Isabella Muirhead
University of Auckland
Isabella is a second year student at the University of Auckland. Today Isabella is sharing the first glimpse of her portfolio and who she is as a designer. The projects to date showcase a wide variety of methods and focus on creating moments, with a notable project exploring the theology of picnicking! With a strong start to her architectural education, we are excited to see where Isabella’s work will take her!
SANNZ: Hey Isabella! How would you describe your portfolio?
Isabella: I think portfolios are a bit like autobiographies… at the moment mine is really just the introduction before the good bit begins: a glimpse into who I am as a designer, showcasing what I value and what I’m currently capable of. I’m excited to see how the rest of the story unfolds over the years.
Holy Picnic - collage, Media 3. Exploring the glorification of the humble Kiwi picnic, combining appropriated images from the Versailles Chapel ceiling, my own photos and ArchiCAD modelling.
Holy Picnic [Extended] - analytique drawing, Media 3. Mixing scales and views to convey a wide variety of information.
SANNZ: What is something cool you have included in your portfolio and how were you inspired to create it?
Isabella: The ‘Holy Picnic’ collage is a pretty weird piece of work which changed the way I approach architectural representation/drawing. It was initially inspired by a daydream about hiking: during our first lockdown, I realised how much I missed being outside and how all I wanted to do was go for a picnic… to the point where I began to “glorify” the idea of picnicking. The idea somehow snowballed and I ended up envisioning a world elevating picnics to a religious status… the resulting utopian drawing is something I never thought I’d create but I’m glad I did.
SANNZ: Its amazing where inspiration can come from, especially when you’re stuck at home! How would you describe your favourite project in your portfolio?
Isabella: ‘Spectra’ - my Design 3 project for a mixed-use building in Vinegar Lane. It was such a gripping project, full of lots of fun little moments and quirks… and it was a massive learning curve too. I think I figured out more about my own design process in that one semester than I did in my whole first year.
SANNZ: You have a lot of depth to your portfolio, especially as you’re only in your second year of study! How have you found the transition into university?
Isabella: It was a bit of a shock at first - university work is so much more intense than high school, it definitely feels more like a sprint than a marathon. I really relished the opportunity to be more self-driven though, and I think architecture is a really great degree for allowing you to push yourself and do your best work.
SANNZ: Yeah! You definitely get out what you put in with architecture projects! How have you overcome the challenges that come with these projects?
Isabella: I often have way too many disparate ideas and no idea how to combine them in a single project… I found that focusing on creating a strong architectural form, and then choosing which concepts I think best underpin that form is a good way to make sure I don’t get too mentally twisted.
Building - graphite and pen on paper, Media 1. An early study of light and form.
SANNZ: Long days in studio tend to happen more and more as you continue to study, what is something that helps you get through?
Isabella: Whittaker’s dark chocolate… and my friends!
SANNZ: Finally, what is the most helpful feedback you ever received?
Isabella: Don’t resolve your ideas too early - have fun with the design process, draw lots, and see where it takes you!
SANNZ: Definitely good advise! Thanks for taking the time to talk to us Isabella! We look forward to seeing what you create in the years to come. Do you have any where we can stay up to date with your work?
Isabella: You can check out my Instagram!
Images of work provided by Isabella Muirhead
Interview by Nat Bocock
