Sophie Miles

Bachelor of Design (Architecture)

My interest in architecture began when I was younger, when I became intrigued with the built environment and spaces. I'm fascinated by architecture and how it affects larger emotions, urban fabrics, and cultures. I'm fascinated by the stories embedded in each structure, and I believe that every structure should tell a story. My passion is to design environments that elicit emotions, stimulate thought, and foster connections. Sustainable design practices appeal to me because our products should complement rather than disrupt nature. Commercial architecture has piqued my interest due to the larger-scale projects allow for a broader purpose while also allowing for a personal connection to be built based on how each individual experiences the space.

Swinburne FLEX - Building Information Management (BIM)

Collaboration with Phoebe McGrath, Lachlan Blackmore & Marianne Coetzee - The brief consisted of retrofitting four levels of Swinburne's Advanced Manufacturing and Design Centre (AMDC) to establish a new tailored environment for design students. 'Swinburne Flex' was created to provide students with an environment that allows different levels to serve all of the needs of university life, which includes classrooms, student offices, exhibition spaces, and design workshops. Our Kinetic shading façade opens and closes depending on where the direct light is shining; internal controls are also available, allowing the user to control the light levels. This creates a more comfortable environment by minimizing direct sunlight within the building in order to reduce glare and solar heat gain.

The Node - Weaving Connection - Studio 4 Project

Collaboration with Phoebe McGrath - This project aimed to create a new landmark in Melbourne that would foster the connection between the built environment and water while also serving as a community asset. The Node, located between Melbourne's CBD and the greater Docklands area, combines history, culture, and nature into a comprehensive experience. The location itself is significant as a pivotal point in Melbourne's maritime and pre-industrial history. The project aims to promote biodiversity, connection to the waterscape, and attraction through an integrated complementary programme based on this rich historical context. The Node enabled the re-establishment of habitats by introducing native vegetation, thereby encouraging the return of species and the natural invigoration of the environment. The structure also creates a long-term interest and attraction to the site through valuable programmes and historical education.

Terra Historia - Studio 5 Project

Collaboration with Zoeanna Upadhyay - Our project, “Terra Historia” envisions the creation of a cutting-edge geology museum situated in the heart of Newport’s suburb. The museum aims to foster a deep understanding and appreciation for the Earth’s geological processes, history, and the interconnectedness of our planet’s diverse ecosystems. This is through showcasing exhibitions which pay homage to Newport’s contribution to the development of Melbourne with quarries and mining being ingrained in its history. The museum encourages hands-on learning, enabling visitors to simulate geological processes, participate in virtual excavations, and engage in augmented reality experiences. The museum is designed to showcase Newport’s rich geological heritage, including unique rock formations, fossils, and minerals specific to the region. The project emphasizes the importance of conservation and environmental stewardship by preserving and displaying geological history.

Acknowledgement of Country

The School of Design and Architecture respectfully acknowledges the Wurundjeri peoples of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Owners and knowledge-keepers of the lands, waters and sky that surround us, where we work, learn, create, communicate and make place. We recognise that sovereignty has never been ceded and this always was and will always be Wurundjeri Country. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who continue to make a better world through design.

We extend our acknowledgement to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, students, alumni, real-life clients, and knowledge keepers, who have contributed to our own education diversity and growth. We will continue to ensure that staff and students respectfully honour ancestral connection to Country and Place in everything that they do.

We are dedicated to the notion of design to make a better world and we acknowledge that making tools, shaping place, sharing stories, making meaning, wayfinding and collaborating have long been and continue to be both central and integral to First Peoples' cultures. We recognize that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ cultural contributions have continued relevance to design practice and commit to: reconciling ancestries of design and contemporary practice as well as pursuing culturally and professionally appropriate ways to engage with a diverse population of colleagues, industries and clients. In a time of treaty-making and voice we understand that there are overlaps between caring for Country and the sustainable production of goods, services, experiences, products and buildings.

Guided by the principles of respect, reconciliation, and reciprocity we undertake to indigenising and decolonising design practice by dismantling colonial structures and challenging biases that have marginalised Indigenous voices and design.

As students of SoDA you will be given opportunities to both engage with and educate yourself in Indigenous creative practices and cultural protocols through a lens of inclusivity, diversity, respect, mutual understanding, inter-cultural dialogue in all aspects of design practice. Indigenous people have been telling stories, making tools, and connecting to Country through visual media, placemaking and place marking for more than 60,000 years and these practices are part of an ongoing, evolving and live tradition.