Two architecture students have returned to university having gained an invaluable understanding of working in the construction industry at Aberdeen’s TCD Architects.
Fiona Logie, 22, joined TCD last year full-time for her RIBA Part 1 work placement. In that time, she has worked with each member of TCD’s senior management team, tapping into their combined knowledge and experience.
Fiona, who is now entering her fifth year at Robert Gordon University’s Scott Sutherland School of Architecture and Built Environment, said: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my year working at TCD. Over the past 12 months I have worked on a range of commercial and residential projects, which has opened my eyes to the pressure of working in an architect’s practice.
“The TCD team has allowed me to participate in design team meetings and learn how to work with new software programmes, as well as work on live projects, from initial planning stages, through to assessing progress on site, and eventually seeing completed developments.
“The experience of working in a vibrant office like TCD’s has benefited me greatly, I hadn’t expected working in practice to be such a contrast from university. The placement has confirmed to me how critical the Part 1 placement is in in the education of architecture students, and I now feel more confident and better equipped to tackle what lies ahead for my career in architecture.”
Deborah Nicol, 19, is also returning to RGU to begin the second year of her architecture degree after spending the summer gaining practical experience at TCD. In her short time at the practice, Deborah has worked on a number of projects, giving her a deeper understanding of the profession.
“My summer at TCD has given me the opportunity to increase my knowledge and understanding of the subjects introduced in my first year at university, as well as providing me with an insight into many new aspects that I hadn’t yet studied,” said Deborah.
“Working on live projects has been really exciting and one of the most valuable things I have learned is how important it is to focus on the small details as well as the big picture, something I had not fully appreciated before. This new perspective will help me to produce more enhanced design solutions as I move on to second year.”
Alan Cromar, director at TCD Architects, said: “We wish Fiona and Deborah the very best of luck with their studies. Both of them have thoroughly impressed us with their creative flair and ability to convey new ideas to design problems, along with a strong work ethic and the competence to work well under pressure, despite only being in the early stages of their careers.
“It’s crucial within our industry to provide students with practical experience and allow them to express their ideas in a real-world environment. They bring a fresh approach to the design process, without the constraints that those who have worked in practice for a number of years often experience.”
Founded in 1963, TCD is a RIBA and RIAS registered practice which has a reputation for delivering first-rate architectural services that include space planning, project management and master planning.
The firm has a proven track record of completing projects across a range of sectors, including refurbishment and restoration; commercial and industrial; medical and healthcare; education, leisure and retail; and residential design.
For more information visit www.tcd-architects.co.uk