After completing his Part 1 and gaining industry experience, Victor is studying the Master of Architecture (MArch), a Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) accredited Part 2 course, at The Bartlett School of Architecture (UCL)
At school, and in my own time, I found an interest in art and design. I was also interested in problem solving and figuring out practical solutions for things.
Initially, I was interested in studying fine art. However, architecture seemed a more pragmatic and better-suited option for me, both career-wise and because I would enjoy it. I was also drawn to engineering, but I decided to go with architecture to focus on my keen interest in design.
Part 1 primarily teaches you how to approach and carry out design. In most universities, an architecture undergraduate is primarily a creative course, where you really develop skills such as:
While Part 1 does teach you the essentials of how a building is put together and introduces you to processes and legislations that architectural practice is based on, the focus is on training your creativity and critical thinking. These are skills which are very transferable and useful for many other careers.
As an architectural assistant, I learned both technical skills and practical work skills.
You start to quickly become an expert in whatever software your firm uses. In my case, I worked at Stanton Williams, which uses Revit. I had little to no knowledge of how to use Revit when I started, but by the end of my year out, I was able to model quite complex things and use it quite independently. I also had little formal Revit training, and I learned through colleagues helping me in the office.
In my Part 1 year out, I also really developed my design skills and overall understanding of how a building is put together. It sounds like an obvious thing, but you really don't fully grasp it until you work in practice. I have a much sharper eye for detail and structure now.
Finally, I also find that my communication skills are much better. In practice, we worked a lot on laying out and presenting ideas to clients quite simply and effectively. Being able to not only condense an idea into its most important parts but also convey it effectively is a really useful skill I gained.
Going back to university after having worked a full-time job is very challenging. Design-wise, I had become accustomed to the pragmatic, rational mindset that architectural practice demands, and breaking out of that into the university design mindset takes time and conscious effort.
My lifestyle had also changed after graduating and going into full-time work. A job gives you a strong routine, more financial independence, and almost a clear sense of momentum. Having to leave your working life just when you've started to get used to it and then go back to university is a very challenging part of becoming an architect.
For a long time, I had really liked The Bartlett's work. After visiting the summer shows, I really enjoyed seeing the breadth of creativity on display.
In my undergraduate work, I relished exploring narratives in design projects, and I felt that the Bartlett was a space where I could continue doing so and push myself.
The application process is fairly quick. The admissions team are interested in seeing the work from your undergraduate studies, as well as your CV and work from practice.
The interviews are held online and usually with just one or two tutors, who are interested in hearing you talk through your work as well as why you want to study at the Bartlett and the tutors you wish to work with.
The Architecture MArch at The Bartlett is a two-year, 100% coursework-based course with no exams.
In the first year, you have three modules:
In the second year, you only have your design and thesis modules. These are typically assessed with a curated report/essay covering all your work.
Not all architecture courses are accredited by RIBA, though most are. However, it is very important to pursue an accredited degree, as you need one to become an architect.
To become a professionally accredited architect, there are three essential 'parts' you need to study:
However, some people decide not to go all the way to Part 3, instead staying in an architecture-adjacent profession that best suits their interests. Since architecture is a long course, it ends up being a personal choice what exactly you wish to do with the skills you have gained through it.
I still really enjoy doing things like reading, drawing and travelling. These are all things which indirectly help a lot with an architecture degree. Since architecture is so interdisciplinary, the broader your own interests are outside of architecture, the more your design work can benefit.
I am funding it primarily through student loans and the RIBA Part 2 Bursary. I also have some money I saved up from my time at work.
Winning the RIBA President's Bronze Medal after graduating was definitely a big achievement, and it was very special to me, since the project was quite personal.
I also think that being able to study at a university I like and receiving help, such as the RIBA Part 2 Bursary, are things I am extremely grateful for.
RIBA gives you professional credibility, which is essential for advancing your career. It means you can do things like start your own firm. RIBA also offers extensive training, resources, and networking opportunities that you can benefit from, even as a student.
I plan to continue my journey toward becoming a qualified architect, so I wish to find a job as a Part 2 architectural assistant to begin preparing to complete my Part 3.
However, I am always open to where new opportunities may take me, and I am interested in careers that are not explicitly in architecture but that build on the skills I have learned through studying architecture.
