Monday, 08 August 2011 00:00

Elizabeth Kavanagh, Head of HR

A week in the life of a work experience student at Strides...

It was just my luck to choose the most humid week of the year to do work experience, clinging on to the hope that it might be cooler, I foolishly wore black trousers every day partnered with uneccessary layers of clothing in an attempt of looking well turned out; the suffering was worth it.

During my time at Stride’s I have found it is part of an architect’s job description to be able to make cakes and to overtly appreciate the offerings of others.  There was a beaming hunger for them in studio 3, as cakes were congregated on a plate at the front, almost worshiped.

The novelty of being given a task of completing a ‘dream house’ for an internal client overcame me slightly as I rushed through work, eager to impress him with my sketches. This enthusiasm seemingly overwhelmed my client, Sam, or should I say my victim.

  

After being given a light introduction to a piece of software called ‘Revit’, shown how to build walls, doors and windows, it occurred to me that, in effect, I was playing on Sims; a pleasing discovery soon to be ruined by the frustrating traits of the program and the realism that a functional building requires a toilet as well as a pool table. 

Although the building resembles a signposted rabbit’s tunnel, not knowing where you are just walking toward daylight in a sub-conscious blur, it did not lack a friendly smile in exchange for my disorientated frown. 

Overall my week at Strides has been inspiring; a good insight to what architecture is all about. It has not polished my filing skills or helped me to remember many coffee orders but given me genuine work experience. Something me, and many other students are thankful of.

  

Article written by Stephanie Bradshaw, Dream House Project, 4th August 2011.

 

• A week in the life of a work experience student at Strides...
• Elizabeth Kavanagh, Head of HR: A week in the life of a work experience student at Strides...
• A week in the life of a work experience student at Strides...