Are you an architecture student wondering what a real-world practice placement might look like? Or perhaps you're a business considering offering placement opportunities within your firm?

Our Part 1 Architectural Assistant, Laura Mills, has been with us for eight months now, on her placement year from Loughborough University. Her experience offers really valuable insights into how student placements can benefit both students and employers.

The Transition from University to Practice

Laura's journey highlights one of the biggest challenges facing architecture students today: the transition from academic study to professional practice.

As she explains in this video,

"I do think there is quite a big transition from university to the placement in practice, because at university, especially the undergraduate level, the course is very conceptual, very creative."

At Loughborough University, Laura is encouraged to design through hands-on activities like model making, focusing on the creative and theoretical aspects of architecture. However, stepping into a design and build company opened her eyes to an entirely different side of the profession.

"Coming into a design and build company and having the exposure that I've had to the construction team, the various construction methods and materials has been really insightful because you're not taught this technical aspect in the early years of your studies"

Real Responsibilities from Day One

What sets Laura's placement apart is the level of responsibility and variety she's been given.

Rather than being limited to observational roles or basic admin tasks, we've tried to involve her in nearly every aspect of our design and construction processes.

Her day-to-day responsibilities include things like:

• Architectural drawing
• Conceptual drawing
• Project management
• Finance administration
• Client communication

"This variety has been so rewarding and I'm so grateful to have been given the responsibility that I have within the firm"

This hands-on approach means she's not just learning about architecture, she's experiencing the full breadth of running an architectural practice, and a business.

Developing Essential Soft Skills

One of the most valuable aspects of Laura's placement has been developing the soft skills that are rarely taught in university but are crucial to practising architecture successfully.

These include client interaction skills, learning how to manage multiple projects with often conflicting deadlines, liaising effectively with other consultants and contractors, and understanding the business side of practice including finances, invoicing, and profitability.

Laura has also gained exposure to networking and building professional relationships - skills that will prove invaluable throughout her career.

These soft skills, combined with technical knowledge, create well-rounded professionals who can navigate the complexities of real-world practice.

The Value of Real-World Experience

One of the most significant benefits of Laura's placement has been gaining insight into the technical aspects of construction that aren't typically covered in early university years.

Seeing technical drawings come to life, understanding different construction methods, and working alongside our construction team has provided invaluable context for her studies.

"Taking projects from inception to completion has been really, really rewarding"

This end-to-end exposure gives students a complete picture of how architectural projects develop, from initial concepts through to finished buildings.

A Supportive Learning Environment

What makes for a positive learning experience isn't just about the work itself - it's also about the environment and support surrounding the student.

"One of the things I've loved here on my placement is the workplace environment"

As someone who describes herself as "very self-motivated and hardworking," Laura has thrived in an environment that recognises and nurtures these qualities.

The extensive support from every team member has been crucial to her development, with our team actively stepping up to teach new skills and share knowledge.

Where Did it Start for Laura?

Laura's journey with us actually started at a summer social for the North Staffordshire Society of Architects, where she met our Managing Director Alexandra Powell.

"I was immediately drawn to how enthusiastic and passionate she was about the company and the work that she does,"

This chance meeting led to conversations that eventually resulted in her Part One placement opportunity, demonstrating the importance of networking and making connections within the architectural community - even early on in your architectural career.

Our Ongoing Commitment to the Next Generation

What drew Laura to Powell Design & Construction was our dedication to nurturing young talent.

"Another thing that drew me to Powell Design and Construction would have to be how dedicated they are to nurturing the younger generation – people like myself who are in a Part One role and genuinely how committed they are to seeing us succeed."

This commitment isn't just about offering placements and gaining help, for us it's always been about creating meaningful opportunities for growth and development.

We believe in giving students real responsibility and the chance to develop professional skills that will serve them throughout their careers.

The Benefits for Everyone

While Laura gains invaluable real-world experience and professional skills, we benefit from fresh perspectives, enthusiasm, and the satisfaction of contributing to the next generation of architects.

We believe more businesses should consider offering placement opportunities within their company.

By providing more students with meaningful work experience, we're helping to bridge the gap between academic learning and professional practice, something that surely benefits the entire industry?

What's Next for Laura?

As Laura prepares to return to Loughborough University for her final year this September, she'll take with her eight months of practical experience that will undoubtedly enhance her remaining studies.

The technical knowledge, professional skills, and industry insights she's gained will provide valuable context for her academic work.

More importantly, she's discovered what it really means to work in architecture and construction, moving beyond the purely conceptual to understand the practical realities of bringing buildings to life.

If You're a Student Considering Placement

Laura's experience offers several key lessons for students considering placement opportunities:

• Look for variety - Seek placements that offer exposure to different aspects of the profession
• Value real responsibility - The best learning comes from meaningful work, not just observation
• Consider the environment - A supportive workplace culture is crucial for learning and development
• Network actively - Opportunities often arise from conversations and connections
• Embrace the technical side - Understanding construction methods and materials enhances design skills
• Focus on soft skills development - Client interaction, project management, and business acumen are just as important as technical abilities

If You're a Business Considering Student Placements

It's great that you are considering investing in student placements. Here's some other things to consider:

• Provide real responsibility - Students thrive when given meaningful work
• Create a supportive environment - Learning happens best in positive, encouraging workplaces
• Expose students to variety - Breadth of experience is more valuable than narrow specialisation
• Include soft skills development - Teach project management, client relations, and business understanding
• Be genuinely committed - Half-hearted placement programs benefit no one

Conclusion

Laura's placement experience demonstrates what's possible when students and employers approach placements with genuine commitment to learning and development.

Her journey from university conceptual work to hands-on professional practice illustrates the value of bridging the gap between academic study and real-world application.

The development of both technical skills and essential soft skills - from client communication to business understanding - creates well-rounded professionals ready to contribute meaningfully to the industry.

As she continues her final year at university, Laura carries with her not just new skills and knowledge, but a deeper understanding of what it means to practise architecture. That understanding will undoubtedly serve her well as she progresses in her career.
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Interested in learning more about our student placement opportunities? Get in touch to discuss how we can support the next generation of architects and construction professionals.

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