AT JUST 25, Amy Snyders life has already been filled with rich experiences, bold moves, and big dreams. Born in Durban, South Africa, Amy’s early years were shaped by her mother’s creative textile printing business and her father’s role as an accountant. In 2007, when Amy was just eight, her family made the life-changing move to Australia, settling in Ferny Grove, Brisbane. The decision was driven by the desire for a safer environment and better opportunities, given the crime and corruption in South Africa at the time.
While her memories of her early years in South Africa are faint, Amy’s life in Australia soon took centre stage. She excelled in her studies at school and ultimately found her passion for creativity nurtured at the Queensland Academy of Creative Industries. There, Amy focused on visual arts and design technology, driven by a strong work ethic instilled by her South African upbringing. Her mother’s mantra, “Nothing comes easy, you have to work for it,” is one Amy continues to live by today.
At fourteen, Amy landed her first job at McDonald’s, working her way up to a shift manager by the time she left five years later. This early taste of responsibility and leadership set the foundation for what was to come. After completing her Bachelor of Architecture at the University of Queensland, Amy made the bold decision to spend her final year of study abroad in Germany, an experience that would profoundly shape her worldview.
Her love for creativity and problem-solving naturally led her to architecture. “I’ve always had a solution-based brain,” Amy explains. “Architecture felt like the perfect blend of creativity and logic.” Now, with a completed master’s degree in architecture under her belt, she’s on the path to becoming a registered architect – a process that involves rigorous self-driven study, logbooks, and exams. For Amy, the journey toward registration is another step toward her goal of contributing to the community in meaningful ways through her designs.
In 2020, as the world grappled with the impacts of COVID-19, Amy moved to Hervey Bay for a job at Keystone Architects. It wasn’t part of her original plan – she thought she’d only stay for 18 months – but three years later, Amy is still here and thriving. “Working regionally has given me such a broad range of experience,” she shares. “I’ve worked on everything from schools to commercial buildings, learning how each space is used differently but always for the people who inhabit them.”
Amy is deeply passionate about shaping the future of her community and has ambitious dreams ahead. While her ultimate goal is to run her own architecture firm, for now, she's fully embracing every opportunity to learn and grow. With each new project, Amy is soaking up valuable experiences that will help pave the way for her bright future.
On a personal level, one of her dreams is to contribute to the development of the Esplanade. She envisions higher-density buildings that cater to young professionals, as well as creating a more vibrant nightlife and transforming parts of the Esplanade into pedestrian-friendly spaces. These ideas, Amy admits, are still just that – ideas – but she hopes they’ll come to fruition one day.
Beyond her career, Amy is deeply involved with the Hervey Bay Surf Lifesaving Club. She joined to meet people her age, but it quickly became a key part of her life. As a volunteer, Amy runs development camps and programs, contributing at both the local and state levels. Surf lifesaving, for Amy, is not just about keeping the beach safe – it’s another way to connect with her community.
Amy looks forward to life’s challenges. Whether she’s training for a triathlon, writing leadership programs, or working on her architecture registration, Amy’s commitment to pushing herself forward is clear. With big dreams and a heart for her community, there’s no doubt Amy’s story is only just beginning.
By Kim Parnell
from What’s On Fraser Coast
