Overcoming the ‘local experience’ hurdle

What is local experience? Does it matter? How might it be rethought and reframed? Lynette Apostolou and Matthew Graham join Debjani Sarkar and Lameesa Yousuf for another thought-provoking conversation On the Verandah!

Get started by reading the session description below and watching the trailer – Lynette Apostolou on challenges and portfolio advice.

preview

pricing details

$45 General
$30 Parlour Collective
$22.50 General concession (on request)
$15 Concession

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• 10–19 tickets – 5% additional discount 
• 20–49 tickets – 10% additional discount
• 50+ tickets – 15% additional discount

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Overcoming the ‘local experience’ hurdle

This session of On the Verandah turns attention to the hurdle of ‘local experience’, with Lynette Apostolou, Chief Operating Officer of AJC, and Matthew Graham, architecture and design recruitment specialist at ACRWORLD.

What does local experience mean in the context of Australian architecture? How can practitioners whose primary experience is elsewhere navigate this hurdle? How can they translate and represent existing knowledge in ways that can be understood by Australian practices? Conversely, how can Australian practices better recognise and interpret relevant international skills and experience?

Australia’s architectural identity is shaped by diverse narratives – Indigenous heritage, colonial influence, climatic diversity and a growing commitment to sustainable and inclusive design. Yet, within the profession, many talented individuals – especially migrant women of colour – continue to face significant roadblocks when trying to enter the industry. Two persistent challenges stand out: the difficulty of acquiring local experience, and the undervaluing of experience gained overseas. Both are underpinned by entrenched assumptions around what constitutes “relevant” experience.

Watch this important conversation exploring techniques and strategies for showcasing experience in all its diversity, and encouraging the industry to reframe “local” experience.

This session was recorded on 16 May 2025.