Case studies: Architectural assistant: John Ball

John completed an architecture degree at Birmingham City University in 2011. After he graduated, he secured a job at an architectural practice in Birmingham.

I had three interviews lined up prior to finishing my third year, two of which went really well. I gained my interviews through university contacts, including a part-time student and a tutor. Architectural practices also approached my tutors for potential candidates for interview and I think, for me, this was the key to getting a job.

I was also given the opportunity to exhibit my work at the Trove Gallery as part of the Birmingham Architectural Association (BAA) Showcase, which gave my work some exposure and allowed me to engage with the architectural community in Birmingham. I was offered a job at Sjolander da Cruz Architects on the day of the Graduate Show at Birmingham Institute of Art and Design, and started in the office three weeks later.

My working hours are 9am to 5.30pm, but generally I will stay in the office for longer. I find myself doing a lot of drawing, mainly on the computer but I’m also encouraged to sketch, especially at the feasibility or conceptual stage of a project.

I spend most of the day working on projects that I know well and have done most of the work for. The drawing packages are checked and usually come back covered in red ink so a lot of time is spent amending drawings. Other time is spent picking up odd ends of projects that I am less familiar with. This generally includes producing 3D modelling from a plan and elevation and creating quick, effective images for clients and planners or producing sample boards, window schedules, or flooring layouts, etc.

The most enjoyable parts are when you are given some responsibility and freedom and are allowed to do some designing from first principles, rather than drawing someone else's ideas. Another rewarding aspect of my job is visiting sites to see the difference even the smallest of refurbishments can make. The way people react towards their new environment makes it seem very real.

If you would like to become an architect, I would recommend working as hard as you possibly can to get a good degree; without one it is even tougher and it is the only part of getting a job you have complete control over. I would also recommend engaging with tutors, members of staff, and if the opportunity arises, with people working in practice. Architects love to talk about their work, so you should never be short of conversation.

Don’t shy away from doing live projects for university, BAA, or any other competitions; it will always contribute to your portfolio. Make sure you are completely prepared for interviews and approach it like a review and make sure you have enough work to talk about. Don't worry if the panel questions your work or design decisions, it means they're interested in what you've done. Most of all, work hard.