Leader Spotlight #16 - Shanica Saenrak Hall

Shanica Saenrak Hall, a Thai-Australian heritage, leads Northrop Consulting Engineers as a Senior Sustainability Consultant, with a pathway into Group Manager and multiple industry leadership roles.

1. Background and Inspiration: Could you share your journey into the property and construction industry and the key experiences that shaped your passion for this field?

I began my career as an architect, then I realised I wanted to do more by advocating through design. When I was on my second maternity leave for my second daughter, I earned additional credentials to fulfil my desire to make a difference. Growing up in Thailand, I was surrounded by both science and creativity: my father, a medical science lecturer, and my mother, an interior designer. That duality inspired me to innovate.

As part of the WELL Health-Equity Advisory, I was exposed to the ideas of design that directly support diverse and vulnerable communities. On the Green Star ‘People & Wellbeing’ Expert Reference Panel, I contribute to embedding equity and health in its rating systems. Through the Technical Working Group of the Living Future Institute of Australia, I support contextualising the regenerative Living Building Challenge. As Chapter Co-Chair of the Australian Passivhaus Association, I advocate for a high-performance design system.

I also serve on the Property Council of Australia's Sustainability Committee and the Australian Institute of Architects' Environment Advisory Group and Sustainable Architecture Committee. These roles allow me to influence policy, tools, education, and strategies that put equity and sustainability at the heart of practice.

2. Leadership Strategies: In your leadership role, what strategies do you use to incorporate diverse cultural perspectives, and how do these align with-or differ from-approaches you see in the wider industry?

Leadership is about creating the conditions for others to thrive. That means listening deeply, connecting authentically, and empowering diverse voices. Inclusive, multicultural teams don’t just reflect the world we live in — they generate stronger and more resilient ideas.

My leadership spans practice, industry, and advocacy. Across each, I show that sustainability and equity must be embedded at every level. My journey has been about breaking barriers — as a woman, as a migrant, and as a leader — and demonstrating that our perspectives are not just valid but vital.

As I begin at Northrop, I am grounding my leadership in my strengths — advocacy, client engagement, and project delivery — while also learning the culture and building strong foundations before stepping into a Group Manager role. This is what sustainable leadership looks like: timing and context aligned for long-term impact.

In a male-dominated industry, authenticity has been my strength. By mentoring, advocating, and modelling inclusivity, I aim to show women and multicultural professionals that they can lead powerfully and harmoniously.

Through platforms like Parlour, AIA’s Architect Victoria, and Day in the Life, I’ve amplified stories of diversity and sustainability. As a mum of two girls, I want to leave a legacy of thriving futures.

3. Future Vision: Looking ahead, what changes or initiatives do you believe would have the most impact in helping the property and construction industry better embrace multiculturalism?

I want to see a built environment where multiculturalism and sustainability are inseparable — where diverse voices shape design, leadership is inclusive, and regenerative outcomes are the norm. The future I envision is one where my daughters and the next generation thrive in communities that are fair, resilient, and inspiring.