2024 Women to Watch
This year we showcase over 80 South Australian women to watch throughout the year. From business, to careers, arts to science. This year’s selected women highlight the depth and diversity of the women in our state and also the vast array of opportunities to develop a business or career in South Australia. Find our more about our inaugural Women to Watch initiative here.
I was born and raised in the UK but with my family, moved to Australia in 2002.
Having grown up in a historically rich and much older northern hemisphere country, I found the Australian built environment vastly different from what I was accustomed to. This enhanced my passion and pushed me towards a career in Architecture (over law!!!).
// Favourite inspirational quote
“Beauty perishes in life, but is immortal in art” – Leonardo da Vinci
// Let’s get to know you
I was born and raised in the UK but with my family, moved to Australia in 2002. Having grown up in a historically rich and much older Northern hemisphere country, I found the Australian built environment vastly different from what I was accustomed to. This enhanced my passion and pushed me towards a career in Architecture (over law!!!). I’d always been a creative person, loving running around roman ruins and castles as a child. Looking at how the stone steps have worn over the hundreds of years of use, wondering how many things those buildings have witnessed. Their craftsmanship had me in awe.
My passion sits firmly in winery/cellar door/hospitality – this started with Pikes Wines Cellar Door/Slate Restaurant. I came on board and helped update a previous design to what is now built. I was heavily involved in the design, documentation and contract administration. This then led to being the lead on the Watervale Hotel development. Alkina Wines has been another favourite which includes a number of buildings (we called it their ‘village’) – two of which I was lead, and the others shared collaboration with my boss. Finally, it led to my latest project, Taylors Wines new cellar door which is a multi-million-dollar development. With Greg’s retirement I felt I had the experience and support to establish my own company, particularly with the experience of the above-mentioned jobs. I am now a Director, Architect and artists. A fur mum, avid walker and enjoy spending time with friends in the incredible region I live. Under my new company I am working on a cellar door, and outdoor pavilion for another cellar door alongside lots of residential work.
// What makes you a Woman to Watch for 2024?
I have always been an extremely hard-working woman. Whilst studying full time at University, I had a full time job, plus 4 other jobs, including Nannying, tutoring etc. My role at GP Architects started as work experience, which I did two days a week on top of my 5 days a week at my full time job at the time. This then turned into me leaving my other job to work on art, and participated in SALA before I became a full-time employee at GP Architects. I am not afraid of hard work and have always been career focused. Always looking to learn new skills and understand my profession better. Learning to build, learning from some of Australia’s greatest architects through a variety of programs (mentioned above).
I’ve been fortunate to be involved in fantastic projects such as Alkina Wines, Watervale Hotel and Taylors Wines – with the hope that these sorts of jobs continue. Helping develop our regions. I also love to be involved in movements such as the Body Positive Movement run by artist Holly Geyer. Showing women of all shapes and sizes we are beautiful. Giving us confidence and building new friendships.
// What is your goal or intention for the year ahead? And how are you going to achieve it?
Establish my business in order to continue the work I have been doing in the region for over a decade. I have a love for wineries and cellar doors, hospitality and residential – so want to focus my architecture here. I’d like to grow so that I can provide employment opportunities to others, and give students the same opportunity of work experience Greg afforded me.
// What challenges might you face this year or have you faced previously?
When first working in the industry I found it was male dominated. Trades and even clients often didn’t listen, respect or consider my opinions. Over the years I’ve pushed hard and proven that I am good at what I do. I am now heard and have gained the respect necessary to have the confidence in myself, but also instill confidence in my clients that I am the right person for the role.
The biggest challenges are learning how to run a business and be ultimately responsible for everything I do. Whilst I have led projects I think it will also be challenging to lead a team – learn the dynamics that come with business ownership.
// What would you like to see for the future of South Australian women and girls?
It might be a little out of tune – but I think we need to encourage and support EVERYONE (women, girls, boys, men, LGBTQ etc) I think it’s important for everyone to be given the opportunities they deserve to follow their dreams. I would like to see more women supporting other women – in the same way that I have experienced.
Get in touch with Kristina:
LinkedIn: Kristina Soggee
Website: Livingstone Studio
Check out all of the incredible Women to Watch for 2024 here as their profiles are uploaded throughout the year.
To become an SA Woman Member, check out our Membership Options here.