National Apprenticeship Week is a good reminder that there is more than one route into architecture.
PlanBEE has become a consistent part of studio life, with students joining project teams and contributing to live work as part of their placement.
Towards the end of last year, Ava Wong spent four months with us through the programme. During that time, she worked across a range of projects, supporting everything from site analysis and BIM audits to planning drawing packages.
As Ava shared:
“From site analysis to BIM audits, in the last four months I’ve had the chance to dive into a variety of projects and work alongside Architects, Interior Designers and ATs.
‘People Architecture’ couldn’t be clearer, in both the design approach and the studio culture. Everyone has been so welcoming, and I feel incredibly lucky to have spent a placement here.
I have really enjoyed working on leisure centres, and one of my favourite projects has been helping with the planning drawings for Farnborough Leisure Centre.”
At the start of this year, Zac Merrick joined the studio through PlanBEE and has continued that hands-on approach. From setting up drawing sheets and beginning technical packages to researching precedent studies for internal layouts and façades, he has been embedded within project teams from day one.
As Zac reflects:
“Throughout PlanBEE, I’ve found working on real projects so rewarding. Seeing something being built and knowing you’ve contributed is a great feeling.
I’ve been setting up drawing sheets, beginning technical work, researching precedent studies and starting to develop sections of a Design and Access Statement.
Attending CPDs, design team meetings and cluster catchups has helped me understand how projects move forward collaboratively.
I haven’t been here very long, but I’ve already experienced and learnt so much. I’ve settled in well and feel part of the team.”
PlanBEE students are part of the team. They’re in meetings, on drawings and contributing to live work.
Opening up different routes into practice brings fresh perspectives into the studio and keeps learning part of the everyday.
