Last week, our Managing Director Alexandra Powell had the wonderful opportunity to head over to Newcastle College NSCG to speak with new students on their open day before starting their T-Level studies in Design, Surveying and Planning.

It's always wonderful for any of our team to connect with young people just beginning their journey in our industry, and get the chance to inspire them about a future in construction or design.

The Career Path That Almost Wasn't

One of the most engaging parts of Alexandra's talk was sharing how uncertain her career path actually was at the beginning. At 15, she was genuinely torn between becoming a chef and becoming an architect. As she weighed up the options, she was concerned that as a chef she'd have to work long hours in a fast-paced, male-dominated industry... so she decided to become an architect instead!

The irony wasn't lost on the students - both careers involve long hours, creative problem-solving, and often male-dominated environments. But sometimes the path you think you're avoiding leads you exactly where you need to be.

The Importance of Work Experience

Growing up in Athens, Alexandra wasn't completely sure what she wanted to do with her future. Rather than diving straight into years of university study, she made a decision that changed everything - moving to the UK for what was supposed to be a short work experience placement with a small architect firm in Preston.

That 'short' placement turned into a full year, involving everything from measured surveys and learning drawing software to joining client meetings and even trying bricklaying on site. This experience taught her that design isn't just about drawing plans or sitting at a desk, it's about teamwork, creative problem-solving, and the incredible satisfaction of seeing ideas come to life.

University, Challenges, and Breakthrough

Armed with that practical foundation, Alexandra studied architecture at the University of Liverpool, including exchange programs in Austria and Seattle, and volunteering with Habitat for Humanity to build homes for families in need.

However, graduating in 2012 meant entering a particularly tough job market. She sent over 100 applications to architectural firms before landing her first proper role. That persistence paid off - the first job led to working on a project that won House of the Year and appeared on Grand Designs.

Building Powell Design & Construction

Fast forward to today, and Alexandra is Managing Director here at Powell Design & Construction, the family business she established with her husband Richard.

What started as an idea has grown into a team of 20 people, including architects, site managers, multiple trades, students, and apprentices. The company offers a complete turnkey solution for clients, handling everything from initial architecture and interior design through to construction and landscaping.

Richard's journey from heating engineer to Project Manager illustrates another important point shared with the students - there are many paths into this industry, and diverse backgrounds strengthen teams.

Key Messages for the Next Generation

Speaking to these enthusiastic students highlighted several crucial lessons:

Soft Skills Are Everything
‍Communication is just as important as technical skill. Whether on site or in the office, being able to listen, explain ideas clearly, and work well with others is absolutely crucial. Success depends on collaborating effectively with people from all sorts of backgrounds - architects, surveyors, engineers, tradespeople, clients.

Every Project Is a Team Effort
‍Architecture and construction are fundamentally collaborative. Today's projects require diverse expertise, different perspectives, and people who can work together toward shared goals.

The Industry Is Evolving
‍There are more routes into the industry than ever before - university degrees, apprenticeships, T-Levels, and various combinations of education and practical experience. There's also increasing focus on sustainability, technology, and innovative construction methods.

Uncertainty Is Normal
‍Alexandra emphasised that not knowing exactly what you want to do is completely normal. The key is to try things out, keep an open mind, and pay attention to what genuinely excites you.

Practical Advice for T-Level Students

Based on experience across our team, several pieces of practical advice were offered:

Make the Most of Work Placements
‍These real-world experiences are invaluable. Ask questions, get involved in everything possible, and don't be afraid to make mistakes. Every mistake is a learning opportunity.

Build Good Habits Early
‍Stay organised, never stop learning, and look after your wellbeing. The industry can be demanding, and developing good habits early serves throughout careers.

Celebrate Small Wins
‍At Powell Design & Construction, we have a 'wins of the week' tradition to recognise progress and boost morale. Learning to acknowledge and celebrate progress, no matter how small, builds confidence and momentum.

Our Commitment to Education

Alongside running the business, Alexandra teaches part-time at the University of Staffordshire because we believe deeply in supporting the next generation. There's often a gap between what students learn in educational settings and what they encounter in practice, and we're passionate about helping bridge that gap.

Students bring fresh perspectives, enthusiasm, and new ideas that benefit our entire industry. With the right attitude and training, they can contribute significantly from day one - something we've proven repeatedly with our own student placements and apprentices.

The Questions That Matter

The Q&A session was perhaps the most engaging part of the entire experience. The questions these students asked were thoughtful, practical, and demonstrated genuine excitement about their futures. They wanted to know about day-to-day realities, career progression, the best ways to gain experience, and how technology is changing the industry.

Their curiosity and enthusiasm reminded us why we love speaking to students. They see possibilities we might take for granted and ask questions that challenge us to think differently about our own work.

Why This Matters

The construction and design industry needs new ideas, fresh perspectives, and people who can think creatively about the challenges we face. Climate change, housing shortages, urbanisation, and changing demographics all require innovative solutions that will come from the next generation of professionals.

These students will be the ones developing sustainable building methods, integrating new technologies, and creating spaces that meet evolving human needs. Their energy and fresh thinking aren't just welcome - they're essential.

Looking Forward

As Alexandra left Newcastle College that day, the feeling was genuinely optimistic about our industry's future. The students she met were engaged, curious, and excited about the possibilities ahead of them. They understood that success requires both technical competence and strong interpersonal skills, and they were eager to start applying their learning in real-world settings.

For those of us already established in the industry, supporting these emerging professionals isn't just good for business - it's an investment in solving the challenges we'll all face in the coming decades. Whether through formal teaching, mentoring, work placements, or simply being willing to answer questions, we all have a role to play in nurturing talent.

We're pretty certain the industry is in good hands after our visit!
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Interested in learning more about career opportunities in architecture and construction? Powell Design & Construction regularly offers work placements and apprenticeships for students looking to gain real-world experience in our industry.

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