Part 1 architectural assistant Review

My day involved either producing new drawings and details to support the various projects i was working on, or to develop existing drawings. This included coordinating with companies for products being specified and the client or contractor on the job to issue out drawings as the work progresses. Where necessary, i would also be out on site, surveying the building to gather more information which would support our drawing and modelling, or checking the progress on already started construction.

from day one i was introduced to projects and was given tasks that i could get involved in straight away. Any problems i had whether it was concept or digital related, i was fully supported with which would allow me to understand going forwards what to do and have to resolve any future problems that may arise. MDA work to get you as much experience as possible in a range of fields, and if you feel you would like more time to focus in a specific area, they will work with you to make that a reality

My abilities on Revit have dramatically improved since i started at MDA and have made me highly confident and competent when it comes to 3d modelling. My CAD skills have also developed learning new shortcuts and ways to make my drawing skills more efficient and accurate. Not just the drawing side but also the admin side of architecture like submitting planning applications and working on the supporting documents for BRPD compliance has been highly valuable experience that i can take with me as i further my career.

MDA work with you closely to help fully develop your skills as well as your industry knowledge so that you can handle situations and go into tasks with a better understanding and less dependency on support. I started off my placement wanting for things to be almost fully explained as i didn't have the full capabilities to be able to complete the jobs on my own. Now, coming towards the end of my time here, i can easily be set a new drawing to set up or be asked to go to site on my own and i can confidently do those things

The culture within MDA is one of friendliness and supporting one another. The design team office in which i was based in, was somewhere that was approachable and every member of staff across all 3 design teams were people you can go to with any questions or even just for a catch up and a chat. We went on various team socials with the quarterly budget allocated, which took the form of meals, escape rooms, axe throwing and rifle shooting and many others. This built the strength of the teams and made myself as the new person feel very welcomed and like i fit right in.

I have loved my time working at Michael Dyson associates and i will 1000% recommend anybody looking to complete their part 1 to apply to work there. There hasn't been a single day where i haven't enjoyed the work i have been doing or the people i have worked with, and the knowledge and opportunities that i have gained through my time here i will forever be appreciative of and have given me that further confirmation that Architecture is the definite career goal for me.

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