Architectural practice supports employees to complete studies
A Westcountry architectural practice is supporting two members of staff to complete their architectural studies whilst working for the company, bucking the national trend which forces many would-be-architects to take unpaid leave in order to further their studies.
According to Poynton Bradbury Architects, the architectural industry in the UK faces several challenges, including a skills shortage and the rapid evolution of design and construction methodologies. Poynton Bradbury, who has offices in St Ives and Exeter, says architectural practices should encourage ongoing education to ensure a steady influx of skilled professionals capable of meeting these challenges.
But despite the obvious benefits of supporting further education, Poynton Bradbury says not enough practices offer a high level of support to their employees with many practices only offering unpaid leave as an option.
Director Laura Highton said: “Trained architects are better equipped to tackle complex problems, drive sustainability initiatives, and embrace digital transformation. Continuous learning is vital for the industry to stay competitive and innovative.”
She continued: “Working towards becoming an architect is very demanding for a full-time student, let alone for someone who is also working full-time. If you add the financial and time pressures into the mix, then it becomes unsustainable.”
Poynton Bradbury, who have offices in St Ives and Exeter, supported Justina Naruseviciute and Caroline Richardson to complete their architectural studies whilst working as part of the team.
Justina, a former conservation grade framer and gallery employee and Caroline, a former timber frame designer and cocktail bar manager, say the financial and wellbeing support they have received has been second to none.
Caroline has just gained her Certificate in Architecture part 1 and has been nominated for the Royal Institute of British Architect’s bronze medal award for her final year project. She explained: “Poynton Bradbury Architects said they would support me through my studies. They offered me the job there and then and said they would pay for my tuition as part of my salary package. They have allowed me time off to study and also provided me with a mentor.”
She added: “I know first-hand that Poynton Bradbury are at the opposite end of the spectrum to most other architectural practices – it’s so rare to find a company that offers this level of support in this industry.”
Justina has just gained her Diploma in Architecture RB part 2. She said: “Having the team there to explore both the practical and theoretical side of things was really helpful. We also brought back new technologies introduced to us at university to the practice.”
Poynton Bradbury Architect’s say supporting designers to continue their architectural studies whilst working at architectural practices is crucial for the future of the industry, as well as for individual growth.
