Architecture grad forges accomplished career in Sydney’s architectural space
How our Architecture graduate is now working alongside architects he admired as a student
Each stride in Carter Hu’s career journey has not been short of passion and hard work. Hear Carter reflect on his education at Sydney, and how it translated to a rewarding career working with global architects on city-shaping projects.
From studying a Bachelor of Design in Architecture and pursuing a Master of Architecture, to interning in studios across the Asia-Pacific, and now the Senior Team Member at Architectus in Sydney.
What’s happened since graduation?
I've been fortunate enough to work in some of the best Australian architectural practices at different scales. My career highlights are the experiences to collaborate or compete on city-shaping projects with some of the most well-regarded international architects. Many of them are in organisations I looked up to back in university and it feels quite surreal to work as peers on real projects together a few years later.
What does a typical day look like for you?
It's always quite busy. There is an increasing amount of front-end engagement with clients and collaborators as well as being responsible for the work itself. I would say it's 50/50 between coordinating meetings and working with the team to produce work.
Sydney is a fantastic place to study/work in the industry of built environment. It has a balance of the development momentum you see in the Asia Pacific and the sophisticated quality you expect in a developed market.
Why did you choose to study your Master’s at the Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning?
To be honest, the main reason I chose to undertake the Master's degree was to fast track the process to becoming a registered architect. I was quite obsessed with making models when I was a student and the workshop facilities definitely stood out compared to other schools which became a key reason to continue my Master's degree at Sydney.
What are some of the fondest memories from your time as a student?
Definitely the studio culture. A big part of our life as architecture students revolved around the studio. It was not necessarily just for work or study but also a hub for our social life. Now being in a corporate environment, I do miss the studio culture back in university, when there was no boundary between work and fun.
How did your architecture degree help your career aspirations?
I find architecture education is mostly about promoting critical analysis and thought leadership. By taking this spirit into the workplace, I'm not just following instructions from senior leaders but also willing to play a "deviate" role to come up with alternative solutions, which can be challenging for young professionals.
A big part of our life as architecture students revolved around the studio. It was not necessarily just for work or study but also a hub for our social life. Now being in a corporate environment, I do miss the studio culture back in the university, when there was no boundary between work and fun.
How can students prepare themselves to be more ‘employable’ when they graduate?
I think it is critical to start working in the industry while you are still studying at the university. People often learn the most during period of overlapping responsibilities, so you really want to get the most of it. It also helps you to get a broad view of the industry and make tactical career moves when you graduate from school. You don't want to rush into the job market and settle on something just because you graduated.
What advice would you give to our prospective students and recent graduates?
Sydney is a fantastic place to study and work in the industry of built environment. It has a balance of the development momentum you see in the Asia Pacific and the sophisticated quality you expect in a developed market. There are a lot of opportunities for graduates to work on highly iconic projects.
Carter Hu completed a Bachelor of Design in Architecture in 2013, and a Master of Architecture in 2016.
