Sarah Lebner
Winner of the National Emerging Architect Prize of 2020.
Sarah joined the Light House team in 2013 with a drive for exploring evidence-based solutions for affordable energy efficient housing, and a determination to develop new systems for delivering well designed homes to everyday people. She spent the first few years with us building our unique modular design process which is aimed at helping people access quality design solutions and building science services through a streamlined approach to design, optimization, communication and costing. Sarah stepped into the role of Principal Architect in 2016.
Outside of work, Sarah was shortlisted for international urban design competition ‘CAPIThetical’ in 2012, placed second in the ACT Light Rail Station Ideas Competition in 2013, and sat on the Design Advisory Panel for Capital Metro Stage One. She regularly tutors at the University of Canberra and sits on the local Chapter Council for the Australian Institute of Architects. However, Sarah is most proud of her toilet building experience across three continents, in Kenya, the Solomon Islands, and on the Murray River.
Recently, Sarah has published a book: 101 Things I Didn't Learn in Architecture School (and wish I had known before my first job). This project is connected to an online resource she manages for Australian architecture students and graduates called My First Architecture Job.
Qualifications
Master of Architecture, University of Canberra
Bachelor of Arts (Architecture), University of Canberra
Awards
2020 | Australian Institute of Architects - National Emerging Architect Prize
2020 | HIA Australian GreenSmart Energy Efficiency, White House (Sarah was project architect)
2020 | ACT Institute of Architects - Emerging Architect Prize
2019 | HIA ACT/Sthn NSW Residential Building Designer of the Year, Gingerbrick House (Sarah was project architect)
2017 | 2018 HIA Australian GreenSmart Sustainable Home of the Year, Jenny’s House (Sarah was project architect)
2016 | Commendation, ACT AIA New Home Awards, Claire’s House (Sarah was project architect)
2015 | Future Leader Award, National Association of Women In Construction, ACT Chapter
2014 | AIA Canberra Light Rail Design Ideas Competition - Second (with Kate Shepherd)
2013 | AIA Daryl Jackson Alastair Swayne Graduate Prize
2012 | 'Capithetical' International Design Competition - Shortlisted, Centenary of Canberra
2012 | ActewAGL Award for Environmental and Cultural Sustainability, ActewAGL
2012 | Finalist - Bluescope Steel Glenn Murcutt Student Design Award, Bluescope Steel
2012 | AIA Prize for Achievement in Fourth Year Architecture, Australian Institute of Architects
Committees
AIA ACT Chapter Council Member
AIA Emerging Architects Mentoring Scheme, ACT Chapter
University of Canberra Architecture Program Course Advisory Member
Work experience
2013 - present | Lead Architect, Light House Architecture & Science
2014 - present | Design Advisory Panel Member, Light Rail Project, Transport Canberra
2017 | Sessional Tutor in Architecture Studio, University of Canberra
2014 | Sessional Tutor in Architecture Practice, University of Canberra
2013 | Sessional Tutor in Sustainable Environmental Technology, University of Canberra
2009 - 2013 | Graduate Architect, Stewart Architecture
2011 | University of Canberra SONA Representative
2009 | Student of Architecture, Philip Leeson Architect
2008 - 2009 | Australian & New Zealand Student Architecture Congress, 'RE:HAB'