Case studies: Architectural assistant: Steven

Since joining his employer, Steven has been involved in designing a courthouse, requiring him to draw up details of the building and provide drawings for the planning applications.

Steven did design technology, geography and physics at A-level with the aim of going on to study architecture at university.

Whilst studying for his degree in architecture and planning, Steven undertook a variety of interesting projects, including designing a set for a play and a museum. Although Steven enjoyed the degree, it was hard work, with design modules taking up three days and planning modules taking up the rest of the week. There were also interdisciplinary modules to complete that involved being alongside other professionals such as those from real estate, construction, planning and building surveying.

During the final year of his degree, Steven started looking for a placement for stage one of his professional practice. His degree provided support for this in the form of lectures on work in practice, which covered subjects such as what to expect during placements and what individuals should try to gain from the experience.

Steven was keen to remain in the city where he studied, so he trawled through the websites of local architects and made a shortlist of those that were potentially suitable. He then made speculative approaches by emailing a CV, covering letter and samples of his work. He was mindful of using examples that showed both how he could use CAD and his drawing abilities.

He chose his current employer because he liked their multidisciplinary approach. Steven found the interview fairly relaxed, but pointed out that this is not always the case, and that friends had undergone more rigorous interviews where employers had taken a very critical approach to their work. Steven was asked about what he was hoping to gain from the placement and why he wanted to work for the company. He was also invited to talk through his portfolio, and was asked what projects he had been involved in and which computer programs he could use.

Since joining the company, Steven has been involved in designing a courthouse, requiring him to draw up details of the building and provide drawings for the planning applications. He also writes numerous specifications: there are many environmental requirements and reports have to be written to demonstrate that standards are being met. Steven also attends weekly design meetings to discuss issues with the various consultants working on the project, such as structural engineers and building service engineers.

Steven is enjoying his placement which involves a real variety of work. Alongside his main project, he has been involved in work on a fire station, various schools and government buildings.

Steven feels that one needs to be genuinely committed in order to be a successful architect. Although enjoyable and challenging, the work is hard and there is the lengthy qualification process. In addition, one often has to work over and above the usual hours in order to meet deadlines. Steven states that design skills are obviously a key requirement for an architect, but that good communication skills are also crucial, since much of the work involves discussing and selling work to clients.