Architecture, Design and the Built Environment

Hamel Tailor

Hamel Tailor
BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology
Graduate 2010
Company: NTU Estates & Resources
Position: Architectural Technologist

Why did you choose to study Architectural Technology?
I have always been interested in Design & Technology from a young age and always enjoyed projects in designing products and drawing up design ideas on a conceptual and technical basis. Alongside this I always enjoyed travelling and while exploring I was always fascinated in the construction of buildings, seeing how they were put up and how structures stayed together. It was the interest in both these areas which lead me in choosing Architectural Technology as a career.

What do you most enjoy about your course? What are its strengths? Any particular projects that you enjoyed?
I particularly enjoy the technical part of building detailing, coming up with solutions to building structures with sustainability in mind. Architectural technology covers a wide range of sectors in construction from site surveys, construction contracts to design, analysis and architectural sciences. I think it’s the variety of knowledge which you can gain from this subject which gives its strength.

I found most projects enjoyable, but particularly the ones where we worked in groups with students from different subjects such as Building Surveyors and Architecture students. It was interesting to get ideas and input from people who worked from a different perspective and helped project ideas evolve to be better.

Did you work on any projects that involved briefs set by external companies?
We were very fortunate to work on three live projects which used real life places and proposals. It meant we could interact with the client, physically go on site and solve real issues. Live projects made our learning more enjoyable and gave our ideas and solutions real meaning. One of the major live projects was for Holme Pierrepont National Water Sports Centre where we were asked to design and propose a master plan for a new Leisure Centre for the site. Live projects also gave us the chance to have our ideas heard and maybe even used in the future.