What do you want to be when you grow up? It’s a question that we are all asked at some stage in our early lives, and while a select few have a clear focus from an early age around the careers they wish to pursue, many of us simply don’t have a clue.
For this year’s #NationalCareersWeek2023, Some of our team are sharing insights and dispelling myths on what it’s like to work within an Architects Firm. With a number of different roles required to make a practice run smoothly, we hope that this will encourage those with an interest in architecture to delve deeper and explore the career opportunities available within the industry.
Alasdair Rankin – Managing Director
Key roles & responsibilities?
I’m responsible for overall strategic leadership of the company, for setting the vision and then supporting the wider team in achieving it. I’m fortunate to have a great team helping me in this.
What made you enter a career in Architecture?
I was interested in design, the built environment and how places & spaces influenced people. I was trying to decide between studying Architecture and Human Geography and when I attended the open day at Scott Sutherland School of Architecture and met some inspiring tutors.
Why do you enjoy your job?
Done well Architecture can positively impact people and communities, I enjoy being part of that. It’s also a profession that is far more collaborative than people think. I enjoy being part of a team that allows everyone to achieve and realise more than they could on their own.
How does the role differ from what you expected?
I’m sure at some point I thought that every moment of my day would be spent drawing and designing, unfortunately that’s not the case. However, I am fortunate that most of my time is spent working with and meeting people, either members of our team, clients, contractors or other collaborators.
What advice would you give to anyone interested in a career in architecture?
There are lots of different ways into the profession find the one that works best for you. Do some work experience at a practice to understand what it’s really like. Don’t narrow your focus to a particular aspect or sector too early – get the broadest experience you can.
Mark Buchanan – Associate Director
Key roles & responsibilities?
Studio lead for Dumfries, responsible for winning commissions & delivering/resourcing all project information. Contract administration & lead design team consultant during construction phase. Staff, financial & project management.
What made you enter a career in Architecture?
Creating something lasting & worthwhile.
Why do you enjoy your job?
Making a difference in peoples lives, either by providing community/healthcare facilities/adaptations, helping them fulfil their dream home ambitions or just making their living spaces better with a modest alteration/extension.
How does the role differ from what you expected?
My role initially was a trainee technologist & has grown in to practice management, which wasn’t really in my mind at 18 years old, so it has changed immeasurably over the last 33 years but has exceeded all expectations in terms of professional growth & knowledge through a wide range of experiences with different types of projects & clients over the years.
What advice would you give to anyone interested in a career in architecture?
Like any profession, you only get out what you put in, if you enter in to architecture it should be for creative reasons, you are unlikely to ever be rich!!!
Fraser Hunter – Architectural Technician
Key roles & responsibilities?
As an Architectural Technician I am responsible for supporting or leading architectural projects from concept to completion. This tends to be designing and assisting from a technical standpoint.
What made you enter a career in Architecture?
I always saw myself working in the built environment and a career in architecture was the most exciting option as it gave me a chance to work on building projects from a design perspective.
Why do you enjoy your job?
I enjoy having a creative input to projects as well as working with colleagues to achieve the best result. Seeing a project become a reality that I have worked on or led gives me massive satisfaction.
How does the role differ from what you expected?
My role is much more client facing than I expected which I definitely enjoy.
What advice would you give to anyone interested in a career in architecture?
There are few carers out there that are so rewarding. If you have an interest in building design and want to have a real say on how we do this in the future, especially in terms of sustainability then a career in architecture would be a perfect fit.
Rebecca Randall – Part I Architectural Assistant
Key roles & responsibilities?
I am a part 1 Architectural Assistant, so the work I have done with Aitken Turnbull has been my first experience within the industry. My job role is to work under the instruction of more senior staff to produce project information.
What made you enter a career in Architecture?
I was always a bit better at more logical subjects when I was younger, the likes of maths but loved being creative – Architecture seemed like somewhere I could explore both those things. It was only after I started studying in university that I developed a passion for it and became more certain it was the career path I wanted to pursue.
Why do you enjoy your job?
I enjoy my job for the same reason I find it challenging, I am always learning. There are so many aspects to each project, sometimes things I have never had to think about before. It changes the way I think about everything, I find myself walking into a room questioning all the choices that were made.
How does the role differ from what you expected?
Coming into this role from university, it has surprised me how much my colleagues trust me and are willing to listen to my ideas and opinions. Being new into the industry I can recognise that I have a lot to learn from the more experienced staff, but the interesting part of working in a studio environment is that we are all learning from each other.
What advice would you give to anyone interested in a career in architecture?
I think a lot of people get put off by the length of the training but if that’s all you are worried about – go for it! Yes, it is a long road to getting fully qualified, but I have only spent 3 years in university so far and am already gaining some really valuable, hands-on experience.
