What’s your role at StudiO and what does it involve?

I’m a Junior Architectural Technologist and Architectural Assistant. Since joining StudiO in early 2025, I’ve worked closely with our Senior Architectural Technologist and collaborated with the rest of the team, contributing to all stages of StudiO projects, from initial concept through to completion. My focus is largely on early project phases, transforming survey drawings and concept sketches into BIM (Building Information Modelling) models and developing drawing packages throughout each stage. I also support contract administration, attend site meetings and monitor on-site progress. Working with the entire StudiO team allows me to learn from a wide range of skill sets, continually broadening my knowledge and perspective.

When and how did you first become interested in architecture, construction and becoming a technologist?

I have always been creative and wanted to pursue a creative career path, even though I wasn’t sure what form it would take. When travelling, I found myself drawn to how architecture shapes the character and atmosphere of a place, creating unique experiences. 

While exploring career options, I discovered an apprenticeship opportunity and went on to complete a three-year programme in Construction and the Built Environment. I was initially most interested in the architectural design process – the most creative aspect of the industry. Working in practice has enabled me to understand and contribute to these stages of a project while also becoming more engaged with the technicalities of design and construction.

What do you find most interesting about your work?

I’ve become increasingly involved in the technical aspects of architecture, having followed a project from Planning through to Building Control and now construction on site. I’ve particularly enjoyed learning how buildings function and understanding the rationale behind how they are constructed. 

For example, I carried out a site inspection to look into the cause of a damp problem. I got to inspect the inside of a cavity wall with a senior technologist, examining and discussing the issue. I found it really interesting, finding the problem and working out the best solution to fix it. I have also enjoyed going on site visits. Seeing buildings take shape has made me eager to deepen my knowledge and further develop my technical understanding of building design and construction.

How are you pursuing your interest in technical design?

This year I started a degree course in BSc (Hons) Architectural Design Technology. The course is part-time, so I am still working full-time at StudiO, allowing me to expand my knowledge and understanding through studying and working in practice. 

In my first semester, I have mainly delved into sustainable approaches to construction, applying this for given case-study scenarios covering new construction technologies and the retrofitting of existing buildings.

What’s your favourite part of the architectural process, and why?

I love creating 3D BIM models, starting with the existing building, testing conceptual ideas, and bringing them to life within the context of the site. This software also helps me to better understand and visualise construction elements, as each component can be viewed in varying levels of detail in both 2D and 3D. I find this process particularly rewarding, as it allows me to explore design solutions and improve coordination between different building elements, while also developing a stronger understanding of how a project will be constructed in reality. 

How big a role does collaboration play in your work?

As a junior member of the team, I have found collaboration a major part of the drive that pushes me forward to learn and understand each aspect of the industry. The StudiO team covers multiple specialist roles, which allows me to expand my understanding of the whole process of a project. Working alongside a senior architectural technologist has allowed me to learn the site processes when collaborating with consultants within the construction stages.

Tell us about a StudiO project that has been particularly rewarding to work on and why.

I am really enjoying working on Orchard House, a contemporary extension to a historic cottage that originally inherited a stables and workers’ accommodation. It has been really satisfying to bring hand-drawn indicative concept sketches to life through BIM modelling and render processes, providing a visual representation of the proposed design for our client. It has also been really interesting to research the history and importance of the estate as part of the pre-application development process.

Another project I’m really enjoying is Chinook Stables, at Icart. I did the planning drawings and then produced a set of technical drawings. Although stables may seem basic at first glance, the structure is quite complex, compromising a steel portal frame with hit-and-miss cladding exterior and brick interior up to eaves. It also requires retaining within the varying levels of the ground. This project has allowed me to utilise the drawing tools on Revit to show a 3D model of the technical elements within the structure. This process was particularly rewarding and I learnt many new skills through working on it.

How would you like to see your work evolve in the next few years?

I would like to continue becoming more confident and knowledgeable in the technical aspects of architectural design. As I progress in my role and continue my BSc (Hons) in Architectural Design Technology, I look forward to developing a stronger understanding of construction, materials, building regulations and technical detailing so that I can provide more informed reasoning and guidance when developing design solutions.

I would also like to develop my knowledge in sustainable approaches to construction, considering the environmental impact of materials, energy efficiency and the long-term performance of buildings. Ultimately, I would like to become a more well-rounded architectural technologist who can contribute confidently to both the design and technical development of projects, while continuing to learn and take on greater responsibility within the practice.

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