Architectural Assistant

What did you study at university?

Architecture BA Hons (Part 1)

What do you currently do at Mott MacDonald?

Architectural assistant

How has your degree come in useful for work?

To become an architectural assistant, you need to have your part 1 architectural degree. Its key to have this as well as a good portfolio which I built up throughout university, work experience and in my own time. Having good knowledge of software that the company use was a great help with securing my job as well.

Have you been involved in anything in addition to you day job (for instance involvement with ECP network) and what does this involve?

Joining Mott Macdonald has been a great experience for my first proper job, as such. To be able to feel well integrated into the company and the respective teams within such a large company has been a great comfort and made the experience so much more enjoyable. The other week we had our office ECP quiz night, part of ECP month which was a great event and showcased the great network that has been built.

What development opportunities have you had? How has Mott MacDonald supported you in this?

One of the reasons to apply to Mott Macdonald was the thought of doing an apprenticeship with them. I knew that they had a good network for graduates but not specifically architecture. It was almost a surprise as to how easy it felt to ask about future opportunities and how these questions have been put in motion so quickly to see if it is a possibility. It has shown me how keen Mott Macdonald are to bring younger individuals into the industry and the support that they can offer through these opportunities.

What attracted you to apply for a role with us?

Mott Macdonald was actually the first and only job I applied for. I met one of the people I now work with at my graduate show over the weekend – I was there with another university friend to answer any questions or explain anything if needed. I showed him my work and he mentioned that Mott Macdonald was hiring. After sending him my portfolio and CV he said I should apply; so just having finished university I went for it – and I got it. It shows that by putting yourself out there and making that first step to introduce yourself can lead to such great opportunities. I had no idea by starting this conversation would lead to getting a job.

What are the three things that make you look forward to coming into work each day? What’s your team like?

The Birmingham office is a really nice working environment, its especially nice when there is free hot drinks, juice, weekly fruit deliveries, sometimes food and all the freebees we get. On one of the weeks, we had free BrewDog beer, Chocomel milkshakes, microwave noodles and Lucozade energy. My direct team is relatively small to some others, but this makes for a well-connected group dynamic. However, you end up working with people all across the UK. Most of the architecture team is based in Scotland, but you very quickly feel almost like they’re in the same office.

The recruitment process can be quite daunting. What advice would you give to other graduates/ placement students looking to join Mott MacDonald?

As mentioned, I didn’t have necessarily a normal sign-up process, but the key element I took through the process was to be myself. Both as my personal character and how I present myself but also by knowing what I have to offer. Never undersell yourself – If you think something could bring more to what you can offer to the company the better.

What has been your favourite sports or social event?

Probably the ECP evening and quiz after work. It started in the office with free drinks and food and then we went to a bar for more free drinks and food alongside a quiz. Mott Macdonald clearly care about the wellbeing of their staff by allowing this budget – each of these events allows for more connections made across such a large company.

What’s your work-life balance like?

My commute is about an hour to work. To allow for my evenings to exist so I can go to the gym, run, swim etc and enjoy some downtime; my work hours have been flexible to allow for this balance. It means a slightly earlier start, but you get used to it quite quickly.

Where is your favourite place in the world?

Currently Scotland, I have been going up there most years for summer holidays – its so tranquil and calm and love being around nature. I am looking forward to exploring more places abroad this summer though.

Who is your inspiration?

Architecturally wise – I don’t really have one. I remember through university you would often get asked who your favourite architect is. I would jokingly say myself, but there is probably an element of truth behind it. With architecture its great to see a design grow into the final design and then into a physical structure. Each brief comes with a lot of self-design learning creating your own inspiration and a drive to be allows improving yourself.