Become aNet Positive Architect

Becoming a Net Positive Architect is like becoming a champion for the planet! You get to use your creativity to design structures that not only look cool but also help save the environment. By creating sustainable spaces, you’re making a real difference in the fight against climate change and leaving a legacy that future generations will thank you for. Plus, it’s a super fun job where you get to imagine and create new worlds every day!

• Design buildings that give more than they take.
• Innovate sustainable solutions for healthier living spaces.
• Create energy-efficient designs that benefit communities.
• Lead the future of eco-friendly architecture.

As a Net Positive Architect, you design buildings and spaces with a focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility. You’ll work closely with clients and engineers to come up with designs that incorporate renewable energy systems, water conservation measures, and green building materials.

Using new materials, intelligent design, and sensor systems integrated into building, Net Positive Architects will create buildings that produce more energy and water than they use. Using new technologies such as rooftop photo-voltaic systems, intelligent building materials, and analytics software, Net Positive Architects will create buildings that function as energy suppliers to the national grid. 

These architects of the future bring together clients, software engineers, and materials engineers to create both commercial and residential buildings that don’t negatively impact their owner’s carbon footprint.

Net Positive Architects can find opportunities in industries that value sustainability and innovative design.

• Architecture Firms
• Sustainable Design Consultancies
• Construction Companies
• Government Agencies
• Not For Profit Organisations
• Educational Institutions

To become a successful Net Positive Architect, you’ll need a mix of technical expertise and creative flair. Here are some essential skills you might need to master:

• Design Thinking
• Energy Modelling
• Green Building Certification
• Project Management
• Collaboration
• Environmental Awareness

Thinking about what STEM subjects to study in school? Here are some that will help you on your way to becoming a Net Positive Architect:

• Architecture Learn the fundamentals of design and construction.
• Environmental Science Understand the principles of sustainability and ecology.
• Engineering Gain insights into building systems and technologies.
• Mathematics Develop your problem-solving skills and numerical literacy.
• Art and Design Cultivate your creativity and visual communication skills.
• Physics Learn about the physical properties of materials and energy.

Net Positive Architects are like superheroes of sustainability! They design buildings that produce more energy than they consume, harvest rainwater for reuse, and create green spaces that benefit people and the planet. They also get to collaborate with engineers, scientists, and other professionals to push the boundaries of green design and innovation.

• Design Buildings that Generate Their Own Energy Use new technology to create buildings with solar panels, wind turbines, or kinetic flooring that produce more energy than they consume, powering themselves and even contributing to the local grid.
• Incorporate Nature into Urban Spaces Plan green rooftops, vertical gardens, and living walls that enhance air quality, support local wildlife, and provide relaxing green spaces for people in dense city environments.
• Create Innovative Water Recycling Systems Design rainwater harvesting systems and greywater recycling networks that reduce water usage and help buildings and communities stay self-sufficient even in drought conditions.
• Collaborate with Environmental Scientists Partner up with ecologists, landscape designers, and sustainability experts to make sure every project not only minimises its footprint but also actively restores natural habitats and biodiversity.
• Use Sustainable and Recycled Materials Choose innovative, eco-friendly building materials like bamboo, recycled steel, or sustainable concrete alternatives to create structures that are both beautiful and low-impact.
• Develop Smart Building Technologies Integrate smart systems that automatically adjust lighting, heating, and cooling to save energy, enhance comfort, and reduce the building’s carbon footprint, all controlled through cutting-edge apps and sensors.

Around the world, there are many people contributing to a better world and more sustainable ecosystems, in Australia there are some women who are leading the charge:

• Caroline Pidcock Founder of Pidcock Architecture + Sustainability, Caroline is a passionate advocate for sustainable design that gives back more than it takes. Her work focuses on creating buildings that are energy-positive, environmentally friendly, and harmoniously integrated with their surroundings.
• Joanna Murray A senior architect at Hames Sharley, Joanna Murray specialises in designing net-positive and carbon neutral buildings. She has worked on numerous award winning projects that incorporate green building practices, renewable energy, and sustainable materials.
• Lindy Atkin Co-founder of Bark Architects, Lindy Atkin is known for her innovative use of sustainable materials and designs that connect indoor and outdoor spaces seamlessly. Her work often features solar power, passive heating, and natural ventilation to create environmentally positive and aesthetically beautiful buildings.
• Sue Dugdale As the director of Sue Dugdale & Associates, Sue Dugdale brings a deep commitment to designing environmentally sustainable buildings that respond to the climate and landscape of Australia’s Northern Territory. Her work emphasises energy efficiency, minimal waste, and a strong connection to the natural environment.

If you want a future as a Net Positive Architect, you’ll need more than just technical skills. Having some of these personality traits that may serve you well in this exciting career:

• Creative
• Passionate
• Innovative
• Curious
• Collaborative
• Adaptable

Your tertiary journey begins at the intersection of innovation and sustainability! Picture yourself in a degree that feels like creating a blueprint for the future — think Architecture, Environmental Design, or Urban Planning. These aren’t just courses – they are your doorway to creating buildings that produce their own energy, enhance their surroundings, and contribute positively to the environment. 

Bachelor of Architecture or Environmental Design

Begin with a degree in Architecture or Environmental Design to learn the fundamental principles of sustainable building and design. Curtin University in Western Australia offers a Bachelor of Applied Science (Architectural Science) that includes courses on sustainable design practices, building materials, and energy efficiency. This program provides a strong foundation in designing buildings that minimise environmental impact and maximise resource efficiency.

Bachelor of Sustainability or Urban Planning

Consider a degree in Sustainability or Urban Planning if you’re interested in the broader aspects of designing sustainable communities and cities. The University of Western Australia (UWA) has a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Design, focusing on how buildings interact with their surroundings and how to create urban spaces that enhance both human and ecological health.

Master’s in Sustainable Architecture or Environmental Design

A master’s degree in Sustainable Architecture or Environmental Design will provide advanced training in designing buildings that produce more energy than they consume, manage water efficiently, and use renewable materials. Programs like the Master of Architecture at UWA delve into sustainable building practices, green technologies, and advanced design methodologies, preparing you for leadership roles in creating net-positive structures.

Graduate Certificates in Energy Efficient Design or Green Building

For a more focused approach, consider a graduate certificate in Energy Efficient Design or Green Building from institutions like Murdoch University. These programs teach passive solar design, green roofs, and sustainable building materials, equipping you with the skills to innovate in net-positive architecture.

LOOK INTO:

• Bachelor of Architecture
• Bachelor of Environmental Design
• Bachelor of Sustainable Design
• Bachelor of Engineering (with a focus on Environmental or Civil Engineering)

Imagine combining your love for design with other cool subjects like science, engineering, or even art! Interdisciplinary studies let you mix and match different degrees to create your own unique pathway to becoming a Net Positive Architect. For example, you could study Architecture alongside Environmental Science to learn about sustainable building materials and energy-efficient design. Or you might choose to combine Engineering with Art and Design to master the technical and creative aspects of architecture. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your learning!

As you start on your journey to becoming a Net Positive Architect, you’ll learn about design, sustainability, and innovation. You’ll understand how to create buildings that generate renewable energy, capture rainwater, and minimise waste. From mastering the latest design software to understanding the principles of green building certification, your studies will equip you with the knowledge and skills to design a brighter, greener future.

Ready to get hands on and put your skills to the test? Work experience opportunities allow you to learn from experienced architects, engineers, and designers while having valuable insight into the world of architecture. Whether it’s shadowing professionals on construction sites, assisting with design projects, or participating in community initiatives, every experience helps you grow as a Net Positive Architect.

Internships

Gain practical experience by interning with architecture firms that specialise in sustainable design, such as COX Architecture or Hames Sharley in Perth. These internships provide firsthand experience in designing and managing projects that aim for net-positive outcomes, such as zero-energy homes or eco-friendly commercial buildings.

Green Initiatives

Volunteer or participate in community based green initiatives, such as urban farming projects, green roof installations, or local sustainable housing developments. This experience helps you learn how to apply sustainable design principles in everyday contexts and build connections with professionals in the field.

Not keen on the university route? No worries! And guess what? Learning doesn’t just happen in classrooms. You can gain valuable skills and experience through internships, volunteering, or even starting your own design projects. Every opportunity you seize brings you one step closer to becoming a Net Positive Architect extraordinaire!

Specialised Training and Short Courses

Courses in Green Building Certification and Assessment: Gain certifications such as the Green Star or LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) offered by the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA). These courses provide essential knowledge about sustainable building standards, energy management, and environmental performance metrics, helping you become a recognised expert in designing eco-friendly structures.

Workshops in Sustainable Design and Smart Technologies: Participate in workshops or short courses on sustainable design and smart technologies. Organisations like TAFE WA offer courses that cover topics such as smart home systems, energy efficient design, and sustainable building materials, providing practical skills to complement your academic learning.

Networking and Professional Development

Join Sustainable Architecture Networks and Organisations: Connect with networks like the Australian Institute of Architects (AIA) or the Australian Green Infrastructure Council (AGIC) to meet other professionals, share knowledge, and stay informed about the latest trends and technologies in sustainable architecture.

Attend Green Building Conferences and Expos: Events like the Green Building Day or the Sustainable Built Environment Conference help you learn from experts, discover new innovations, and network with industry leaders who are passionate about sustainable architecture.

Ready to design a greener, brighter future as a Net Positive Architect? Whether you want to stay in your hometown, or dust off the passport, opportunities are bright!

Western Australia

Western Australia has a big focus on sustainable development and green building initiatives so there are solid opportunities for Net Positive Architects. You could work with architectural firms, environmental consultancies, or government agencies to design eco-friendly buildings and communities that enhance quality of life while preserving the natural environment.

Australia

Across Australia, the demand for Net Positive Architects is on the rise as more people embrace sustainable living and green design principles. You could find opportunities in urban planning, green building certification, or sustainable development projects that aim to create resilient, liveable cities for future generations.

Rest of the World

Net Positive Architects are in demand worldwide as countries seek innovative solutions to address climate change and urbanisation. You could work on international design projects, collaborate with global organisations on sustainable development initiatives, or even start your own architecture firm focused on creating net positive buildings and communities. The world is your canvas, so get ready to design a better future for all!

Whether through university education, microlearning or work experience, there are numerous pathways to becoming a Net Positive Architect. Each step will bring you closer to designing buildings and spaces that not only look beautiful but also help heal the planet, creating a more sustainable and vibrant future for all.