Breaking ground in architecture

Ro Iva Batikara has always been fascinated by buildings and how they are put together.

From a young age, she was curious about the anatomy of a building and how an idea could evolve from a simple drawing into a space people use every day.

That curiosity led her to pursue a career in architecture. Today she is the project manager at tropicX design studio in Nadi.

Six years ago, Ro Iva, 28, joined tropicX design studio in Nadi as an architectural intern. Since then, she has grown with the company while completing her studies and developing both personally and professionally.

Ro Iva is one of the eleven vibrant ladies that is part of the company.

“tropicX has been more than just a workplace. It has supported me throughout my journey, both personally and professionally,” she said.

“The company encouraged me to continue my education, provided opportunities to work on diverse projects and exposed me to overseas collaborations with international consultants, allowing me to broaden my knowledge and experience.”

Ro Iva said one of the things she appreciated most was the company’s commitment to supporting women in the architectural industry.

“tropicX creates an environment where women are encouraged to grow, take on responsibility and pursue leadership opportunities. Having that support has given me the confidence to continue developing my career while embracing new challenges,” she said.

The mother of one is from Serua Island in the province of Serua.

She attended CMF Primary School before moving to Yat Sen Secondary School. She later studied a Diploma in Architectural Drafting at Fiji National University in 2019 and graduated with a Diploma in Project Management from the University of the South Pacific in 2023.

Her journey has not always been easy.

Architecture is a demanding profession, with long hours, tight deadlines and constant problem-solving. More recently, becoming a mother and returning to work while caring for her five-year-old daughter has been one of her greatest challenges.

“Learning to balance motherhood with a career in architecture has tested me in ways I never expected, but it has also made me stronger, more resilient and more appreciative of the support I have received from my family and my colleagues at tropicX,” she said.

Ro Iva encouraged young women interested in architecture to believe in themselves and embrace every opportunity to learn.

Is it tough to be in the architectural industry?

The architectural industry is both rewarding and demanding, requiring strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to balance client expectations, budgets, timelines, and technical requirements.

I’ve been fortunate to have Raymond Prasad, Director of tropicX Design Studio, as a mentor.

His guidance and encouragement have helped me navigate the challenges of the profession and grow in confidence.

I’m also grateful to tropicX family for supporting my professional development and providing opportunities to learn, take on new responsibilities, and build my career.

Are there any challenges you find yourself in this career?

One of the biggest challenges I have experienced in this career is balancing the demanding nature of architecture with my personal life, especially as a new mother.

Architecture often involves long working hours, tight deadlines, and managing multiple projects while coordinating with clients, consultants, and contractors.

Has motherhood had an impact on your career journey?

Returning to work after having my daughter meant learning how to balance the responsibilities of motherhood with the expectations of a fast-paced profession.

It hasn’t always been easy, but it has taught me to be more organised, adaptable, and resilient.

Despite the challenges, I find it incredibly rewarding to continue pursuing a career I am passionate about while also embracing motherhood.

Do you think it will be wise to have a body for women in architecture?

I know some initiatives support women in engineering, such as networking events and mentoring programmes, and I think architecture could benefit from something similar.

A dedicated network for women in architecture could provide mentorship, professional development, and a platform to share experiences, encourage young women entering the profession, and support women as they navigate different stages of their careers, including leadership and motherhood.

What is your message to the women out there, eager to take up architecture?

If you’re passionate about architecture, don’t let anything hold you back from pursuing it. It is a challenging profession, but it is also one of the most rewarding.

There will be long hours, obstacles, and moments that push you outside your comfort zone, but those experiences will shape you into a stronger professional.

Stay curious, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek support from those around you. Believe in your abilities, because your ideas, creativity, and perspective have the power to shape communities and inspire future generations.

Feedback: waisean@fijisun.com.fj