UWA and me
Following graduation from UWA in 1996 with a Bachelor of Law and Bachelor of Commerce, I spent my first year of work as a graduate accountant at KPMG. I then moved into the legal profession and in 2000 was admitted to the Supreme Court of Western Australia as a barrister and solicitor while working at Herbert Smith Freehills.
After close to a decade as a corporate tax lawyer, in 2006 I decided to pursue my passion and returned to UWA to study architecture. In 2012 I graduated from UWA for the second time - this time with a Bachelor of Environmental Design and a Masters in Architecture.
While I love architecture and it is something I always wanted to do, I definitely have no regrets about studying law and commerce first. The skills I acquired at UWA and after graduation are invaluable, both in architecture and for my various board roles.
UWA has been a very important part of my life. I not only enjoyed my time studying there, but also being an alumni and contributing where I can.
The fine grain, the streets and the people
I was born in Perth and have lived here all of my life. I am passionate about this city and with my current roles with not for profit organisation Historic Heart of Perth and the Australian Institute of Architects (WA) I am hoping I can help to bring about positive change.
In recent years there has been much excitement in Perth about big new projects – whether it’s EQ, Optus Stadium or Yagan Square – but it is also important to celebrate and activate what we have, the forgotten buildings and neighbourhoods.
The Historic Heart project is about this. We are focused on the fine grain, the streets and the people. It’s about creating a sense of community and a city where people want to live and play – not just work. This is important to me.
Evolution and embracing new opportunities
The most interesting aspect of my career has been its diversity.
Currently, in addition to leading the Historic Heart Project, I have a residential architecture practice. My focus here is on sustainability and density.
I am also the editor of The Architect magazine, the official publication of The Australian Institute of Architects WA, and have a monthly column for The West Australian newspaper called “Meet the Architect” where I profile architects, rather than their projects, to introduce them to the people of Perth.
To be honest, where my career will go from here is hard to know. I have some ideas about what I would like to do next but my career seems to evolve. Great opportunities arise and I embrace new challenges and change.
For me what is important is not where you are going in your career, but whether you are enjoying what you are doing today and making a contribution.
International Women’s Day - a time to reflect
International Women’s Day is a time to reflect on and celebrate the achievements of women all over the world.
In Australia, I think it is also a time to reflect on our good fortune. For many women in the world, it is still a struggle to attain the basic rights.
Sure, there are many areas where we could do a lot better in Perth in terms of gender parity but I think there are signs that we are moving in the right direction now. Recent appointments in Perth of Elizabeth Gaines at FMG and Zoe Yujnovich [BE '96] at Shell are inspirational.
Words of wisdom for new students
Enjoy your time at university. The experience is not only about the learning but also the friends you will make and the social gatherings you will enjoy – days spent on the Oak Lawn, at the Reid Library café, and the Tavern. This is what you will remember most when you look back at your time at UWA.
About Sandy
Sandy Anghie (LLB, BCom '97, BEnvDes '11, MArch '14) has 25 years’ experience across diverse fields, combining architecture and planning with legal, finance, commercial and governance skills.
Sandy started her career as a corporate tax lawyer in 1997, working in Australia’s leading law and accounting firms - KPMG, Herbert Smith Freehills and EY. Deciding to pursue her passion, in 2006 Sandy returned to university to study architecture, and in the past 14 years has gained experience in a broad range of architecture roles.
Over the past decade Sandy has served on a number of boards including The Constable Care Child Safety Foundation, The West Australian Ballet and Historic Heart of Perth Inc. She is currently a Chapter Councillor of the Australian Institute of Architects WA, an elected position.
Sandy was one of the founding members of the registered charity Historic Heart of Perth Inc, and has led the project since its inception in 2016. With the aim of revitalising Perth’s east end, Sandy has met and worked with hundreds of stakeholders and supporters across all levels of government, business and the community to drive positive change in our city.
Alongside work on the Historic Heart project, Sandy is a small business owner with her residential architecture practice, editor of “The Architect” magazine, official publication of the Australian Institute of Architects WA and “Meet the Architect” columnist for the West Australian newspaper.
Sandy is the recipient of a number of awards, including the 2020 WA Emerging Architect Prize in recognition of her leadership and contribution to architecture within the community, and the 2018 National Association of Women in Construction Social Responsibility Award, in recognition of her significant commitment to a social cause within the construction industry.
You can keep up-to-date with Sandy on Instagram and follow her work at @sandy_anghie.architect @historicheartofperth and @thearchitectwa.