Rebecca joined the ArchiTeam Board of Directors at the AGM in November 2018. Here we ask her 5 questions to get to know a little bit more about her.
Who are you?
In no particular order….. Rebecca Naughtin. Architect, Mum, Educator, Examiner, Assessor, Director
What do you do?
Mainly, I try to achieve a happy balance. Starting with the basics, Architecture is a balance between the things I love; design, strategy, finance, detail and making meaningful connections.
I have committed my career to the advancement of architecture through education, mentoring and practice. I feel comfortable at the front of the classroom and also play a part behind the scenes being involved in the accreditation of Australian Architecture Programs, and the Architectural Practice Exam and the ARBV. I keep myself busy practicing architecture in my team of 5 with work in residential, educational and hospitality sectors and I try and get involved in all things ArchiTeam.
I create meaningful downtime for myself so that I can enjoy life and my family.
What has been the most scary/courageous thing you’ve ever done?
Swimming with sharks whilst pregnant in Western Australia.
Who do you admire and why?
Whilst I am tempted to list an architect, I have to nominate my Great Grandmother, Hazel Charlotte, who immigrated to Australia in 1906, settled in Coburg with her father who was a butcher, married the love of her life Leo, had 3 daughters. She lost her husband at the age of 32, who then lost her girls to ‘the system’ until she remarried (Leo’s best friend) and then lived long enough to be part of the first 5 years of my life. She taught me how to make keftedes the way Leo liked them. She was resilient yet graceful. My daughter is named after her and the thought of her and her strength distracts me from my troubles.
What is it about ArchiTeam that made you want to get involved?
I love being at the coal face of architectural practice. ArchiTeam exposes me to all things current in contemporary architecture from successes to issues. ArchiTeam is a conduit for meaningful contribution and I truly feel like I am surrounded by people who care about the shape of this country, the future and the practice of architecture.