Since 2015, Wendy of Sonder Communities has delivered and supported international teaching programs that integrate architectural education with community engagement, cultural knowledge and place‑based design. Working in partnership with Australian universities, these programs enable students to work directly with communities, develop context‑responsive design approaches and engage with diverse cultural and environmental settings.

Wendy’s approach is shaped by her earlier role as an Australian Volunteers for Development (AVD) volunteer with the Vanuatu Cultural Centre and the Department of Tourism from 2012–2015. During this time she worked closely with chiefs, community leaders and cultural fieldworkers, building long‑standing relationships and deep understanding of traditional and contemporary building practices. These foundations continue to guide the teaching programs delivered through Sonder Communities.

Through design studios, field intensives and collaborative workshops, students explore themes including climate resilience, vernacular construction, cultural heritage, post‑disaster recovery and sustainable housing. Programs have included short‑term teaching periods in Vanuatu, where students work alongside chiefs, community leaders and local practitioners to understand traditional knowledge systems and the social role of architecture.

These programs reflect a sustained commitment to experiential learning, cross‑cultural collaboration and research‑integrated teaching. As part of Sonder Communities’ service delivery, they support universities, governments and private‑sector organisations to design, coordinate and deliver meaningful international learning and capacity‑building experiences that strengthen participants’ understanding of place, culture and community‑led design in remote and international settings.