Civil studied architecture in Auckland, and following graduation, worked as a town planner at the
Auckland City Council. She returned to her studies in 1981 and completed a PhD in 1984. She then moved to the United States for three years before returning to New Zealand and working at Claire Chambers Architects. She registered as an architect in 1989 and set up her own practice in 1990. Civil's work is primarily residential alterations, new houses and commercial projects. == References ==