Sokaknika Heang

Interior Architecture

Hi my name is Nika. As a Swinburne University of Technology honours student pursuing a degree in interior architecture, my educational journey has been a rewarding exploration of diverse design realms. Throughout my bachelor's program, I immersed myself in a range of captivating projects, including commercial spaces, residential environments, engaging exhibitions, and innovative retail design. While each of these experiences offered valuable insights, I found my passion ignited by the dynamic world of retail and commercial design. Looking ahead, I'm excited to deepen my expertise in retail and commercial design while further promoting sustainable principles. It's a journey marked by continuous learning, collaboration with like-minded professionals, and a commitment to staying at the forefront of sustainable design practices. My vision is to not only create aesthetically pleasing and functional spaces but to ensure that they contribute positively to the environment and the well-being of those who inhabit them.

Retail Design (Boba Shop)

This project was designed specifically for my relative, the theme of this project is fun. The color palette, the furniture choices, and the layout are all carefully selected to exude a sense of exuberance. Vibrant and lively hues dominate the space, creating an atmosphere that is instantly inviting and energetic. It's a place where laughter is encouraged, and smiles come naturally.

Every element of the design has been meticulously chosen to reflect this theme of fun. Quirky, unconventional pieces of furniture and decor add a touch of whimsy. Wall art and decorations are carefully curated to evoke a sense of nostalgia and playfulness, creating an ambiance that invites exploration and discovery.

Student Housing Project

This project was Designing a project that caters to the need for short-term stays in a university setting, especially for emergency situations or academic events, is a deeply purposeful undertaking. This particular project, shared houses within a Swinburne Student Village, offers a creative and alternative approach to conventional student housing.

The concept of creating two-level, self-contained student dwellings within a communal student village environment is not just about providing shelter; it's about fostering a sense of community and convenience. The design reflects the understanding that students may require temporary accommodations for various reasons, and it seeks to cater to their needs in a holistic way.

Community Libary

For this project, one of the standout features of the library is the inclusion of an indoor waterfall,
strategically positioned to enhance indoor air quality by promoting natural ventilation and purifying the
atmosphere. The soothing sound of cascading water, combined with lush greenery, creates a tranquil oasis
within the library’s walls, where users can unwind and recharge.

Furthermore, large windows and open spaces have been integrated into the design to flood the interior
with copious amounts of natural light.

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.