Marina Tremouri is a Leeds Beckett alumni from Cyprus. She studied MArch Architecture between 2019-2021, graduating with a Distinction. In this blog, she explains what her job as an architect involves and reflects on how her course has helped her.

Introduce yourself – tell us who you are, where you're from and what you do?

My name is Marina Tremouri. I am 26 years old and I come from the beautiful island of Cyprus. I graduated from Leeds Beckett University in 2021 after completing my two-year Master's programme in Architecture. After graduation, I returned to Cyprus and completed a one-year practice period to get my title in the Cyprus architectural programme known as ETEK. I have been practicing architecture for about two and a half years, and I have spent the last seven months working on the architectural design team of one of Cyprus' largest developer businesses.

Talk us through your career since graduating?

I worked in a small architecture office as soon as I graduated from Leeds Beckett University in 2021.  While working for this firm, I have been in charge of delivering projects at different stages and have gained familiarity with Cyprus' building regulations, and preparing documents for Town Planning and Building Permits applications. I had the chance to work cooperatively and exchange ideas for the completion of multiple residential projects, which has in turn enabled me to become proficient in AutoCAD, Rhino, and 3ds Max. I have experience working on numerous tasks at the same time in order to meet deadlines, and I am capable of developing sustainable and comfortable places for users to obtain the experience of beautifully designed living spaces.

Working at a larger company has deepened my understanding of construction, through site visits and advice from experienced architects on technical aspects of design. I am able to observe how my 2D concepts become a reality by learning new regulations, understanding design construction phases, and developing a variety of drawings that are then forwarded to the rest of our design team. 

What did you enjoy about your course at Leeds Beckett?

I had the pleasure of meeting wonderful professors in all my modules, who helped tremendously in developing my own architectural design approach. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to attend Leeds Beckett University and meet such incredible teachers who were able to teach me so much. They altered my view on design and provided me with the opportunity to participate. 

I really enjoyed my final design project called ‘Re-composing Education as Life: a tactical augmentation of student accommodations as a new collaborative civic realm’. This was nominated by the School for the RIBA Yorkshire Student Awards 2021. My final dissertation 'The importance of Preserving Cultural Heritage Through the Emergence of New Digital Techniques’ also received one of the top marks and was presented as part of school-wide open public events. I had the chance to work across textual and visual mediums, and also develop new methodologies in digital heritage practices.

How did the course equip you for your career?

Through my design studio and research dissertation projects, I critically and creatively investigated contentious themes in the current field of architecture. I focused especially on underrepresented populations and topics, as well as neglected and distorted historical events. This has helped me presently in my large-scale urban project work, where I am trying to unite the communities through a range of activities like dining and dancing, as well as by encouraging an enjoyable environment for the user. 

What does the future hold for you?

My major objective is to obtain as much experience as possible while working in a large expanding company. I enjoy learning new things on a daily basis, and this reminds me that there are a million things I will learn through practice. In a few years, I hope to start working on my own projects, bringing my concepts and thoughts to life, and assisting people in making their dreams come true via my innovative designs, which have a distinct character depending on the subject matter.

What would you say to someone considering studying MArch Architecture at Leeds Beckett?

I will assure them that they will be able to learn a lot with the help of their tutors, and that they will receive incredible guidance and assistance from them. They will have a remarkable educational experience by attempting new approaches, investigating different points of view, and stepping outside of their comfort zones. If given the opportunity, I would return to Leeds Beckett University to enhance my education and professional development.