Job Title: Architectural Assistant
Employer: Croudace Homes Limited
Job: Architectural Technician
About my job
What does your department do?
Within the design department our main objective is to produce design drawings and reports for sites that have been purchased to obtain planning permission. This can include producing site layouts, house types and performing public consultation exhibitions; where our designs and strategies for each development are presented to the public. In addition the department also produces visualisations for sales brochures and the specifications to be used inside each of our homes.
What do you do on a day-to-day basis?
My specific role is to develop a site ready for a planning application. This involves designing and drawing up site layouts, street scenes and house types for each specific site. Additionally my role includes presenting at public exhibitions and co-ordinating the production of planning specific reports such as; ecological reports, transport assessments, flood risk assessments and drainage strategies.
Once a site I am working on has gained planning permission my role develops into assisting the technical department with planning and design specific issues relating to the producing of working and engineering drawings.
What do you like about what you do?
One specific aspect that I enjoy doing in my job is the challenge of producing site layout designs that are functional, that comply with all planning policies and are also attractive places to live. Another aspect of my job that I enjoy is the ability to see my designs come to fruition. It gives me a great sense of achievement seeing the spaces I have designed being used.
Why did you choose this career?
I chose this career because I wanted to be able to design places and spaces that will be used by individuals on a daily basis. Furthermore this career has also allowed me to utilise my creative and technical abilities through my architectural designs.
What qualifications did you need to get this job?
To become an Architectural Assistant it was necessary for me to gain a degree in Architecture including RIBA part 1 qualification and also a Masters of Architecture degree with a RIBA part 2 qualification.
Additionally to progress towards becoming an Architect I will need to complete a RIBA part 3 qualification.
Is there any particular advice you would give to someone looking for a career in your area of work?
When designing spaces it is important to find a balance between utilising your creative imagination and considering how these spaces will be used.
Questions & Answers
What hobbies or interests do you have?
I enjoy photography, painting, computer programming, watching rugby and football and playing golf.
What’s your favourite type of music?
Indie, Pop, Classical and Jazz.
What’s your favourite film / film genre?
Science Fiction films.
Where’s your favourite place to go on holiday?
Hong Kong, Barcelona
