Image: 10 Ryde by Leonardo Esposito.

For Master of Architecture student Leonardo Esposito, architecture isn’t just about design, it’s about turning ideas into real, tangible spaces that connect people and communities. Balancing his studies at Monash with an internship at leading Australian multi-disciplinary architecture practice, SJB, Leonardo is gaining real-world experience that connects his academic learning with professional practice and helps pave the way for his future career.

Discovering a passion for architecture

Image: Leonardo Espostio

Leonardo’s path to architecture began with a degree in Landscape Architecture at RMIT University.

“Landscape design gave me an appreciation for space and ecology,” he explains, “but I realised I was more drawn to architecture and the built environment.”

This led him to pursue the Master of Architecture at Monash University, where he found a learning environment that encouraged creativity while engaging directly with professional practice.

He describes Monash’s approach as “diverse, thought-provoking, and incredibly well supported by facilities like the Design Fabrication Lab and laser cutting studios.”

One of the highlights of the course was the hands-on Design Make studio with senior lecturer Ross Brewin whose enthusiasm for making was infectious. Spending ten days on site building an amphitheatre in a quarry showed Leonardo how important detail and adaptability are in construction.

“Actually building — cutting wood, measuring, and setting foundations — was eye-opening. Seeing our designs come to life taught me how quickly things change on site and the need to adapt.”

Another highlight was the Ritual Union Design Studio, led by architects Jacqueline O’Brien (Placement) and Phil Burns (Matt Gibson Architecture + Design), which explored new models for suburban density. Working on a site in Preston, Leonardo designed a flexible, multi-generational home that could expand and contract with changing family needs while maintaining privacy. He credits O’Brien and Burns with helping him see design as both a social and technical practice.

“They pushed us to think about how architecture creates connections between people while responding to real planning and construction constraints,” he says. “It was the first time I really understood how conceptual ideas meet practical delivery, and that balance now shapes the way I design.”

Leading community and collaboration through MAMA

In addition to his studies, Leonardo served as President of MAMA (Masters at Monash Architecture), the student association dedicated to enhancing the experience of postgraduate architecture students.

“When I joined MAMA, I wanted to help reinvigorate the Master’s Lounge and create more of a buzz in the social and academic community,” he says. Under his leadership, MAMA introduced initiatives like experimental drawing nights, Friday Studio Circles (informal peer critiques), and Portfolio Nights that bring together industry professionals and students for feedback and networking.

“It’s about building a community of students who support each other creatively and professionally,” Leonardo adds. “Architecture can be intense, so having that network makes all the difference.”

Images: MAMA industry night

Hands-on learning at SJB

Leonardo arranged a self-sourced Work Integrated Learning (WIL) internship at SJB which offered a valuable opportunity to apply his academic learning in a professional setting. Already working part-time at the SJB since 2022, the internship allowed him to expand his role into construction documentation and project delivery.

Director at SJB, Nigel Morris says

“During his internship at SJB, Leonardo contributed across multiple project stages, supporting early design exploration, feasibility studies and town planning documentation, as well as gaining valuable on-site experience. He also assisted with business development and client-facing activities, demonstrating versatility, professionalism and a strong engagement with all aspects of architectural practice.”

“I was working on apartment developments in Richmond and other inner-city sites,” Leonardo explains. “After town planning approval, we’d move into construction documentation by responding to builders’ RFI (Requests For Information)’s, coordinating client changes, and producing detailed drawing packs.”

He especially valued seeing how fast real-world architecture moves. “It was incredible to see drawings go from our screens to being built within weeks,” he says. “I was even on-site checking concrete setouts and shower setdowns. That level of detail down to the millimetre, really opened my eyes to the precision required.”

Nigel adds “Leonardo stood out for his rare mix of warmth, design curiosity and professional maturity; an all-rounder with a strong work ethic, cultural awareness and a genuine enthusiasm to contribute across every aspect of practice, making him a natural fit at SJB.”

Image: Fortis Richmond by SJB

Learning the real-world language of architecture

For Leonardo, the internship emphasised how much of architecture is about negotiation, compliance, and problem-solving.

“Architects are always in dialogue with builders and consultants,” he says. “Something as small as the placement of a fire extinguisher or a threshold level can trigger a redesign. It’s a constant balancing act between creativity, compliance, and constructability.”

This exposure has also shaped his career aspirations.

“I want to eventually run my own practice that integrates design and development,” Leonardo says. “When architects and developers work together from the start, we can create spaces that are both efficient and meaningful, not just driven by profit margins.”

Looking ahead

As he works toward architectural registration, Leonardo remains passionate about learning from real projects and real people. His next goal is to move further into project delivery and client engagement at SJB while completing his logbook requirements for registration.

Reflecting on his journey, he offers advice for future students:

“Monash gives you the freedom to think deeply and design boldly with a big emphasis on experiential learning and studio practice. Take every opportunity to learn from practitioners and get involved in the community. That’s where you really grow.”

Nigel is keen to expand internship opportunities for Monash students, noting that “students who bring curiosity, design sensibility, strong people skills and broader life experience, align naturally with our culture and contribute meaningfully to the professional, respectful and positive studio environment at SJB.”