It’s a match: architecture students speed date their way to the perfect work placement

The scheme began with an introductory event for second and third year BA (Hons) Architecture students at Leeds Beckett to share their work with a range of local practices whilst finding out more about each practice. Students and practices were then matched together for work placements of between two and five days which took place the following week, giving students a stimulating experience of real-life architectural practice.

Simon Warren, Senior Lecturer in Architecture at Leeds Beckett, explained: “This year 24 of our students were placed with 12 diverse Leeds city region practices. Work placements are an excellent way of bridging the gap between study and employment and helping students see where their learning can be applied in real life work situations. I am always amazed how generous local practices are and how our students dive in to the unknown (for them) of practice.

“Without exception students learn a great deal in a short time. Seeing practice with their own eyes can have a transformative effect. Everyone comes back smiling. On a few occasions in the past, the work placements have turned into real jobs, which is a great by-product.”

Practices taking part included Harrogate-based design practice, Seven Architecture, who welcomed two Leeds Beckett students for the week, working on a range of public and private sector projects.

Simon Parker of Seven said: “Being part of the team for a week gave the students a real insight into the architectural processes and the interaction between all those involved in design and construction.

“They were also able to work alongside Seven’s zero-e sustainability specialists which gave them an understanding of the relationship between design and energy efficiency.”

James Ballard, one of the students who worked with Seven, commented: “During my placement at Seven I was given the task of designing a new entrance building for a primary school. I was mostly using 3D modelling software, SketchUp, but also did a bit of drawing as well. Everyone was very friendly and were happy to chat about what projects they were getting up to, and they were also keen to see what I was doing. I was given lots of helpful websites and information that I can take into my own university projects. As well as this project, I sat in on an office meeting where every current live project was mentioned and I was pointed in the direction of each of these on their system so I could have a look for myself. 

“My favourite thing about my time at Seven was the site visits. I went on one to the new Everyman Cinema Complex just across the road from the Seven office, and another to Harrogate College where I also sat in on a site meeting. This was really interesting because it showed me real life problems that need to be altered in order to move on to the next step of the build. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Seven and can't wait to get some more work experience.”

Student Tamara Keoshgerian said: “I was extremely excited and enthusiastic when I was notified about being able to work at Seven Architecture, especially after I had spoken to Simon at the Speed Dating Work Placement Scheme. He was very inspiring and gave me a huge insight into what to expect at a practice.

“This opportunity has delivered to me a step forward into the real world, and has pushed me further into wanting to engage in architecture. Each member of the team showed me different projects they were a part of, including the Everyman Cinema in Harrogate. After showing me the project drawings and development, I was able to go on site with Oliver, climbing up the scaffolding to see how each stone was precisely fitted on to the supports to create the façade as well as the window fittings and joints. Visiting the residential spaces located at the top of the building, I was also able to see the wiring of electrical cables feeding through the building as well as all the pipework. This was the most valuable experience for me as I felt I had seen the project developing from drawings to a real building and seeing the structure and initial stages that frame the building. It really inspired me and made me notice how rewarding architecture can be.”

The full list of practices who took part in the scheme is: Omerod Design, The Harris Partnership, DLA Architecture, COG Architecture, QAD Architects, Atkins, Project Office, Seven Architecture, Nick Brown Architects, Roost Architects, Cartwright Pickard and Leeds University Estates.