Argentine architect brings unique style to designing 700 homes at Lake Wyangan

Griffith has a growing Argentine population whose members are plugging skill gaps in our wineries, farms, factories and the building sector.

This includes Sofia Lafuente, 32, an architect who is a key player in one of the biggest housing projects in the town’s history – designing 700 “turnkey” homes at Lake Wyangan. The ambitious Lake Gardens Estate is being built by veteran property developer Zep Lanza and his partner James Scremin of JZ Homes.

Ms Lafuente grew up in the predominantly Indigenous town of Salta, near Bolivia, and already has an impressive resume of funky and unorthodox designs of buildings from around the world.

Region caught up with her to find out about her proudest achievement, Lake Wyangan vision, passion for Indigenous rights and career goals.

What’s brought you to Griffith?

We came to Australia from Argentina after travelling around Asia. A lot of Argentines are coming here because the economic situation back home isn’t good.

Our friends were in Griffith and they told us there are plenty of jobs in this town. We initially worked at Casella Winery for the vintage.

But I really wanted to find work as an architect. I sent my portfolio everywhere throughout Australia before I secured a job for JZ Homes.

Is there a project you’ve done of which you’re particularly proud?

I designed a farmhouse for a bean producer on the border with Bolivia. It was in the middle of nowhere, so I had to put a lot of effort into it. It was elevated off the ground to suit the hot climate and because there are a lot of snakes and animals around.

You say you’re passionate about Indigenous rights. Why is that?

My mother died of cancer when I was eight. We had an Aboriginal woman from the mountains who lived with us, she became my Andean grandmother, she looked after me, which allowed me to connect with her people and appreciate the importance of their culture.

The farmhouse I designed was close to an Indigenous village and I spent a lot of time with them. I understood and appreciated how respectful they are towards people.

What do you like about JZ Homes and the Lake Wyangan project?

Their vision of their projects really attracted me. We have the same values. I don’t like to do houses all the same, just ticking boxes and moving on. The idea in Lake Wyangan is to make every house different and to do something really nice.

What are Zep Lanza and James Scremin like as bosses?

I don’t feel like they’re my bosses. They are more like my Tios, the Spanish word for uncles. I feel like I can tell them anything. If I have a racy idea, they’re willing to listen.

We are all on the same page of what we’re trying to achieve — making the effort to understand what people want and to suit all budgets. The idea is to make houses affordable for everyone.

Have you learned much Australian slang here?

I’ve learned people say ‘sweet’, when they like something. People don’t say it’s good, they say ‘not too bad’.

But they also say ‘all good’ a lot. I also learned the phrase ‘croc of s***’ but that’s not good.

Would you recommend architecture as a career students who have just finished Year 12?

I love it. For me, I like how you have the responsibility to create a place for people to live. I have the feeling that I can make people happy, and if you create happiness it multiplies. When you see a beautiful house built, it’s very satisfying.

What would be your ultimate career dream?

My idea is to continue working for Australia and thus be able to have a foundation to be able to do projects for people who need them but can’t pay for them (including Indigenous communities in South America). I have a pending project in the north of Argentina, but I know that setting up a foundation and getting funding will be a longer-term project. But that is my ultimate dream, to have a foundation and do projects all over the world.

For now, I’m putting all my energy in Lake Wyangan. We are trying to do something really special. I’d like to stay in Australia and have my base in Griffith. I have my uncles [Zep and James] here now.