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.”

During the summer of 2023 we had student Lucy Pepper join us for a week’s insight into the architectural industry and life at Urban Edge. Over the course of the week, Lucy spent time with different members of staff from around the office to understand the different stages within architecture and to see how all their work comes together to create the final result.

A few weeks later we brought Lucy in for a follow-up meeting to offer her portfolio and career advice before she went into her final year at university. Here’s what Lucy thought about her experience:

“As a Part 1 Architecture student, I was looking for the opportunity to undertake some in-practice experience during my studies. Urban Edge offered me a few days earlier this summer to understand the inner workings of an architectural practice.

My time there involved meeting many members of the team, appreciating their specialised roles within the design process and their respective career backgrounds. Not only did I learn how the practice operates, but I was also given the opportunity to play around with new software and learn skills I can now apply back at university.

The Urban Edge team were such a supportive and accommodating group of people who made me feel instantly welcome. What’s more, they were always invested in helping me with the skills I wanted to improve on.

While my university education is crucial for my future career, the industry experience I gained at Urban Edge has proven fundamental too.”

International Women’s Day is a day to reflect, embrace and celebrate women around the world. As part of International Women’s Day, we would like to celebrate and showcase some of the women in our office and their creative talents. This week we caught up with Charlotte Hall, a very talented Architectural Assistant who is currently on her university placement with us. Charlotte has gone from strength-to-strength since starting her BArch (Hons) Architecture at Loughborough University. She specialises in the art of CGIs and 3D rendering and recently received the Year 2 Best 3D Visualisation Award.

What made you choose Urban Edge as the company you would like to go on placement with?
“I was interested in Urban Edge as they work on a variety of projects in a variety of sectors so I would and have been able to gain a broad spectrum of knowledge. This has enabled me to distinguish what areas I enjoy the most and where I need further skill development to achieve my professional goals.”

What are your day-to-day responsibilities within Urban Edge?
“I typically work on modelling existing buildings in SketchUp based off 2D CAD plans, designing public spaces and rendering proposed design options in Enscape to submit to the client for review. I am also involved in feasibility studies where I have been able to explore my creative ideas at a professional level by producing a multitude of different design options for projects. I get the chance to work with the whole team every day simply by being involved in so many projects simultaneously! This has enabled me to gain a broad spectrum of knowledge by learning from each of my colleagues.”

What have you learnt so far whilst being with Urban Edge?
“I have learnt new software, the process of work and how to communicate ideas to clients effectively and clearly through observing meetings. I have also gained an understanding of how to communicate a concept via sketches, renders, drawings, and presentations by having an involvement in a variety of projects in different sectors and being able to see how this differs from sector to sector.”

What has been your favourite project to work on and why?
“I recently worked on a project to design a public square which I found really enjoyable because I love creating spaces where communities can come together and enhance neighbourhood relationships through design.”

How has working on live projects improved your practice and knowledge within the industry?
“Working on live projects has allowed me to be exposed to multiple stages of work and begin to understand the role of the Architect vs the contractor and others involved, as well as how they collaborate together.”

Has this placement given you opportunities to meet your learning goals?
“Definitely! I have been exposed to new software that I have had to pick up quickly which will be beneficial when I return for my final year at university as I will be able to utilise a greater range of techniques to communicate my designs. I have also been exposed to client meetings which has enabled me to observe first-hand the level of professionalism that the Architect must achieve when conversing with clients.”

Has this placement helped you to decide if this is the type of work that you wish to pursue?
“Yes, architecture in practice is a lot different to architecture at university so being exposed to live projects has helped me to understand the reality of being an Architect. It has solidified my career path as I now know how much I enjoy working with others in a practice to achieve and exceed the client’s vision.”

What specific knowledge have you learnt or enhanced during this placement?
“I have been able to gain an insight of what is required for each of the RIBA stages of work, helping me understand what is required within an Architect’s role. I have been mostly working in Stages 1-3 so I have an in-depth understanding of what is required within the concept, feasibility and planning stages by being involved in concept design but also the submission of planning applications. I have had the opportunity to be involved in client meetings where I have been able to observe how to communicate an idea clearly to a client which will be a very useful skill to take back to university.”

What practical skills have you applied or further developed during this placement?
“I have been able to develop my 3D rendering skills by using Enscape to produce realistic and well-composed images. I really enjoy utilising this skill as it showcases the full potential of the design to the client and I have found it very rewarding training others in this software, helping them progress with their own professional development whilst moving forward with my own.”

Are there any Architects that have inspired you?
“Daniel Libeskind has inspired me through his ability to celebrate both tradition and innovation particularly in his design for the Royal Ontario Museum which uses the juxtaposition of the old and the new to enhance each other’s features, creating a luminous beacon of tourism.”

What has been your favourite memory so far at Urban Edge?
“The Christmas party is my favourite memory so far as playing Taskmaster was a great team building exercise and it was very enjoyable seeing a different side to everyone, getting to know them outside of the office.”

Is there any advice you would give to future students on placement?
“Throw yourself into the work and get involved in office discussions to make the most out of your experience. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and approach work colleagues for advice, they all want to help you and are there for your support.”

Going into any profession after three years of education is always daunting, none more so than architecture. Whilst we are taught a variety of software and design methodologies, there is little exposure to the reality of working within an architectural practice. The BArch course allows you to develop the relevant design and technical skills which prepare you for the role of an Architectural Assistant, but working within the industry gives you the important real-life experience of moving projects through the RIBA Plan of work stages 1-7.

During my Part 1 placement year at Urban Edge, I was involved in a variety of work, from modelling, masterplanning to landscape design, as well as assisting with multiple planning applications in sectors ranging from later living to retail. Within the office I found myself surrounded by a wealth of knowledge and expertise that, when absorbed, informed my future work and fed into my MArch studies, significantly improving the level of detail and quality of design.

I thoroughly appreciated my time at Urban Edge and, having discovered that I enjoy working within a practice more than the educational side, am now more enthused than ever to return to the architecture profession after my Masters study. I have gained knowledge that would have been unobtainable without direct exposure to the industry and I am looking forward to furthering that knowledge and experience in the future.

Thomas Bromley | Architectural Assistant