We are thrilled to have three fantastic interns joining the NZGBC whānau for the summer, Melika Rabbani-Khah, Bhavya Jasti and Vincent Heijnen. They will be supporting our Green Star and Homestar teams and getting involved with Future Thinker events.
Kia Ora, I am Bhavya, and I work as a Technical Intern in the Homestar team. I am currently a second year Civil and Environmental Engineering student at The University of Auckland and have a keen interest in becoming an Environmental Engineer.
I currently volunteer at my University's Engineering Camp hosted by Youth Without Boarders and am engaged in peer mentoring at Women in Engineering Outreach.
NZGBC particularly intrigues me for their mission to provide sustainable and green-friendly building practices in New Zealand through their zero-carbon roadmap and UN Sustainable Development Goals. NZGBC’s commitment to environmental sustainability aligns perfectly with my career aspirations and academic pursuits.
I believe that architecture has the power to increase people's wellbeing, recently this has been manifested through my work on Māori design projects in Aotearoa.
Recently my work has involved interning at the leading architecture firms Tāmaki Makaurau Office Architects and the Ministry of Architecture and Interiors. These experiences have contributed to my technical skill as well as expose me to the importance of cultural design in Aotearoa. Currently, I am also researching with the University of Auckland to assist in the development of an indigenous form of concrete that provides superior strength and sustainability attributes.
If there are two overarching important aspects to building in New Zealand they are sustainability and response to Māori culture, therefore I am very excited to enhance my skills and contribute to the Green Star technical team and on the Māori Technical Working Group project.
The valuable experiences I gained through Keystone Trust and my degree helped me shape my perspective on the environmental impact of the built structures and sustainable principles which directed me to be where I am right now, at NZGBC.
Joining NZGBC has given me the opportunity to learn more about creating healthier, more sustainable buildings and the ongoing development of tools which align with my passion for creating solutions that contribute to a more sustainable built environment. Working with the Green Star team has allowed me to connect with like-minded individuals who are genuinely passionate about driving positive change.
I am excited to contribute to NZGBC's commitment to build a greener and more sustainable future for New Zealand!