Erica
“My biggest influence was obviously my parents, they were both engineers and mum was a lecturer at the University – structural engineering. And so I grew up in an environment where learning was, is, one of the core values in the household. Math and physics were also, I guess… popular topics in the house. Because mum is a lecturer, she always told me that it’s better if you come home and finish your homework, then have the rest of the time to play. I’ve always taken that to heart; get the things that are necessary done, and then you can use the rest of your time to learn and play and embrace life.
My background is in architecture, when I graduated I was 22 years old. The timing was awesome for me to jump into an opportunity that nowhere else in the world has – which is to create a city from the ground up. And knowing that 80% of the city centre alone had been destroyed, is a tragedy but also an opportunity. I think being able to be involved in community and see things evolving is a privilege to be involved in. Yes, it’s been very hard over the last few years, I’ve chosen not to be a conventional architect. But through my architectural studies and using my architectural skills and design skills I’m able to really help the communities be confident with their voice and creating this whole idea of active citizenship.
I always like to say there is no work-life balance, it’s all life. And I’ve gotten to a point where I’m like if I’m doing things I’m passionate about and with balance of looking after myself and also being able to connect regularly with my friends and family, I’m able to embrace it all as just life in general rather than splitting it off. If people are at a stage and are fortunate enough to be doing things they love, that’s just part of life.”