For Monash University Master of Architecture graduates Shantel Gilmore and Sharlene Tengra, university life was never confined to the studio. While studying their degrees and participating in Monash’s Peer Mentoring Program, the pair identified a common challenge: students feeling overwhelmed by dense emails, long lectures and the sheer volume of resources.

“We knew students were already overwhelmed,” they explain. “So we asked ourselves: what if there was a way to make key information more engaging, more personal, and more accessible. Something people could absorb in their own time?”

The answer to that question was Sketch & Specs, a dynamic podcast designed to bridge the gap between university life and the often daunting world of professional practice.

A platform for emerging creatives

What began as a passion project grew into a growing platform for art, design and architecture students, graduates and emerging practitioners. Sketch & Specs shares Shantel and Sharlene’s own experiences of transitioning from study to practice, while inviting guests to offer insight into diverse career pathways.

The podcast sparks authentic conversations with industry specialists and creatives at different stages of their journeys. Guests range from high-profile figures such as contemporary artist Werner Bronkhorst and award winning designer, video storyteller and Monash alum Dr Julian O’Shea to transdisciplinary designer Frank Burridge (MAIN&FRANK) and Monash University critic, historian and designer Associate Professor Ari Seligmann, alongside students and researchers with diverse journeys like Vanessa Atika and PhD candidate Jacquie Johnstone.

Image: Sharlene (Left) and Shantel (Right).

Learning beyond the curriculum

For Shantel, Sketch & Specs has been “a genuine passion project,” a creative pursuit outside formal coursework that has expanded her perspective and professional confidence.

“Engaging with like-minded creatives has enriched my university experience,” she says.“It inspired new ideas and highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration within the industry and beyond.”

Conversations with guests including Dr Isabella Bower, and Monash Architecture alum Aiman Rahman and Leanne Haidar inspired her to pursue a Work Integrated Learning placement at the City of Melbourne and enrol in interdisciplinary units where architecture collaborates with Urban Planning and Service Design to shape future urban spaces. In her final semester she undertook the Independent Design Research Studio, drawing on the “intersectional knowledge” sparked through podcast discussions.

Sharlene shares a similar sentiment. “I thrive when I have fulfilling commitments alongside my coursework. They don’t distract from my academic work, but rather inspire and inform it.”

Being part of this podcast provided a creative and intellectual outlet that has not only enriched her student life but also helped shape the way she approaches her academic work.

Resilience, curiosity and conversation

From conducting interviews to managing a project, Sharlene has developed skills she never expected to. It has taught her how to take initiative, how to collaborate effectively, how to lead, and most importantly, how to back herself, even in moments of uncertainty.

“From coordinating guests and managing recording schedules to troubleshooting technical issues and adapting content to audience feedback, I have learned how to pivot quickly,” Shantel explains. “These challenges have strengthened my problem-solving skills and reinforced the importance of creative adaptability.”

Curiosity was Sharlene’s defining lesson. “I never shy away from asking questions, even the bold ones. I have reached out to guests I thought would never respond… and they did!” She has developed a deeper appreciation for the art of conversation - learning how to ask questions that spark genuine reflection and bring out meaningful insights.

Empowering the Next Generation

What began as a simple idea between two Architecture students grew into something they jokingly called their “baby.” Behind the humour was a serious commitment to community-building and professional growth. “Our goal is to equip listeners with real-world advice that is honest, applicable, and inspiring. And we are just getting started.”

Since completing her studies in 2025, Shantel has taken up a Graduate Architect role at Brand Architects, where she has worked on community-focused projects, including schools and other civic buildings, with contributions spanning across master planning, design development, and contract administration.

Sharlene has since stepped into her role as a Graduate Architect at GHD Design, contributing to a diverse range of education and civic projects. Through her work, she has gained hands-on experience across feasibility studies, master planning, design development and contract administration, building on the skills developed throughout her studies.

Their paths show how far a Monash Architecture degree can reach, with opportunities across practice, government, research and design, often growing from connections made while still studying.  As they step into their careers, both hope to keep the conversations going and encourage other students to back their ideas.

Shantel reflects: “Our degree gave us the skills, but Sketch & Specs gave us the confidence to start something of our own. Our Monash networks were incredibly generous with their knowledge and connections, so don’t wait for the perfect opportunity. Reach out and you’ll be surprised by who says yes.”

Sharlene adds: “There’s no single path from university to practice. Talking to people with such different careers showed me what’s possible when students are given the chance to build something they truly care about,”