introduce the 2026 SONA Executive Team!

This incoming Executive is an incredible group of passionate and talented student leaders from across the built environment disciplines. They have been selected to collaborate closely with the Australian Institute of Architects () to drive the Student Organised Network for Architecture (SONA) forward next year.

2026 SONA executive team is:
🌟 SONA President | Senlina Mayer
🌟 Vice President for Professional Development | Shriya Jagadish
🌟 Vice President for Community | Breeze Mathew
🌟Vice President for Advocacy | Zoeanna Upadhyay

We’re also excited to announce the incoming SONA Reps across Australia. See the full list in the bio!

A huge thank you to the 2025 SONA Executive Team:
✨ SONA President | Matthew Sabranski
✨Vice President for Professional Development | Senlina Mayer
✨Vice President for Advocacy | Orlando Iliopoulos
✨Vice President for Community | Ellie Munn

We would like to sincerely thank all our outgoing SONA Representatives for their incredible dedication, hard work, and outstanding leadership over the past year.

Your significant efforts have truly made a lasting and positive impact on the student architecture community across Australia. We wish you all the very best in your future endeavours!

2026 memberships are officially open and there’s never been a better time to join the Australian Institute of Architects!

Strengthen your professional knowledge, stay connected with the architectural community, and gain access to premium resources that support your journey every step of the way.

Limited-time offer: Get 50% off the Practice of Architecture Learning Series (PALS) - the Institute’s comprehensive registration prep program covering all key areas of the Architectural Practice Exam.

As a member, you’ll enjoy:
• Ongoing CPD and professional development
• Access to an extensive learning resource library
• Industry news, insights + advocacy updates
• A supportive network of peers and mentors
• Member-only events and exclusive discounts

Join us and invest in your future in architecture.

Link in bio

Calling all SONA members! Cast your vote now for the 2026 SONA Executive team.

Meet the Nominees: Senlina Mayer, Nominee for 2026 SONA President.

Extract from platform statement: 
I’m deeply committed to championing student voices and uniting architecture students across Australia. With experience in professional practice, the National Practice Committee, and architectural work, I aim to strengthen SONA’s understanding of industry realities and support students transitioning from study to practice. As SuperStudio Creative Director, I saw how creativity builds connection and engagement - an approach I’ll bring to SONA. My priorities are accessibility, equity, and collaboration between students, educators, and industry. I want SONA to remain an inclusive national platform where every student feels represented, inspired, and empowered to contribute to the future of Australian architecture.

Head to link in bio for full platform statement and voting links.

Voting closes midnight, Sunday 30 November 2025.

Calling all SONA members! Cast your vote now for the 2026 SONA Executive team.

Meet the Nominees: Ellie Munn, nominee for 2026 SONA President.

Extract from platform statement:
My focus is strengthening collaboration, engagement, and visibility for students nationwide. As SONA Vice President for Community and Curtin University Representative, I’ve seen the impact of connection - when students feel supported and part of the profession. I want to expand national initiatives that highlight student work, elevate local voices, and create accessible opportunities for participation. My goal is for SONA to keep growing as a platform that celebrates student contribution and strengthens ties between education and practice. By empowering students to shape the profession, we can build a collective, inclusive future for Australian architecture.

Head to link in bio for full platform statement and voting links.

Voting closes midnight, Sunday 30 November 2025.

Calling all SONA members! Cast your vote now for the 2026 SONA Executive team.

Meet the Nominees:
Zoeanna Upadhyay | Nominee for 2026 SONA Vice-President | Professional Development

Extract from platform statement:
I know how daunting the transition from university to practice can be. Over three years, I’ve worked in Melbourne’s architectural industry - first at MCR and now at Bates Smart - while completing my Master of Architecture. These experiences have shown me what students need to feel confident and career-ready. As a SONA Representative, I’ve listened to students nationwide and seen how vital community and advocacy are. I want to strengthen support networks that connect education with practice and help students find opportunities for growth. My goal is to ensure every student feels heard, supported, and empowered beyond university.

Head to link in bio for full platform statement and voting form.

Voting closes midnight, Sunday 30 November 2025.

Calling all SONA members! Cast your vote now for the 2026 SONA Executive team.

Meet the Nominees: Belal Reda, Nominee for 2026 SONA Vice-President | Professional Development

Extract from platform statement:
With experience across the built environment, I value how early professional development shapes confident graduates. As SONA Vice President for Professional Development, I aim to bridge study and practice through mentorships, beyond-uni programs, and practical insight. As a former SONA Representative, I helped foster student engagement and professional networks. Returning to study after five years in industry, I’ve faced first-hand the challenges of applying theory to practice. I’m passionate about building opportunities that connect students with industry, enhance confidence, and support career readiness, helping every member transition successfully from education into architectural practice.

Head to link in bio for full platform statement and voting links.

Voting closes midnight, Sunday 30 November 2025.