cultural diversity with an international food festival3

Australia is a vibrant, multicultural country with a population that spans from the oldest continuous culture in the world to those of our newest arrivals. At DesignInc, we are proud to embrace and respect diversity, celebrating our multiculturalism with an international food festival and competition.

“Diversity at DesignInc is not just a buzzword, rather it underscores and contributes to our company culture,” says Human Resources Manager Shumaila Ali. Professionally, diverse cultures bring different perspectives, knowledge and experiences that can inform and inspire our design work and improve the way we engage and collaborate with clients, communities and architectural partners. Socially, we enjoy spending time together as learning about and engaging with other cultures fosters understanding, knowledge and, of course, fun. “It’s a beneficial relationship that allows all of us to develop personally and professionally,” Shumaila says.

The DesignInc team is made up of people representing 18 different nationalities hailing from all parts of the world: Europe, South America, Asia, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia. And if there’s one thing that’s universal no matter where we come from, it’s the joy of sharing food.

On 13 April 2018 (in acknowledgement of Harmony Day on 21 March), DesignInc hosted an international food festival and competition with team members cooking and bringing in signature dishes from around the world for all to enjoy. Anna Belleffi brought us an Italian pasta salad and Jonathan Zhang made a special Asian flower jelly. We also enjoyed Aussie meat pies from David Taylor, fairy bread by Scott Huston and lamb burgers made by Patrick Ormsby, Shelby Nicoll and Rebecca Kwok. Everyone tasted the variety of food during Friday drinks and IT Manager Sam Kumar took out the top prize – and bragging rights – for his Indian lemon rice and spicy peas.

The festival provided the opportunity for us to share stories and experiences, and we spoke to four DesignInc team members about diversity, working at DesignInc Sydney and what they believe cultural diversity can bring to a working environment.

 

ANNA CLIO BELLEFFI

AnnaWhere are you from?

I was born in Cervia, a small town on the Mediterranean Sea, not far from Venice. When I turned 18 I moved to Bologna, where I lived for about 10 years. In January 2016, I left Italy and moved to London where I spent five months prior to moving to Sydney.

What did you study?

I studied building and architectural engineering at the Faculty of Engineering at University of Bologna, where I achieved my master’s degree in in February 2014.

Why did you move to Australia?

I’ve always dreamt of the sunny weather, beautiful beaches, good work-life balance and hence moved to Australia in July 2016 – The actual question for me was “why not?”

What do you enjoy about living in Australia?

Sydney is a big city but very liveable; I enjoy the Australian lifestyle the most. People are very friendly and easy going and nature is astonishing.

What do you do at DesignInc?

I joined DesignInc in January 2016 on a contract and a few months later, became full-time architectural graduate. I am currently working on transport and infrastructure projects, with the main one being the Northern Beaches B-Line Program. The work is very dynamic and I see my skills improving day by day, which is extremely satisfying.

What do you enjoy about the culture at DesignInc?

I’ve met great people at DesignInc, everyone is very friendly and it’s a pleasure to work in an engaging and fun environment.

What does cultural diversity bring to a working environment?

People at DesignInc have very different backgrounds and it’s impressive how everyone gets along with each other, has fun and works together. An environment, such as this, makes a valuable contribution to any organisation, both from a personal and professional point of view.

 

LODI VAN EEGHEN

LodiWhere are you from?

I was born and raised in Amsterdam in the Netherlands and lived in Delft during my university years.

What did you study?

I studied architecture at Delft University of Technology and graduated in 2004.

Why did you move to Australia?

I moved to Australian in 2005 to live and work abroad. After working in firms with large numbers of international colleagues, I enjoyed the multicultural aspect of their international character. I also realised that being exposed to different ideas, backgrounds and thinking is a source of creative inspiration. It keeps an open mind and new ideas are often found when differences come together.

What do you enjoy about living in Australia?

For the sun, warmth and outdoor living. The climate is awesome. I love footy and watched it on the Eurosport channel in black and white as a young kid. Now I’m playing at Gore Hill for North Shore and the mateship is stronger than with soccer, I find. This “mates” and welcomeness is another treasurable thing of Australia. Everybody seems to be much more open to making new friendships – maybe also because so many Australians live elsewhere from where they’re born.

What do you do at DesignInc?
I joined DesignInc in 2017 as a senior architect. I’m currently working on several boarding houses and masterplans. I really enjoy the challenge and opportunity to work on projects from sketch to completion.

What do you appreciate about the culture at DesignInc?

The friendly vibe and a company that considers family.

What does cultural diversity bring to a working environment? 

Diversity brings differences together and that creates new knowledge. People from different cultures have different perspectives on the world and it is the founding stone for advancing science, technology and our understanding of the world. They also help a great deal more in resolving problems. If you’re stuck on a problem, asking for advice or doing something completely different is not only helpful but could trigger a moment of brightness and a breakthrough.

 

CLAUDIA GUIMA

ClaudiaGuima_BBWhere are you from?

I was born and raised in Lima, Peru.

What did you study?

I studied my bachelor’s degree in architecture and urbanism in Lima. I also did a graduate diploma in architecture at UTS and graduated in 2013.

Why did you move to Australia?

I moved to Sydney in 2010, first to study an English course and then to continue my post-graduate studies at UTS.

What do you enjoy about living in Australia?

I fell in love with this country immediately. I love its nature, beach, weather, cultural diversity, stability and quality of lifestyle.

What do you do at DesignInc?

I am a project designer and joined DesignInc in July 2016. I’m currently working on some projects for the Australian Government. I do like that the company works on a variety of projects which, as a professional, gives me an opportunity to learn about other sectors. Everyone is very friendly and very open to helping you out at any time.

What do you enjoy about the culture at DesignInc?

DesignInc offers drinks and snacks every Friday. It’s a good and fun time to socialise with our colleagues and get to know each other better. Also, the company organises many other different activities during the year such as morning teas, monthly birthday cakes, Melbourne Cup, Easter, yoga and a nice lunch for Christmas. Another important thing about working at DesignInc is the respect for the work and lifestyle balance.

What does cultural diversity bring to a working environment? 

I see DesignInc as a very friendly working environment for everyone. I feel very lucky to have the opportunity to work with people from all around the world, so I would personally say I have learnt so much from every of them, about their cultures and also about how architecture works in different part of the world.

 

LUELLA YU

Luella_BB_Fox_finalWhere are you from?

Shanghai in east of China.

Where did you study?

I studied my master’s degree in architecture at UNSW and graduated in 2012. Prior to this I studied architecture and project management in China.

Why did you move to Australia?

I moved to Australia in 2010 to advance my career and seek growth opportunities.

What do you enjoy about living in Australia?

The natural environment and weather.

What do you do at DesignInc?

I joined DesignInc at the end of 2016 as a senior architect. I am working on the Newcastle Airport project at the moment and am designing NSW’s future.

What do you enjoy most about the culture at DesignInc?

The very friendly colleagues and Friday night drinks.

What does cultural diversity bring to a working environment? 

It allows an organisation to offer a broader and more adaptable range of products and services.

 

Harmony Day is just one of the many events that DesignInc celebrates in acknowledgement of diversity and inclusiveness. Other events include Australia Day, NAIDOC Week, Diwali and International Women’s Day. Our team are also avid charity supporters, contributing to Cancer Council’s Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea and National Breast Cancer Foundation’s Pink Ribbon Breakfast and participating in MS Sydney Wollongong Charity Bike Ride and Mystery Box Rally.