Sahil Tiku
For Master of Architecture (Professional) and Urban Planning (Professional) student Sahil Tiku, a childhood obsession with Thomas the Tank Engine grew into a passion for public transport, the built environment and social justice.
"I was born in New Delhi, and my whānau moved to Papakura when I was about two years old. In high school, I was initially tracking towards a science degree, taking biology and physics. However, I also enjoyed and excelled at design and art. In my final year, it became apparent that my future did not lie in a laboratory, so I began seriously considering a creative career.
"While exploring degrees, I came across the Bachelor of Architectural Studies, which combined many aspects of what I enjoyed in high school subjects, so I began my undergraduate journey at the University of Auckland.
"Since I was a toddler, trains have been an obsession of mine (thank you, Thomas the Tank Engine!), and my interest extended into planes, ships and transit as I grew up. In my academic life, I now have a wider understanding that public transport, the built environment and social justice are tightly linked.
"I'm studying towards a Master of Architecture (Professional) and Urban Planning (Professional). The combined masters degree opens an accredited pathway into becoming a planner whilst also providing the qualifications required to register and practice as an architect professionally."
The combined Master of Architecture (Professional) and Urban Planning (Professional) is the best of both worlds! A career change down the line is a possibility should I want there to be, and even if not, I get to study two things that I'm a nerd about!
"Postgraduate study is incredible in terms of staff interaction. If (like me) you've been at Te Pare School of Architecture and Planning since your undergraduate study, the staff take on an almost familial connection. Many are in it for the sheer joy of teaching and researching. They will go above and beyond to answer questions and accommodate students' busy lives.
Like most students, I've been through ups and downs, and staff have consistently worked around them. Connections through postgraduate study have led me on adventures, led to jobs, and opened avenues for further opportunities down the career road.
"In the long term, I hope to dip my toes into multiple disciplines. I want to spend some time in architecture and then work in policy and politics. Before trying to muscle into making decisions affecting the future of this country, I'd like to get registered as an architect and work in research. Housing and transport are significant to me, and I'd like to keep that at the forefront of my career – whether in employment or advocacy."