My Part 1 Journey

Fraser, our Part 1 Architectural Assistant, took some time to reflect on his year out placement at Denham Youd. He spoke about the valuable experience he has gained, the skills he’s developed, and his thoughts on the Glasgow architecture scene.

What’s been the highlight of your year out?

My knowledge of architecture within the working world has grown vastly since starting my placement at Denham Youd. From my involvement in projects at the very initial stages, discussing with clients and evolving ideas, right through to submitting planning applications and building warrants, I have gained great experience of many aspects to the working life of an architect.

One of my highlights at Denham Youd has been designing an extension to a large house on the Isle of Arran. After helping to survey the existing house, I worked on my designs and presented them to the clients, using their feedback to tailor the designs to their requirements.

 

“Prior to my placement, at university, my design projects had always been self-led so designing to the specific needs of a client challenged me to clearly present my ideas, hold effective discussions and be realistic with possibilities.”

 

This project has been enjoyable and rewarding as the proposal has recently been granted planning permission.

 

 

What new skills have you learned? How might they benefit you going forward in the working-world and life in general?

One of my biggest learnings during my placement has been from my involvement in the Perle Hotels Staff Accommodation Project. This project encompasses the design of a four-bed staff accommodation block which is situated on two sites, with two blocks on Skye and one at Glencoe. I inherited this project at the beginning of my placement from a previous Part 1 at planning and building warrant stage and my first task was to answer building warrant points. This project was struck with various hurdles, such as a change from domestic to non-domestic regulations and the proximity of the building to neighbouring trees – these experiences progressed my understanding of the responsibilities of an architect dramatically. The project taught me how to liaise with engineers, consultants and the local authority, and it grew my understanding of building regulations. My learnings from the project will be beneficial upon my return to university and within the wider working world as I have developed my technical knowledge, project management and communications skills. The construction of the staff accommodation blocks has now begun on site, and it is very satisfying to see ‘real-life’ impact from my drawings.

How will your experience in practice change the way you approach 4th and 5th year?

Aside from learning the architectural processes of the working world, I have also improved my software abilities during the placement. I have become proficient at ArchiCAD and this will change the way I approach my 4th and 5th year. During my first three years at university I trialed different softwares, often with varied success, eventually resulting in a time-consuming process between Sketch-Up, AutoCAD and Photoshop. Learning how to use ArchiCAD will play a big role on how I produce my drawings at university and will be a much more efficient method.

What do you think about the Glasgow Architecture scene, and what currently inspires you?

As I have grown up and studied architecture in Glasgow, I have been heavily influenced by the city’s built environment. I have been lucky enough to have been in and out of some of Glasgow’s most celebrated architecture from a young age, including many of Mackintosh’s buildings, due to my dad’s job as a furniture maker. My dad specialises in reproducing Mackintosh designs, and this has undoubtedly sparked my interest in Glasgow’s built environment.

 

 

“My experiences within Mackintosh’s Light House, Willow Tea Rooms, Queen’s Cross Church, House for an Art Lover, Scotland Street School and The Mack building at GSA have not only inspired my interest in architecture, but they have also helped me to grow my understanding of Glaswegian flair within design.”

 

There is a sense of Glasgow’s identity which is conveyed through these buildings which is flamboyant and bold. I often struggle to find these characteristics within some of Glasgow’s newer buildings. From office blocks to shopping malls, most of Glasgow’s recent buildings lack purposeful architectural features that show off any of the city’s personality. Although there may not be the money to build as boldly as Mackintosh, it is a shame that so many new buildings look the same. There are a few exceptions to this of course, and the Riverside Museum by Zaha Hadid stands out as an example. This building is exciting because it is different, and this is what I think Glasgow’s Architecture should resemble.

 

 

Three of the Mackintosh buildings which I mentioned earlier, are currently closed, with the most famous – the Mack building at GSA – totally destroyed by fire. Arguably the standout from Glasgow’s architectural catalogue, the loss of the Mack is one of the greatest tragedies to Glasgow’s Architectural heritage during my lifetime. There is much debate about what to do with the shell that remains of this building, but I think it should be rebuilt to its former glory. Studying architecture has taught me that most design processes start by studying precedents. In order to revive Glasgow’s flair for designing with flamboyant and boldness, I think it is important that the Glasgow School of Art Mack building is reinstated, to be studied and learnt from, inspiring architects for generations to come.

Any advice you might give to student about to embark on their Year Out in practice?

For a student about to embark on their year out in practice, I would definitely recommend working at Denham Youd. Starting a placement can be daunting but I have found that not being scared to make a mistake and always asking questions has been the best way to learn. I have vastly increased my knowledge during my Part 1 placement, and this is majorly due to the responsibility that I have been trusted with.

 

“I have found that learning as I go on a variety of projects has been very effective and it’s important to remember that as a Part 1 architectural assistant, you aren’t expected to know everything, but if you try your best and keep asking questions, then a placement will be a very rewarding experience.”

 

 

Our Founder and Managing Director, Steven commented on the benefits of having Part 1 Assistants as part of the Denham Youd team:

“We have been very fortunate to attract some tremendous Part 1 Candidates over the past few years, drawing in students from Dundee, Strathclyde and Portsmouth Universities. It’s important to us that we give our Part 1 Assistants meaningful experience, letting them see how a bustling practice services multiple Clients throughout all stages of the design process.”

“Fraser has rewarded the faith we put in him, and managed to traverse the delicate balance between throwing himself into projects and knowing when to ask plenty of questions along the way. For us, this has been a shining example of how the year placement can benefit not only the student but our practice too.”

 

Image Credits: The Mackintosh Building – Glasgow School of Art     Scotland Street School dated 1904. Designed for the Govan School Board by a partner in Honeyman, Keppie & Mackintosh, Charles Rennie Mackintosh. – Glasgow City Archives