Darshana Thapa Email & Phone Number

I am a passionate advocate for preserving cultural and built heritage and am working towards becoming a Conservation Architect. In 2023, I completed a Bachelor of Design (Interior Architecture) (Honours) at Swinburne University and was awarded the Excellence in Design Award for achieving the highest GPA (grade point average) in the graduating class.In 2024 I became a University of Melbourne student in the Master of Urban and Cultural Heritage program. This program taught me the fundamental principles of heritage conservation by examining case studies across various international, national and local contexts. I explored the possibilities of digital technologies for documenting heritage sites and completed a Heritage Industry Internship with Conservation Studio, where I now work as a Heritage and Research Consultant. I thoroughly enjoy being involved in as many opportunities as possible to protect, preserve and raise awareness about the value of heritage. Since July 2022 I have been a National Trust of Australia (Victoria) Volunteer. I have also had the incredible opportunity to attend two Traditional Building Conservation Summer Schools this year. The Longford Academy in Tasmania was a great opportunity to learn about traditional building materials and conservation approaches. The Kings Foundation Summer School Program in Scotland was an incredible three weeks of hands-on learning about traditional building crafts and their vital role in preserving heritage in the 21st Century. While in the UK, I also visited multiple National Trust Properties and participated in a SPAB Brick conservation workshop.I look forward to whatever opportunities 2025 will bring as I continue on my journey to becoming a Conservation Architect.