Open Day 2026
Hear from Ruby and get your architecture questions answered today at the following information sessions:
- 'Why choose Architecture at Swinburne?', 12:40pm - 1:35pm in BA201
- 'Architectural Design', 2:25pm - 2:50pm in BA302.
Careers launchpad
Visit the Careers Launchpad in SPS ground floor to chat to our friendly advisors and find out how a placement, internship or industry-linked project could connect you to your future career, faster.
Ruby has a simple motto when it comes to architecture. ‘Space doesn't need to be boastful to be effective – it just needs to have good intentions and be flexible’ she says.
On Swinburne’s Hawthorn campus, facilities like the ProtoLAB allowed Ruby to use state-of-the-art equipment to realise her ideas. Off-campus, Ruby’s Master of Architecture gave her real industry experience through professional practice units.
Ruby | Master of Architecture| Dal Zotto Wines
The Dal Zotto industry brief
When Dal Zotto approached Ruby's cohort to help reimagine their Whitfield winery, the students were instructed to respond to the brief and present their ideas to industry experts.
The students visited the winery to get a feel for the space. During this visit, Ruby noticed that while its Italian heritage and immigration story were told, the First Nations story wasn’t highlighted. She decided to try and bridge that gap.
Ruby researched the land’s history and found the winery was located on Taungurung and Pangerang land. She contacted local First Nations leaders for advice before proceeding with her designs.
Balancing the requirements
The meeting gave Ruby essential insight on upholding respect for the land. ‘My immediate takeaway was that it wasn't hard to be in communication with First Nations people – not presuming what's best for someone else.’
Some of her concepts included structures to limit ground impact, using recycled materials, and planting native vegetation.
Before presenting to industry experts, Ruby spent a lot of time in the ProtoLAB creating a miniature replica of her proposal.
‘It was one of the highlights of my university education,’ Ruby says. ‘Using a laser cutter and 3D printers would have once really scared me.’
Thinking beyond the brief
Ruby’s response to the brief got outstanding feedback from the experts, who praised her attention to detail and ingenuity. She says looking beyond the written aspects of a brief has always been an essential piece of her process.
Beyond her studies, Ruby’s gone on to work for Brand Architects, where she works on public building projects that foster community and accessibility.
Swinburne gave Ruby a solid foundation, built up by real industry experience. Now, she’s on her way to change the architecture game.
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