Alexandra Lee

Auckland-based Alexandra-JaYeun Lee balances her professional time between a position as a Design Tutor and Thesis Supervisor for the School of Architecture at the University of Auckland, and working as an Architect for Babbage Consultants.

A self-described ‘Kowi’, (a Kiwi of Korean descent), Alex used the experience gathered at the 2008 Young Leaders Forum to learn more about herself and to realise “just how important our role is to act as a bridge between New Zealand and Asia on so many fronts”.

Part of Alex’s bridging contribution involved giving a presentation at the recent Asia:NZ Principals’ Forum in Auckland. Influenced by her architectural perspective, Alex used the metaphor of a house to convey the idea that educators can make a real difference to Asia-New Zealand relations.

Alex is also the founder of the New Zealand chapter of ‘Architecture for Humanity’ and is currently working on the design for a sustainable ‘community marae’ on Great Barrier Island.