Ellie McGhee

Bachelor of Design (Architecture)

My name is Ellie McGhee and I am a Bachelor of Architectural Design student at Swinburne University of Technology. I am a hard working and dedicated individual who is passionate about design and the built environment. I am committed to meeting the highest standards in all aspects of my work.

I love to learn new skills and approaches and always eager to take on challenges that encourage creativity and growth. I believe success in architecture is built on teamwork and effective communication and I strive to bring these qualities into every project I undertake.

Throughout my studies I have developed a strong appreciation for the role architecture plays in shaping communities and creating meaningful spaces. I am motivated to contribute innovative and thoughtful design solutions that positively impact both people and the environment.

I am driven to make a meaningful contribution to the architectural industry and look forward to building a future focused on thoughtful and sustainable design.

The Link Newport

The Link Newport explores the concept of form within form, creating a journey through the site that blends indoor and outdoor experiences. Starting at the arts focused substation and transitioning to residential spaces, the design connects Newport’s arts community with Melbournes broader creative culture. The Link is designed to inspire creativity, connection and provide a seamless transition from public spaces to residential living.

The Link Newport

The sectional model for The Link Newport highlight the concept of form within form, showing how the museum’s space frame supports art pieces that can be suspended. The site model showcases the museum at night, illustrating how the lighting draws attention to the main museum and creates a space that attracts people and enhances the sites connection to the community.

Central Connection Docklands

Central connection is a student accommodation and performance space in Docklands designed to turn a dead end pier into the centre that connects to all parts of docklands. The goal was to make it accessible from all angles creating a central hub. Using form finding techniques to map out key access points and shape the design. The result is a space that encourages movement and connection for students and the Docklands community.

Gallery Chinatown

This gallery explores form and design to create a space in Melbourne’s Chinatown. Inspired by the sites cultural elements of Chinese lanterns and arches, the design uses rotated and extruded forms to create dynamic structures. It is lifted off the ground with glazed areas offering views, blending openness with functionality. This project celebrates Melbournes cultural diversity and creativity.

Junto Olive House

Junto olive house is guesthouse for families, this project focuses on unity. The site is located on a steep slope and the design embraces the terrain, offering views while blending with the natural environment. Inspired by Portugal’s history and vernacular architecture the guesthouse creates a space that honours tradition and the climate. It is a place for families to reconnect.

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.