2025 Hot New Things: Siena Thompson, University of Auckland
Design Assembly profiles a selection of the top graduates from the best Art and Design Schools in Aotearoa New Zealand. We welcome these talented emerging professionals to our industry, learn about their passions, final projects, developing creative confidence and ambitions for the future.
Siena Thompson recently graduated with a Bachelor’s in Design and Global Studies from the University of Auckland and is now leveraging her degree into a growing career in sustainability. Find out more about tertiary study options across Aotearoa New Zealand on our Design Schools page.
Siena, tell us a bit about yourself
I’m a recent Design and Global Studies graduate, passionate about making a positive impact on both the environment and local communities. Throughout my studies, I became increasingly interested in the intersection of design and sustainability. I believe thoughtful, well-informed design can have lasting social, environmental, and economic benefits. What excites me the most is the power of collaboration—working with diverse stakeholders in co-design processes to create solutions that promote sustainability while fostering social good. As we face pressing global challenges, I am committed to using design to drive meaningful change.
What was the focus of your graduating project?
For my final project, I partnered with Resilio Studio and the Waitematā Local Board to design solutions that would enhance the resilience of communities and ecosystems within the Auckland CBD. My project, Te Ara o Waipapa, explores how we can increase community awareness of blue-green networks, focusing on the importance of the neglected waterways beneath Auckland. Historic waterways like the Waipapa Stream are neglected to the detriment of our ecosystem health, which restricts Tāmaki Makaurau’s resilience to climate change impacts such as extreme flood events. By daylighting a section of the Waipapa Stream, this project highlights its cultural and environmental significance, creating a design that reconnects the community with its history through place-based learning experiences.
Why did you choose to study design at the University of Auckland?
I chose to study design at the University of Auckland because of its adaptive, ever-changing approach to design and its future-focused perspective. The commitment to designing for today’s challenges while preparing for tomorrow’s needs resonated with me. The ability to combine Design with my studies in Global Studies gave me a unique perspective on addressing complex global issues. This approach allowed me to explore how design can help create positive, lasting impacts on society and the environment. Studying at UoA has given me the tools to integrate sustainability and social responsibility into my designs.
What did you enjoy most about the programme?
The Design programme at the University of Auckland was transformative in helping me align my personal values with my career aspirations. One course that deeply influenced me was Design for the Natural Environment, taught by Gabriela Baron, which emphasised the importance of innovating with nature as a priority rather than an afterthought. This course helped me understand how design can support the environment and strengthen our relationship with it, reflecting the values of kaitiakitanga. What I enjoyed most was working on real-world problems, collaborating with others, and honing practical design skills. Group projects allowed me to learn from my peers, understand different perspectives, and develop my leadership and communication skills, while also reinforcing the importance of collective action.
What was your biggest challenge while studying?
One of the highlights of my university experience was participating in various clubs and extracurricular activities. However, being involved in so many committees and events meant balancing multiple responsibilities, which was a challenge at times. Between university courses, work, and everything else pulling me in different directions, I had to quickly learn how to manage my time effectively. It was a valuable lesson in how to prioritize tasks, work efficiently, and stay organized. This experience taught me skills in time management that will serve me well in both my personal and professional life. The challenge of juggling many commitments helped me develop resilience and a sense of balance.
Who (or what) inspired you to pick design as a career path?
I’ve always been interested in blending creativity with problem-solving. Design is a way to bring abstract ideas to life and make a tangible impact on the world. As I progressed through my studies, I realized that design is not just about aesthetics, but about creating meaningful solutions that improve the lives of people and communities. The opportunity to create change, especially in ways that align with my passion for sustainability and social responsibility, inspired me to pursue design as a career. Design, for me, is a way to turn ideas into reality that benefit both the environment and the people who interact with those spaces, guided by the principles of whanaungatanga and kaitiakitanga.
What’s next for you?
Moving forward, I’m excited to apply the skills I’ve developed through my design projects to both my professional work and volunteer organizations. I see design as a powerful tool for problem-solving, and I’m eager to use it to create meaningful change. Whether through improving systems, fostering community engagement, or advocating for sustainable practices, I’m passionate about bringing my design thinking into real-world settings. In my volunteer work, I plan to integrate the lessons I’ve learned, focusing on creating inclusive, sustainable solutions that benefit both the community and the environment. I also look forward to collaborating with like-minded individuals and organizations that are committed to making a positive impact. Ultimately, my goal is to continue working on projects that combine my passion for design with my commitment to sustainability and social equity.
Where can we see more of your work?
My portfolio website, capstone project, LinkedIn or email.
