Vlad-George Todica is a BA (Hons) Architecture student at Leeds Beckett, currently in his third year. He is also a keen singer and pianist, and has been able to use the Leeds School of Arts facilities to hone these skills, as well as performing on Open Days as part of his role as a Student Ambassador.

In this blog, Vlad talks us through what he enjoys about his course and being part of the Leeds School of Arts community.

Course: BA (Hons) Architecture 

Tell us a bit about yourself and why you chose to study your course?

I’m a third year architecture student with a creative background as a singer and performer. My fascination with how sound behaves in different spaces sparked my initial interest in architecture. Over time, I realised architecture is much more—it’s about light, space, and the way design shapes our daily experience.

I’ve always loved making things, and this course allows me to channel that passion through design, experimentation with materials, and transforming ideas into physical 3D forms.

What do you enjoy about your course? 

What I enjoy most is the versatility of the architecture course. It covers various disciplines, from design and model-making to graphic design, history, technology, and public speaking. These diverse skills prepare you for opportunities in various industries beyond architecture. 

The ability to blend creativity with technical expertise and problem-solving keeps the course exciting and deeply rewarding.

What other opportunities has the Leeds School of Arts community given you?

Leeds School of Arts has offered me incredible opportunities during my time at Leeds Beckett. As a singer and pianist, I’ve enjoyed using the rehearsal rooms to unwind after classes. The school also emphasises practical experience; in my first year, I helped build St. Chad’s Pavilion in Headingley — a hands-on project that involved assembling cassettes like Lego. Building it up took only two weeks which was amazing to see and experience. 

Additionally, being a student ambassador has been one of my most fulfilling experiences. It’s enhanced my public speaking skills and allowed me to make a difference in prospective students’ lives. Hearing someone say, “Thank you for convincing me to come here; I love it” is incredibly rewarding. Through this role, I’ve travelled across the UK, met new people, and proudly represented our university.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about studying your course at Leeds Beckett? 

If you’re creative and passionate about design, this course is perfect for you. Leeds Beckett offers excellent facilities like printmaking, photography studios, a 3D workshop and digital fabrication tools, enabling you to explore ideas in innovative ways. 

The architecture course also fosters collaboration with other disciplines in Leeds School of Arts, broadening your network and skillset. You’ll learn not only design but also history, technology, and professional skills, preparing you for diverse career paths.

What are your plans for the future?

My ultimate goal is to become a fully qualified architect. After completing my third year, I plan to work as a Part 1 Architectural Assistant before returning to Leeds Beckett for my master's. After that, I’ll gain further experience as a Part 2 Architectural Assistant, followed by Part 3 qualification to become an architect.

I’m particularly drawn to smaller community-based projects, as they allow for meaningful connections and the chance to see how small changes can have a big impact on people’s lives.