Marni Reti, a fourth year architecture student at the University of Technology in Sydney, is defying the odds. Though only 28 of 12,000 registered Australian architects are indigenous, Marni, an Aboriginal woman hailing from Redfern, recently landed a full-time role with celebrated architecture firm Kaunitz Yeung.
Marni’s successful candidacy comes after David Kaunitz, the Director and Co-Founder of Kaunitz Young, announced the creation of a full-time role for one suitable Aboriginal architecture student. Marni, a fierce proponent of community-mindedness, was the obvious fit. Marni was overjoyed to learn of her appointment. “To be working for a firm that puts community consultation at the forefront of their design process is a dream. It allows me to work on projects that directly affect both my immediate community and the wider Indigenous communities,” she explained.
Kaunitz Yeung is renowned for collaborating with communities, stakeholders, and end users to produce architecture that complements and invigorates the preceding way of life. Marni said, “It is an incredible opportunity to be part of a firm who are continuously looking at how we can integrate Aboriginal ways of thinking and culture into modern architecture”.
David echoed Marni’s sentiments, and said, “Many of our projects are created to place health and well-being at the centre of Aboriginal communities, and we believe it is important to support Aboriginal people so they can progress as they choose”. Kaunitz Yeung currently operates projects in over thirty Aboriginal communities, and it was recently commended at the 2018 NSW Architecture Awards for its design of the Biripi Aboriginal Health Clinic. David was excited to bring Marni’s perspective to practice. “We are committed to supporting the progress of Aboriginal architects. I look forward to Marni joining our team,” he added.
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