Damian Mitchell - Architecture

With a long family legacy at SIT, Damian Mitchell’s decision to study there was shaped by family members who’d gone before him. All his family of five chose to attend SIT for their studies, and in a very diverse range of programmes. Their studies included: Carpentry, Secretarial, Mechanical Engineering, Business Management and Kāwai Raupapa arts, and Damian has added to the diversity with his Architectural studies.

“SIT has been a huge part of my family’s success, following their studies, to obtain work”.  

Invercargill born and bred, and a former student of James Hargest College, Damian has particular interests in mathematics, physics and graphic design, so was well placed to enter into his course of study, the New Zealand Diploma in Architectural Technology.

“I enjoy problem-solving and working with technology that help bring my creative ideas to life”.

For those interested in drawing, problem solving and structure, and have a strong record of achievement in design, mathematics or similar subjects, a career in Architectural Technology is a good fit.

Prior to beginning his course, Damian wasn’t sure what to expect, but was pleased to find his study timetable has allowed him to work part-time and continue playing sport.

“I have a passion for table-tennis and karate, which help develop my skills as a quick thinker”.

On his course, Damian has found the smaller class numbers have suited his learning style. He says the tutors are readily available to answer questions and they come from a relevant work force, so they have practical ‘hands-on’ knowledge and life experiences to pass on to the students. He’s appreciated the diversity in the class and how ideas are shared as well.

“Because of the different range in ages, everyone has something to contribute and knowledge is shared”.

Damian also chose to study at SIT because of the Zero Fees Scheme. He works part-time for the Invercargill Licensing Trust (ILT) as well and as a result, expects to graduate with no student debt.

“I have no student debt. After successfully completing my first year in 2019, I was awarded an ILT Trade Scholarship”. He was the only student in his year of Architectural Technology study to receive the scholarship.

Damian says the course has helped him develop a greater work ethic, and he can see how he would be able to help a potential employers business grow. He learned to value the sharing of ideas in class and working on a team brief together, it became an important process to get the best desired outcome for a potential client. He said the hardest part of the course was finding work experience in this field.

Damian says if you have a passion or flair for seeing your ideas develop from a given brief to a finished design, then he would recommend Architectural Technology at SIT.

For his own future, there is opportunity to go on and complete a Bachelor of Architectural studies in year three. Beyond that, Damian would like to obtain employment with a firm/ business that would provide him opportunities to further develop his drafting and design skills.