Student profiles

Redmond Hamlett

Bachelor of Arts (Architecture) (Honours) / Master of Architecture

Graduate architect Redmond Hamlett studied at Deakin right through to masters level at the Geelong Waterfront Campus.

‘Because of its small size everyone got to know each other and, compared to the other universities, it is quite social,’ he said. ‘I was heavily involved with the Student Association and in particular Crossfire Magazine. In 2006, I had the opportunity to put on Geelong’s small community art and independent publications fair. I learned team/project management skills outside the lecture theatre.’

Redmond also feels that Deakin’s architecture graduates hit the workplace a step ahead of many others. ‘I think architects value the realistic outlook most Deakin graduates seem to have,’ he said. ‘We can look at problems from an objective stand point and, as opposed to just learning about design. We looked at areas like the social aspects of buildings.’

Redmond followed his Bachelor of Arts (Architecture) with an honours year, during which he completed a thesis on a building that was once the home of John and Sunday Reed, prominent members of the Australian art community. ‘I looked at where the building fitted into Melbourne’s architectural scene and its part in Melbourne’s cultural development,’ he said.

After completing his masters early in 2007, Redmond built up valuable experience by working three jobs. ‘I was working with an architect, with a strategic planner and tutoring third year design students at Deakin which was a lot of fun,’ he said. ‘Lots of employers want graduates with two years work experience so it can be quite difficult.’

In 2007 Redmond gained his first permanent position when he was employed by St Kilda company Richard Swansson Architect, a position he still occupies. ‘I am learning a lot through working independently in a flexible working environment,’ he said. ‘We do residential and commercial projects and I am involved with the town planning and building procurement part of the job.’

You are not actually taught town planning at university, Redmond said. ‘But Deakin understands that if you impart to students that a multi-faceted approach (and wider understanding) is required for problem solving, it helps their graduates in the long run.’

Long term, Redmond would like to expand his horizons. ‘I would like to get involved in some community-based projects, ones that have as wide an effect as possible,’ he said. ‘I think it as important to learn as much as you can.’