Architecture, Design and the Built Environment

Ben Raybould

Ben Raybould
BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology
Graduate 2011
Company: Brewster Bye Architects
Position: Junior Architectural Technologist

What does the job involve?
My job involves mainly the preparation and production of construction drawings using both CAD and traditional drawing techniques all of which are predominantly for the public sector. Other duties include, the preparation of specifications and schedules and architectural design, drafting and presentation.

What made you want to apply?
I had the opportunity to work for Michael Dyson Associates for my placement year and this was very successful for me as it opened new doors and changed my attitude to the profession. Following this year I became very pro-active and applied this directly to my final year of study, helping me attain my first class honours. So based on this I was very keen to keep the ball rolling and therefore applied for numerous positions around my home town prior to the completion of my degree.

Where did you spend your sandwich placement year?
Michael Dyson Associates, where I worked as a Trainee Architectural Technologist. Mainly my roles here included the production and preparation of planning and building regulations applications for non-traditional social housing. I also worked on a lot of measured surveys and other forms of site surveying.

The main project I worked on was Spencerbeck House, Middlesbrough which was a project requiring the remodelling of internal flats and the inclusion of external cladding to the building to raise the standard of living to decent homes. On this project I completed the initial measured and level survey. I then worked on the design and presentation banners and then worked directly with the contractor amending drawings as required. Just as I was leaving the project was finishing so it was nice to see it run from start to finish.

The best thing about studying at NTU is the opportunity to undertake a placement year, something I feel was vital to my current employment success as well as the personal improvement I made during this year.