Throughout 2023 and 2024, we’ve had the pleasure of having Hannah Wilkie join our team as part of her student placement. Over the past 12 months, Hannah has collaborated with Project Leads on numerous exciting projects, becoming an integral part of our team. From participating in the Three Peaks Challenge and helping organise team social events to eagerly joining us for lunch outings, Hannah has truly made her mark. Join us as we catch up with Hannah and hear about her experience at Urban Edge.
Initial expectations vs reality: How did the actual experience of working at Urban Edge compare to your expectations before you started your placement?
“The experience of working for Urban Edge exceeded my expectations in many ways. Before starting my placement, I expected to mainly observe and assist with minor tasks. However, I have been actively involved in various projects from initial design discussions to site visits. Over the year, my skill set has improved massively, which I owe to the supportive environment at Urban Edge. Their mentorship helped me gain confidence and proficiency. The opportunity to contribute to real projects provided a much deeper understanding of the field whilst highlighting the importance of teamwork, communication and adaptability in architecture.”
Key projects: Can you describe the projects you worked on and your role in them? Which project are you most proud of, and why?
“During my placement, I worked on a variety of projects, primarily creating CGI visualisations to present to clients. My task usually involves modelling existing buildings in Sketchup using 2D CAD plans, before rendering the proposed designs on Enscape. My tasks ranged from small pod schemes to large-scale retirement villages. One project I am particularly proud of, is a food and beverage scheme located next to a lake. This project challenged my software skills and developed my understanding of context and the public realm. I successfully captured the desired mood and atmosphere to present to the client, and it received positive feedback.
Additionally, I am proud of other projects where I had the opportunity to incorporate my own ideas, such as an office scheme where I designed the floorplan layout using AutoCAD before modelling and rendering in Sketchup and Enscape. This project allowed me to think about colour, texture, materiality and lighting. This helped me understand the difference between space planning and design. These experiences allowed me to apply my creativity and skills in real-world settings, significantly enhancing my confidence creating architectural visualisations.”
Skills development: What new skills or techniques have you learned during your placement? How have you applied these skills to your work?
“During my placement, I developed several skills, enhancing my capabilities as an aspiring architect. One major area of growth was my knowledge using SketchUp and Enscape, greatly improving my efficiency and the quality of my work. I have also improved my teamwork, time management and communication skills. Effective communication became crucial in presenting ideas and understanding client feedback, which I then applied to refine my designs. These experiences not only expanded my technical skill set but also boosted my confidence in applying creative solutions to real-world challenges.”
Professional growth: In what ways do you feel you have grown professionally over the past six months?
“I have experienced significant professional growth through my software and organisational skills advancing, and my understanding of working in an office environment. This will be beneficial when returning to university. I have been exposed to small client meetings, where I have observed the high level of professionalism that the architect must achieve when presenting an idea to a client. I also participated in large group meetings, which highlighted the challenge of creating designs that accommodate diverse opinions. These experiences have improved my ability to articulate design ideas and give, and receive, constructive feedback. Attending site visits at different stages of construction has been incredibly beneficial as a student. These visits allowed me to witness the practical application of architectural concepts and construction techniques, whilst showing the various phases of a project.”
Mentorship and support: How did the mentorship and support from your colleagues contribute to your learning experience?
“The mentorship and support from the Urban Edge team, has shaped my learning experience during this placement. They have provided guidance and encouragement to push myself and get involved through observation and participation. Many colleagues have taken time to offer constructive critiques and share their expertise. This feedback was invaluable in helping me refine my techniques and improve the quality of my outputs. They have also helped with technical skills, introducing me to advanced features in SketchUp and Enscape, improving quality and productivity. Urban Edge have created a supportive environment where I felt comfortable to grow. My confidence in applying my own design ideas has increased. Having the opportunity to contribute creatively to projects, has reinforced my belief in my abilities and inspired me to take on more ambitious challenges.”
Design philosophy: How has this placement influenced your design philosophy or approach to architecture?
“My placement experience has influenced my design philosophy and enhanced my approach. It has deepened my commitment to sustainability as I have worked on projects involving the refurbishment of existing structures. This approach has taught me to appreciate the potential of existing structures, leading to more creative and sustainable design solutions. Linking to this is cultural sensitivity and ensuring that new developments enhance rather than detract from their surroundings. I have learnt about the importance of designing spaces that are functional and adaptable to various needs. Flexibility ensures spaces can evolve with changing user requirements. Well-being and comfort is also one of my key values. This placement has allowed me to observe and understand design decisions in terms of natural light, ventilation and ergonomics, creating environments that promote physical and mental well-being.”
Career aspirations: How has this placement shaped your career aspirations in architecture?
“This placement has provided practical insights and hands-on experience showing the challenges and rewards, validating my passion for the field. It is a career path which requires a lot of hard work, time and dedication but is a very rewarding profession as aesthetically pleasing buildings can contribute positively to the built environment and well-being of their occupants. This experience has highlighted how much there is to learn and grow within the field of architecture. This continuous learning aspect excites me and confirms my decision to commit to this ever-evolving profession.”
Future learning: What areas of architecture or design are you more interested in exploring as a result of your placement?
!I am excited to pursue further learning in sustainable architecture, historic preservation, interior architecture and landscape design, particularly exploring how outdoor spaces can be designed to complement and enhance built environments. Urban Edge creates net-zero carbon retirement villages. Due to this I have developed an interest in community focused design, so aim to develop my learning with inclusive, accessible and engaging public spaces that serve diverse populations.”