Marn Reti, a proud Palawa and Ngātiwai woman, has worked at Kaunitz Yeung Architecture for two years, and has recently graduated with a Masters of Architecture from the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS).

Raised on Gadigal land, Reti will join fewer than 30 indigenous architects in the industry, representing 0.2% of the 12,000 registered architects in Australia, and was one of the first recipients of the Droga Indigenous Architecture Scholarship, a prestigious scholarship aimed at fostering new Indigenous talent in the world of architecture.

Reti says she’s thankful to be graduating, and looks forward to making an impact in the community as both an architect and an indigenous woman.

“After 6 long years, I am beyond excited to be graduating. The path to this point has been gruelling, filled with triumphs and downfalls. I am so fortunate to have had the support of my family, my community and Kaunitz Yeung Architecture to complete my studies.

“I look forward to giving back the incredible support I was offered to my community and other Indigenous students studying architecture currently and in the future,” she says.

Previously speaking at a range of conferences including the 2019 edition of Sustainability Live, Reti specialises in how Australian architecture can be enriched with Indigenous knowledge, the role of Indigenous design in ensuring a sustainable built environment and the importance of integrating Indigenous knowledge into Australian architecture curriculum.

David Kaunitz, director of Kaunitz Yeung Architecture, says Reti will be a welcome addition to the practice’s team.

“I am absolutely thrilled to see Marni complete her studies successfully alongside her work with our practice. We are committed to supporting the progress of Aboriginal architects and bringing their perspective to practice. Her dedication and work ethic is to be commended. 

“Marni is already an integral part of our team and is well on her way to being an excellent architect. Her Aboriginal heritage will enrich her practise and add much needed diversity to our profession.

“We are looking forward to Marni becoming registered in 2022.”

Kaunitz Yeung Architecture is a humble practice founded by the husband and wife team of David Kaunitz and Ka Wai Yeung. It combines their extensive commercial experience with David’s knowledge of living in and working with regional communities. Their projects include the Biripi Health Clinic, The PAMS Healthcare Hub in Newman, Western Australia, and a school in Vanuatu.

Image: Supplied