We're delighted to announce this year's Future Thinker of the Year finalists: Elizabeth Norris, Widi Auliagisni, Francisco Carbajal, and Mike Murray.
We’ve been blowen away by the passion and dedication each applicant shows in creating better outcomes in the built environment through their mahi.
The candidate’s applications and video submissions were shortlisted, with the final four decided by our panel of judges. The winner will be announced at the awards evenin in Auckland on 30 April. Register to join us here!
Elizabeth Norris
Elizabeth is an Architecture Graduate working for Design and Make Architects remotely in Christchurch. She has been working closely with her husband, an LBP and natural builder to design better buildings and to teach others in the community about local materials that are low embodied carbon and sequestering, particularly strawbale building techniques, where the strawbales are local agricultural biproducts. Day to day, she is passionate about energy modelling, and calculating emissions in buildings, as well as reducing waste starting with good design thinking and implementation. Elizabeth is also recently a certified Passive House Designer and Homestar Assessor.
Widi Auliagisni
Widi is pursuing her PhD at Massey University's School of Built Environment. Growing up in Indonesia, a country prone to various natural hazards, she developed a passion for resilient architecture and disaster management. Her research focuses on community resilience to natural hazards and sustainability, particularly in the New Zealand Northland district, where she works closely with at-risk communities to enhance flood resilience. Concurrently, Widi works as an assistant project manager at Beca Ltd., contributing to pioneering projects in collaboration with the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF). Her professional journey highlights her commitment to developing practical solutions with a sound theoretical background, empowering communities to mitigate risks and thrive amidst adversity.
Francisco Carbajal
Growing up on Waiheke Island installed a deep bond with nature and sustainability in Francisco. This allegiance was strengthened during his time at the University of Newcastle in Australia, with influences such as Richard Leplastrier and Peter Stutchbury. Upon entering the industry, Francisco experienced the challenge between sustainability ideals and industry practices. Determined to bridge this gap, he pursued a master's degree, focusing on ways to support change. During his studies, he founded Capana Group, enabling him to confront these challenges head-on with projects such as LCAlink. In combination with building Capana Group, Francisco has dedicated himself to teaching at universities, nurturing the next generation of future leaders.
Mike Murray
Mike recently completed his Master of Architecture (Professional) at Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington. He prioritised sustainability throughout his studies and during his thesis year, he actively pushed definitions of what an architecture thesis should look like. Mike’s passion for sustainability extends beyond architecture, with conservation and native wildlife being major passions. While studying, he undertook a range of student representative roles, including a year as co-president of STUDiO, the student representative group for the Faculty of Architecture and Design. Mike has tutored well over 100 undergraduate students during his studies.