Registered since 2009, Ripeka is a practicing architect specialising in the delivery of public buildings. Her built work spans justice, adult education, iwi, community and health sectors. She is as an examiner for the Architects Registration Board of Victoria.

After living and working on the unceded lands of the Kulin Nation for 12 years, Ripeka commenced a Doctor of Philosophy (by research). This work is culturally grounded in the ātea as a method of spatial production and explores transtasman exchange within the architectural profession. Research funding is provided by the Australian Commonwealth Government and the University of Melbourne.