Sarah Skillen is the manager at The Sustainability Society, a technical interest group of Engineering New Zealand. She works on a wide range of projects, including planning events, supporting committee initiatives, collaborating with partner organisations and shaping communications that make sustainability feel practical, relevant and empowering for members.
Her interest in the built environment started with the simple realisation that a significant portion of our lives is spent indoors. She became curious about how buildings shape wellbeing, learning and everyday life, and enrolled in a Bachelor of Architectural Studies (Architecture) at Victoria University in Wellington, followed by a Master of Architecture (Professional).
“My final year was especially pivotal as I chose to focus my thesis research on school designs using regenerative design principles. Exploring how architecture can be an educational tool that supports environmental stewardship and positive futures is something I am passionate about.” Sarah’s thesis on regenerative school design has led to presentations, publication opportunities, and national recognition.
Sarah first learned about the Building Institute when she attended DigiComm in 2023 as a student. “It was my first industry conference and a huge learning experience. From there, I joined the Institute as a student representative to help organise and promote events to students. This helped me build confidence in a professional setting and understand the value of community in this sector.”
She later joined the Young Professional Advisors committee to continue supporting the work of the Institute and to help connect students and graduates across the industry. Sarah adds, “Being involved in the Building Institute has broadened my network, developed my leadership skills, and given me opportunities to contribute in ways that feel meaningful.”
Sarah believes that nature can teach us how to be efficient, resilient and generous, and the built environment can embody that philosophy if it is used as an educational tool and not just a physical shelter. “When we design with intention, our spaces can teach, inspire, and support better outcomes for both people and our planet,” says Sarah.
Creating pathways for students and emerging professionals is something that Sarah cares about deeply. She started as a MentorMix mentee, piloted a Peer Mentorship Programme at her faculty, and organised Speed Mentoring sessions to help students connect with industry professionals. Sarah is always eager to give back and finds it incredibly rewarding to see people grow in confidence and feel supported. “The building industry is tight-knit and well-connected, and often the next connection you make is through someone you already know. If you’re early in your journey, don’t worry about having it all figured out, focus on learning, building relationships, and following the problems you care about.”
Sarah’s advice to anyone considering a career in the built environment is to find and build a support system. Meet and talk to people without expectations of where the conversation will lead. “The building sector is a place where showing up, being genuine and staying curious can open unexpected doors. You’ll be surprised how much you can learn through other people’s work, and how those conversations can lead to possibilities you may not have considered. Joining industry organisations and attending in-person events are great ways to get started.” One of Sarah’s personal favourites is attending industry events, “You may feel out of your comfort zone, but events are definitely worth trying as you will meet inspiring people and discover the many career pathways available.” For the more experienced people in the built environment, Sarah says to check in on people, tap someone on the shoulder, and be the person who notices if someone might need a bit of support, especially young graduates or new people who are finding their footing.
With more opportunities than ever for women across the building and construction sector, Sarah is thankful to the many amazing women who have paved the way, not only in architecture and engineering, but also in project management, site leadership, quantity surveying, sustainability, digital construction (BIM), policy and more.
“Industry organisations can make a real difference by backing women with practical, visible support. That can include setting up mentorship and sponsorship programmes, and actively supporting women’s participation in professional networks and industry bodies. Even small actions like funding memberships or paying for event tickets can be powerful. Groups like NAWIC, Women in Infrastructure Network, and Women in BIM are great examples of communities that help women build connections, confidence, and career momentum,” says Sarah.
With a heart for her natural environment, Sarah feels most reset when she is in nature. “I’m really interested in ecology and the natural environment. Learning how ecosystems work and spending time outdoors reminds me why sustainability matters in the first place.” She enjoys volunteering when she can, especially tree planting. “There is something incredibly grounding about doing practical mahi with others and seeing the small changes in the landscape.”
