Jack was the third PlanBEE student to have joined the xsite Team. We said goodbye to him on Friday but managed to grab him for a quick chat before he left.
Jack, can you tell us a bit about your
experience of PlanBEE so far?
Throughout
my first year of the PlanBEE program I have undertaken 3 placements. The first
of which was at 3E Consulting Engineers, learning about structural, civil and
geotechnical engineering. I then moved to Ryder Architecture where, working as
a design assistant, I gained experience developing projects from Concept
Design to the Developed Design Stage. Following these initial 2 placements I
came to xsite Architecture where I have gained further architectural experience
as I have had the opportunity to work on different scale projects than those I
had worked on previously.
I
have found PlanBEE very successful so far. Over the last year - my first year, I have experienced different roles, with different people from
various companies which has allowed me to become more knowledgeable about the
construction industry as a whole.
I
am looking forward to undertaking the next 3 placements over the coming year
and gaining my HND level 5. Following
this time, I believe I will be in a good position to choose my favoured role
and decide on the career path that I will continue onto.
What projects have you worked on at xsite?
Whilst at xsite Architecture I haev worked on: Foundry
Lane Studios - Stephenson Quarter Development (UTC) - Tyneside Cinema - Rockcliffe
Pleasure Gardens - West Ave, Gosforth Development.
What have you learned in your time at xsite?
Increased
understanding of Photoshop and InDesign
Seen how a
project is developed in Revit and AutoCAD
Gained an
understanding of how to find solutions to design problems
Observed
the difference in requirements and considerations when working on renovation or new construction projects
The new academic year is about to start,
meaning that you are becoming a second year and that there will be a new first year cohort. Do you have any tips or advice for them?
Having
completed the first year of PlanBEE the best tip I could give to the next
cohort of students is regarding time management. Achieving a balance between hobbies, college
assessments and work is key.
There
is a lot of information to take in and many assignments to produce over a short
space of time so I’d recommend regularly dedicating time to each so that things
don’t build up. If they do this then it is possible to achieve everything
expected of them.
Has your understanding of Architecture or
working in practice changed over the last few months?
Being
at xsite has firmed up my understanding of what it is to work in an
architectural practice. On completion of PlanBEE, working in a practice will
definitely be an option I will be open to.
We are excited to have Emma join us on Tuesday as our next PlanBEE Student!
If you are interested in PlanBEE see the website for more details.