As part of my Architecture undergraduate degree, I had the opportunity to complete placements at two professional practices1. These experiences complemented my academic studies, creating a continuous cycle of learning that allowed me to apply, test and strengthen my knowledge in real-world settings. By moving between university and practice, I developed a well-rounded skillset that integrated academic understanding with professional experience.
Understanding architectural practice
My first placement, at Mitchell Eley Gould, provided an invaluable first introduction to architectural practice. During my time there, I contributed to a diverse range of live projects across different sectors, scales and stages of development. This experience gave me a greater appreciation of the profession and network of expertise required to successfully deliver a building project. It also strengthened my understanding of the architect's role in coordinating the many disciplines involved throughout the design and construction process.
“One of the most significant lessons I learned was that architectural design is never driven by creative ambition alone. Every decision is influenced by a range of interconnected factors."
These factors can include planning regulations, heritage and listed-building constraints, technical input from consultants, construction feasibility, client requirements, budget, environmental considerations such as sustainability and biodiversity, and the needs of the wider community. Recognising how these competing requirements must be carefully balanced gave me a far more realistic understanding of architectural practice beyond the studio environment.
Learning from heritage
As my first placement was in Bath, it provided me with a unique opportunity to work within a historic city with such a distinctive visual and architectural identity. I experienced first-hand the complexities of designing within a highly sensitive heritage context, while also contributing to its continued evolution.
It was particularly valuable to observe how contemporary architecture can respond thoughtfully to heritage while embracing modern construction methods and sustainable design strategies. Learning to navigate the balance between old and new so early in my architectural education provided a rigorous foundation that continues to shape both my academic work and professional experience.
A new way of thinking
By the time I began my second placement, I had already developed a broad foundation within architectural practice. This gave me the confidence to explore a more specialised area of personal interest.
After speaking with the faculty’s placement team, they encouraged me to explore opportunities within adjacent industries, not just traditional architectural practices. This led me to my second placement at an architectural visualisation firm. I had been introduced to architectural visualisation during my degree and was particularly curious to explore it further.
Experiencing projects through other architects’ ideas, rather than developing them directly, gave me valuable insight into how architectural ideas can be translated into compelling visual narratives. This complimented my first placement and broadened my understanding of the architectural profession. I feel particularly fortunate to have been able to experience such a unique learning opportunity, which continues to influence the way I approach and communicate my own work.
Looking ahead
After returning to university from placement, I approached my studio projects with greater confidence and a more integrated understanding of architecture. The breadth of experience I had gained helped me identify the areas of the profession that I found most inspiring. It has given me a nuanced understanding of the practical, social and technical realities within architecture.
As I now continue to the next stage of my architectural education by beginning my master’s degree, the skills and outlook I have developed through my undergraduate studies and placement experiences have strengthened my ability to approach increasingly complex projects in a holistic and considered manner. These experiences have provided me with a strong foundation for the greater complexity, depth and critical engagement required at postgraduate level.