Sharing the journey of Ana Laura Chay Velazco, a Mexican Architect who achieved registration in QLD.
Ana Chay Velazco - Mexican Architect (ARB QLD) living in Brisbane.
"Make things happen. It’s a lot of work, but dreams are worth it. "
Tell us about your Migration Process and how you adjusted to the new culture
I am from Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico. I wanted to move to Australia for personal reasons. I was naïve and thought I could secure a job in Australia from Mexico, so I began sending CVs. However, after receiving no positive responses, I realised that the easiest way would be to come as a student.
I wanted to continue developing my career in architecture, so I moved to Australia on a student visa to study a Master of Architecture at Melbourne Uni.
The uni fees were very expensive for me, so I obtained a Mexican scholarship to cover 70% of the fees and some of my daily expenses. I also had to take out a student loan to cover 20% of the fees, and I contributed 10% myself.
Arriving in Australia was very tough. I was living with my partner, who is Australian, and speaking English both at uni and at home. I used to get headaches every night from the effort. Although I had the level of English required for university study, I wasn’t used to Australian slang, so it felt like I was learning a whole new language.
I found it difficult to make friends at uni, and my first semester was quite lonely until I met a Colombian classmate, who became my best friend and introduced me to a lot of people from all over the world.
Studying at uni was stressful, as I needed to maintain an 80% average (H1) to keep my scholarship. With limited knowledge of software that could have made my work easier and faster, I found it challenging to achieve those grades. I wish I had known back then what I know now.
During my second year of uni, I met a really nice professor who later recommended me for my first professional job as a graduate architect.
What Challenges did you face initially and how did you overcome them?
After graduating, I started applying for jobs and began networking. I emailed the professor, asking if she knew of any job opportunities that aligned with my profile, interests, and values. She mentioned a company I had just applied to and, since I already had an interview scheduled, she sent a recommendation letter to the director, which greatly helped me secure the position.
One of the job requirements was to be proficient in Revit, but I was only just learning it at the time. I promised the director that I would become proficient within a month. I got the job and dedicated 3 hours every day to studying Revit on my own, and I achieved my goal! I stayed in that role for two years.
How has your Experience working in architecture in Australia compared to your home country?
I think working as an architect in Australia is harder. There are more requirements, regulations, and constraints. In my home city, I was somewhat known within the architectural community and was progressing well. I was working independently, teaching at university, and was about to become the president of a heritage association. But when I arrived in Australia, I had to start from scratch. No one knew me here, and no one cared about what I had done before or which awards I had won in Mexico. It felt like my career had taken several steps backwards, which was very discouraging. My colleagues could tell I had more experience than the average graduate, but I didn’t have enough experience in Australia to be considered an architect.
Have you noticed significant Differences in Design approaches or the architectural industry in general?
Yes, I feel that here, design is more focused on form rather than function, whereas in Mexico it was more about functionality. Additionally, the construction systems are very different, so that was another thing I had to learn from scratch.
How does your Cultural Experience influence your daily work as an architect in Australia?
I think, in a way, it influences me to want to work on projects that help people in some way.
Are there specific Elements of your Culture that you incorporate or highlight in your projects?
It doesn’t happen very often because I don’t work on my own projects; I’m an employee at an architectural firm. But it has happened, for example, when I’ve given advice on buildings designed for warmer climates, as I grew up in one.
Have you found that Cultural Diversity has enriched your projects or presented additional challenges?
Sometimes there is a language barrier, though it’s becoming less of a challenge as I’ve learned more technical terms and industry-specific language.
How has your experience in Australia influenced your professional development as an architect?
Absolutely! I’ve learned how to work with a wider range of clients from different backgrounds, with various accents and expectations. It’s also motivated me to become a better professional every day. I feel like I’m constantly learning.
Have you participated in specific professional development Programs for Migrants ?
No, I haven’t.
Have you found it helpful to engage in local Professional Networks in Australia? How has your professional network influenced job opportunities or collaborative projects?
Networking is always beneficial for getting to know others in the industry and for being recognised by them. It’s very helpful when looking for a job, as in my experience, recommendations are the best tool for securing a position. I’m not just talking about networking events, but also during uni classes or at work. For example, in my current job, the director contacted a former colleague from my previous workplace for a reference. She didn’t ask me for my own referees, but it turned out that the referee was a friend of mine from work.
When networking, it’s always important not just to talk about your goals or career but to establish good communication and take an interest in the other person’s life.
Are there Resources or networks that you have found particularly useful in your own professional journey?
Not yet.
What was the process of recognising your Overseas Qualifications in Australia like? Did you face challenges in this aspect?
I didn’t go through that process; I studied a Master of Architecture at Melbourne University, which provided me with the qualification I needed to enter the Australian market.
What Motivated you to register as an architect in Australia?
Even if it sounds shallow, a major reason was that I had studied so much and worked so hard, yet after all these years, I couldn’t call myself an architect, which was a deep source of frustration for me. I also wanted my career to progress, and I considered registration to be the next step. Additionally, I found the time to prepare while on maternity leave.
What Advice would you give to other migrants looking to establish themselves and work in the field of architecture in Australia?
To make a plan: what is your main goal? Then break down the steps to make it achievable. Do you want a job in the architectural industry? Tailor your CV to meet the industry’s standards and learn the relevant technical terms. Do you want to focus on a specific area of architecture? Consider taking a TAFE course or another course that will help you get to where you want to be. There are online courses, such as those on the LinkedIn Learning platform. Learn the software most commonly used in architectural jobs, such as Revit or ArchiCAD, and become proficient in the Adobe Suite.
Open a LinkedIn account and connect with people in the industry; there are many friendly individuals out there who would love to help if they see a genuine effort and interest. Talk to anyone about your ideas, career goals, and theirs, and ask how they got to where they are. Do you want to become a registered architect? Start investigating what you need to do to achieve that. Do you already have enough experience? Consider taking the Practice in Architecture (PARC) course, which will prepare you for each stage of the exam.
In summary, make things happen. It’s a lot of work, but dreams are worth it.
👩💼 Thank you Ana Laura for this interview! Lets connect on Linkedin.
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