xsite Architecture and PlanBEE

Maddy’s mug shot

xsite Architecture joined up with a number of other private sector practices and Gateshead College to create an alternative route into the construction industry- PlanBEE. The course is structured so that each student has the opportunity to work in each sector on rotation, for the duration of the course. A PlanBEE student's time is predominantly spent in the workplace, with 1 day a week in college, meaning that much of their learning is office based.

As a practice we strongly believe that PlanBEE offers a great alternative route into the construction industry. It provides a very unique opportunity for students to experience the different sectors within the industry ensuring that, upon completion of the course, they are able to make an informed decision as to which sector they wish to work in. We also believe that it offers a viable and practical solution for those who wish to earn whilst they study.

Our first PlanBEE student- Madeleine, joined us back in October. She has fitted straight into practice life and we are very much enjoying having her as a member of the team.

Below is a short Q&A we did with Maddy over a cuppa....

Where do you come from?
I come from a small village called Elwick, not far from Durham.

What did you study at A Level?
For my A levels I studied Maths, Business Studies along with Product Design (D&T) at Yarm School Sixth Form.

Had you had any prior experience within the construction industry before you enrolled onto PlanBEE?
During the summer holidays last year I took the opportunity to do 3 weeks work experience at a civil engineering firm where I got the chance to see a residential project being built on site. I have always had a passion for design and architecture and I based my A level Product Design projects on architecture.

Why did you choose PlanBEE over a more traditional course?
I chose PlanBEE because I think it is a unique and very beneficial opportunity to begin my career in the construction industry. I was attracted to PlanBEE because of the opportunities to experience lots of different aspects of the construction industry as well as being able to gain valuable skills along the way.

What do you think are good skills or traits to have as a PlanBEE student?
From subjects I studied at A level, I have developed the creative, analytical and logical aspects of my skill set. During that time I volunteered as a helper at a local prep school as well as competing in the Yarm School Apprentice Competition. Both the volunteer work and the competition helped me develop my problem solving, negotiating and team work skills- skills that have helped me in the PlanBEE programme so far.

When you enrolled on the PlanBEE course was there a sector that you were most excited to gain experience in?
Before I joined PlanBEE I had received university offers to study Architecture. However coming on to this course I am looking forward to gaining exposure in more areas than just architecture. I think it will be beneficial for me to keep an open mind and explore and experience each of the sectors.

What have you enjoyed/learned from your time at xsite Architecture?
Currently at xsite I am working on a residential project- Stephenson House, building a 3D model in Revit. This has involved importing a 2D model in from AutoCAD. I am really enjoying learning the different skills and tools used in Revit to produce 3D models and I am looking forward to improving my BIM skills. In addition I have learnt a lot about the different stages a project goes through as well as what the role of the architect is.

What are you interests outside of the course?
Outside of the course I enjoy playing sports such as Tennis and Hockey. I also enjoy walking my dogs in the country side, visiting new places, spending time with friends and family and I am also passionate about photography.

If you are interested in PlanBEE see the website for more details.
  http://www.joinplanbee.com/

DIY Streets for the Ouseburn

Today's xsite is Nita...

DIY Streets is an initiative by Sustrans that provides funding for communities who want to improve their local streets, with an emphasis on sustainable travel such as cycling, walking and public transport. xsite are helping facilitate DIY streets scheme for the Ouseburn Valley, alongside the Ouseburn Futures group. Newcastle City Council Highways department are also involved in the process, in order to ensure that any initiatives work in tandem with the Council’s own schemes for the valley. As a business based in the valley and general Ouseburn fans we’re delighted to be part of this process.

An initial workshop at Ernest and a survey of over 100 people and businesses in the area was conducted to determine what issues were most pressing and which streets most in need of improvement. From this there was a broad consensus that Lime Street, Stepney Bank, Stepney Road and Shieldfield Lane would be the most appropriate streets for a pilot DIY Streets scheme. Further open workshops to discuss these streets were advertised to local businesses via a flyer drop and social media.

xsite led 2 workshops with interested parties at the Ouseburn Farm on 19^th and 21^st of May this week, to establish a brief for the DIY Streets works. These consisted of a walk around the streets with the group followed by discussion in groups around plans of the streets with ideas and priorities noted.

There were loads of great ideas put forward at the workshops. xsite now have the task of distilling this into some design proposals for further consultation around mid June. For more information visit the Ouseburn Futures website at http://ouseburnfutures.org.uk/

We're recruiting again!

Today's xsite is Anna...

We are currently looking to recruit Architects, Architectural Assistants and Architectural Technologists for our Newcastle studio.

We have an excellent crop of work in prospect and we will need good, self motivated experience with sound technical skills, good organisation and a healthy dash of creative flair. 

Please email your CV to Tim Bailey tim@xsitearchitecture.co.uk explaining both what you can offer us and what we can offer you. There isn't a closing date so the sooner you contact us the better as we are looking for the right people to start as soon as possible.

We're recruiting...

Today's xsite is Anna...

We are looking to recruit an architect for our Newcastle studio. We have an excellent crop of work in prospect and we will need good, self motivated experience with sound technical and organisational skills.

Please email your CV to Tim Bailey tim@xsitearchitecture.co.uk explaining both what you can offer us and what we can offer you. There isn't a closing date so the sooner you contact us the better as we are looking for the right person to start as soon as possible.

New Girl!

Today's xsite is Anna...

xsite have recently been joined by Zoë Hayes. Zoe started with us in January, having relocated to Newcastle from London where she had been living and working for 5 years. Originally from Ireland, she studied at University College Dublin and KTH Stockholm before graduating in 2007. Zoë has experience on a range of projects across the residential, commercial and transport sectors, with construction budgets ranging from £50k to £400 million.

In her spare time she enjoys going to the theatre, eating out, drinking Guinness (embracing the stereotype), photography and art. She is also currently fostering the notion that she might one day like to play roller derby for the Newcastle Roller Girls.

Website

Today's xsite is Anna...

We have been updating the website with recently finished jobs and new people... If you haven't had a look recently mosey on over for a browse...

www.xsitearchitecture.co.uk

New Faces

Today's xsite is Anna...

We have two new faces here at xsite, Jennie and Richard joined us during the summer so we thought it was about time they introduced themselves. I asked them a little bit about themselves...

Jennie has just completed her Part II at Newcastle University and is now also involved in teaching there. She is originally from Winchester, Hampshire and has now settled here with husband Stu. She is partial to folk music, comedy and action films and walking; she also likes spending time with her huge extended family and is a keen photographer.

Richard is a a Part I Architectural Assistant (and had a lot to say) who graduated from Newcastle University in July 2012, and is currently shortlisted for the Bronze Presidents Medal... He comes from an arty background having studied it at A-Level and Foundation Level, but went on to architecture in the end. A proud 'Yorkshire Lad' and supporter of Huddersfield Town, he has also revealed that he is a Star Wars geek, a massive dubstep fan known for his dancing skills on a night out (we're going to have to investigate that further) and a massive guilty George Michael fan...

So now you know...

Changemaker

Today's xsite is Tim...

xsite have been awarded the chance to work with a Changemaker.

In short this a young person between 16 – 25 years old who is interested in developing leadership skills and working on a project in the Ouseburn with xsite over a period of six months.

We need to nominate three people to be considered for this by September 12^th and we are keen that they are local, enthusiastic and willing to be challenged.  It represents a really exciting opportunity if you want to know more look at www.changemakers.org.uk for what might be expected of you and  www.xsitearchitecture.co.uk for who we are.  If you want to talk about it please contact Tim Bailey by email tim@xsitearchitecture.co.uk  call on 0191 287 2161.