Jacinta Thomas

As an interior architect, my journey is guided by the unwavering belief that the heart of design lies in the perfect blend of functionality and a user-centered approach. I've always thought that a beautifully designed space should seamlessly serve its intended purpose, and the goals of the occupants should take precedence above all else. My designs are a testament to this philosophy, as I pour my heart and soul into creating environments that enhance the daily lives of those who inhabit them.

Beyond my professional pursuits, my passion for handcrafts is a source of immense joy. The tactile connection between my hands and the materials I work with brings a profound sense of fulfillment. Crafting is not merely a pastime; it's a form of artistic expression that adds a touch of authenticity and beauty to my own life.

My enthusiasm for handcrafts knows no bounds. I relish challenges that test my patience and push the boundaries of my skills. I'm constantly in pursuit of new techniques and media, making every project a journey of learning and growth.

In my world, the boundary between my passion for interior architecture and my love for handcrafts is blurred, as they both serve as mediums to create beauty and enhance the lives of those they touch. I invite you to join me on this exciting journey of design and craft, where the intersection of thoughtful interiors and heartfelt handcrafting come together to bring joy, beauty, and functionality into everyday life.

Bijou | Small and Elegant Living

Reviving an abandoned warehouse with modular-style apartments and many useful communal spaces, this building will reinvent the current landscape of apartment living and set a new precedent for first-home buyers, making affordable living achievable at a young age.

This image shows the modular studio 1 bed apartment.

Bijou | Small and Elegant Living

Alliance | WELLNESS Workplace

An office renovation with a focus on creating a wellness work environment which fosters collaboration amongst employees. This project concentrates on innovation in the way we see the workplace and how office jobs and performance can be improved by the environment in which we work.

This image shows the front reception.

Tiny | Temporary Student Housing

Temporary student housing for International students who are looking for affordable living near a University campus. This project focuses on creating a comfortable environment that provides only the necessary living amenities.

This image shows a sectional perspective of the modular design.

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.