How did you get your job?
I found out about the role through an email sent by a lecturer at Newcastle University advertising the position. As part of the application process, I submitted a curated portfolio showcasing projects I had completed during my studies.
I was then interviewed by a senior architect, where we discussed my portfolio and talked through my work in detail.
What's a typical working day like?
I am currently working alongside the lead architect on a project involving two high‑risk apartment blocks in Slough. The project focuses on the full façade remediation of both buildings and is currently at RIBA Stage 4 (Technical Design).
A typical day usually starts with a quick catch‑up with the lead architect, where we go over what needs doing. I've mainly been working in Revit, producing typical existing and proposed details at a 1:20 scale. A lot of this work has involved revisiting proposal drawings and updating them after opening‑up works showed that some parts of the buildings didn't match the original drawings.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I really enjoy the balance between independent and collaborative working in this role.
Some days, I work independently to produce and format drawings, while on others I am
required to present my work to a wider project team, including:
- contractors
- fire engineers
- mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) engineers.
These discussions help ensure that everyone is working towards the shared goals set out in the project brief.
What are the challenges?
I've found managing and organising large amounts of information challenging, although this is something I'm gradually becoming more confident with.
I've been working with proposed drawings for existing apartments, but many of these changed as the project moved through the application and construction stages. As a result, I've had to carefully work through hundreds of drawings, alongside opening‑up reports and photos, to build up an accurate picture of what was actually there.
How is your degree relevant?
My architecture degree is highly relevant to my role, as the course required us to design in line with the Building Safety Act. This knowledge has transferred directly into my current work and has become second nature in my day‑to‑day tasks.
How will your role develop and what are your career ambitions?
Working in a multidisciplinary practice has given me a much better understanding of the different roles that sit within architecture. Although I'm currently on the path to becoming an architect, seeing how technicians and technologists work has helped me appreciate the variety of careers available.
During my studies, I was always more drawn to the technical side of projects, especially detailing, as that's where my ideas started to feel real. Working closely with the technical teams has only strengthened that interest and has made me think more carefully about my career options. Because of this, I'm now starting to consider whether a CIAT qualification might suit me better than following the more traditional RIBA route.
What advice can you give to others wanting to get into this job?
- Don't be afraid to ask questions. You're in this role to gain practical experience after university, so ask questions whenever you're unsure and make notes as you go.
- Research the type of architecture you're interested in early on and use this to guide the projects you choose at university. The work you produce will form your portfolio, and having projects that align with a specific sector can make you more appealing to employers.
- Talk to colleagues about their routes to qualification or chartership. Hearing about different career paths, such as RIBA or The Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT), can open up options and opportunities you may not have been aware of before starting the role.
Find out more
- Discover how to become an architect
- Explore the salary and responsibilities of an architect.
- Check out what the UK's property and construction industry has to offer.