Jam Alombro

Master of Architecture (Professional) student
Bachelor of Architecture and Future Environments

What she loves most about her studies is having access to studios, workshops and staff who genuinely want to guide students, says architecture student Jam Alombro.

“AUT is a place that combines creativity with support, where students are encouraged to push their limits but are also given the resources and guidance to succeed. Every assignment has challenged me in a new way, keeping me on my toes and showing me how much I’ve grown as an architectural designer.

“The culture here is welcoming and diverse, and it feels like a community where your individuality is celebrated. It’s comforting knowing that help and encouragement are always close by. For me, AUT has been a place where I can take risks, learn from mistakes and discover my strengths – and I think anyone who values that kind of growth would thrive here.”

Her tutors and lecturers have been incredible, she says.

“They’ve not only guided me through the technical aspects of architecture but have also encouraged me to explore my ideas in depth and be bold in my design approach. My lecturer Jia Ying Hew was very encouraging and supportive during the third year of my bachelor’s degree and taught me how to be bold in designing creatively. Michael McCabe has also been very supportive of my journey here from the beginning. He told me that in architecture, ‘it's never over’ and that there's always something to improve on. He pushed me a lot as a designer, a future architect and as a person. The workshop staff have also been a huge support. Lucky Singh, Mark Rous and Simon Heath were always patient and willing to help while I learned the different tools I could use for my physical models.”

Growth and connections
Jam says she chose to study at AUT to be challenged, to grow and to connect.

“I knew that if I was going to spend most of my days and nights at university, it needed to feel like a place of solace, creativity, innovation and safety. When I first stepped into AUT, it felt ‘homey’ and welcoming, and I knew I had found my place. I had also heard AUT’s architecture degree places a strong emphasis on physical modelling, which was my biggest weakness at the time, so I decided to face that challenge head-on. Looking back from my first year to now, I can say I’ve improved immensely, and that journey is something I’m really proud of.

“Architecture can be an intense degree, and often you don’t get much chance to meet people outside your studio. For me, being part of the AUT student ambassadors and R U OK? team has been one of the best decisions I’ve made. It has given me the opportunity to build friendships, create memories and connect with the wider AUT community.”

While she still has another year of postgraduate study ahead of her, Jam already has a good idea how she sees her future.

“I’d love to be involved in urban design and community-driven projects. I’m really passionate about spaces that bring people together and reflect the cultural identity of Aotearoa. Whether it’s through architecture or urban planning, I want to work on projects that integrate sustainability, storytelling and inclusivity; designs that don’t just look good but truly serve the people who use them.”

Advice for other students
Jam’s advice to other students is simple: remember that talent is nothing without passion and persistence.

“You don’t need to walk into architecture already knowing how to sketch perfectly or render flawlessly. What matters is your willingness to grow, to push through the late nights and to keep improving yourself. I wasn’t the most gifted in renders or sketches, but I came to realise that talent is not the heart of design. What matters are the stories behind the lines, the intention within each stroke and, above all, the people we design for.

“Every project is an opportunity to discover something new; about design, about your community and about yourself. Lean into your strengths, and don’t be shy about asking for help — there are so many tutors and peers here who want to see you succeed. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes as that’s where some of the best learning happens.”

Above all, stay curious and stay connected, she adds.

“The people you meet and the stories you hear along the way will shape you just as much as your studies. Those moments of balance and community make the long nights and big projects so much more rewarding.”