Listen to this fascinating conversation between Sandy Anghie and Isla McRobbie, as they discuss their early motivations of studying law and architecture respectively and the conditions that made them swap professions. Both agree that their education and experience in their first career has provided an interesting perspective for the second.

Our conversationalists for this episode are Isla McRobbie and Sandy Anghie. Sandy is a lawyer turned architect and president of the WA Chapter of the Australian Institute of Architects. Isla is an architect turned construction lawyer and partner at Jackson McDonald.

In this engaging episode, both speakers discuss their experiences navigating professional identities and perspectives in the construction industry, sharing their approaches to career development in architecture and law; and the importance of bringing different perspectives to these professions.

Sandy discusses the constantly diminishing market share of architects and her passion for advocating for the skills and interests of architects, motivating her to seek influential positions to drive change. While Sandy has moved around and enjoyed a diverse portfolio career, Isla has had a long, successful career at Jackson McDonald, taking on a range of committee and board positions to learn and grow, including the Master Builders board (making her the first woman on the board in 119 years).

This episode of Parlour POD was produced with the assistance of the Alastair Swayn Foundation through a Design Audio Grant. Thanks!


This episode was recorded live on Whadjuk Nyoongar Country at the 2022 Perth Winter Salon. Held at Brickworks Design Studio on 24 August 2022, the Salon was convened by Suzie Hunt and run in collaboration with #WorkWomenWisdom. Photos: Kate Drennan.