Ikko Siasoco

Bachelor of Architecture and Future Environments

He discovered his love for architecture on a visit to Japan, says Ikko Siasoco who completed his Bachelor of Architecture and Future Environments at the end of 2023.

“I’ve always had a set of skills that leaned towards the arts and creativity. Growing up in a large immigrant family, when we first arrived in New Zealand we were unable to afford the fancy gadgets my friends had at the time. Instead, my siblings and I used our imagination as a source of entertainment. From creating our own board games, comics and playing with Lego, I instantly fell in love with the endless possibilities of artistic and creative thinking. Due to this I wanted to pursue a course that revolved around design.

“It was during a trip to Japan in 2018 that I fell in love with architecture. Through my admiration for their large skyscrapers, systems and other structures, I knew that one day I wanted to become an architect and stretch the boundaries to discover different possibilities for designs. I want to be able to leave a physical mark by sharing my work for all people to experience, just as my younger self did in Japan.”

Once he knew that architecture was what he wanted to study at university, Ikko then started to look at where to study.

“AUT’s architecture degree offers a different approach and highlights the importance of designing sustainably over designing aesthetically to benefit future generations. This core idea drew me to AUT as it’s engaging with architecture in a different way to other architecture schools, and really offers something special to its students.”

The right choice
He wouldn’t hesitate to recommend AUT’s architecture programme, says Ikko who is proud of being recognised as a high-achieving student in his last few semesters.

“Being able to study something I’m passionate about enabled me to fully discover what I’m capable of and helped me grow. The tutors are there whenever you’re stuck or in need of assistance. They act as mentor figures, like Obi Wan Kenobi to Luke Skywalker. A key moment for me was when I was finalising a project ready for submission the following day and I found that I was missing a crucial part. It was around 1am and, although I didn’t expect any reply, I emailed my tutor as a final cry for help. To my surprise, she replied less than 20 minutes later with a detailed explanation of what I needed to do.

“A major highlight came in my final year when AUT awarded me a scholarship to travel abroad and study in Chile. A pivotal motivation for me was always to broaden my understanding of the built environment beyond the familiar landscapes of New Zealand. My experiences abroad have forever shaped my passion for design and have instilled in me a deep appreciation for the diverse cultural influences that inform urban landscapes around the world. Immersing myself in the rich architectural heritage of Chile has changed how I view design.”

Reflecting back on the last three years, Ikko says it’s still hard to believe how much all that hard work paid off.

“Taking a step back to look at the bigger picture, I’m reassured to know that through the highs and lows, every moment offered a valuable lesson to take along the way. After much consideration, this year I have decided to take a break from studying and postpone my postgraduate study to give myself time to carefully plan out ‘What's next for me?’. As I embark on my professional journey in the future, I’m eager to bring forth innovative designs that contribute positively to the built environment and, more importantly, highlight human-centric principles.”

Advice for other students
Ikko has some great advice for other students who are interested in architecture.

“When studying architecture, you become your own worst critic. Expect to stay up long hours, independently working, developing and finalising work. Coffee, energy drinks, a strong playlist of your favourite songs, and your peers and tutors will be your best friends. Architecture is never complete; there’s only the deadline and the final product you produce in the timeframe you have.”

It's important to stay on top of your work, he adds.

“Because an important part of architecture is communicating with your tutors, attending classes is important as through reviews you’ll receive different angles to explore within your designs. Due to this, writing a list of weekly tasks is a good idea so that when you have reviews, you always have work to present and develop. Effective time management goes a long way.

“It’s also important to note that not knowing how to do everything is normal; not a disadvantage. Instead, this should be seen as an opportunity for learning and development, which essentially is the reason you study. Thankfully, all the tutors at AUT are always available, approachable and passionate about helping students. Talking to tutors is a must in architecture and getting to know them makes it easier to approach them if you have questions or worries about your work.”