Architecture, Design and the Built Environment

Cassie-Marie Pashley

Cassie-Marie Pashley
BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology
Placement company: Balfour Beatty
Position: Design Assistant

What do you most enjoy about your course? What are its strengths?
I think my course strengths are found within our tutors. They have introduced a lot of new strengths into the course including the new modern technology and live projects. I have learnt that the software we are using are vital within industry and will be used nationally within major companies in the next few years.

My favourite part of the course is being part of a project, with a real client with real problems, a budget, a deadline and a whole design portfolio to produce. You get to experience what it is really like in industry, which is a lot different to university study. I always feel a huge sense of achievement when handing in the portfolio knowing how much work has been put in, and that it is an impressive document to take to an interview!

Could you tell me about your work placement? What did you get involved in? What did you learn?
Since being here I have learnt a lot, especially that working for a company and being involved in projects is a lot different than some projects at NTU. I have found it very interesting going to big meetings with the clients and schools and seeing how an idea develops into a plan, the stages involved and seeing the debates and how the design team tackles a lot of problems. I have had the chance to offer my own opinion and help towards designing two new schools in London, which was really exciting.

Has the placement experience helped you make a decision regarding your future career?
My placement has been very useful to me, I feel a lot more confident in going back to university and obtaining a better grade. The experience I have gained is invaluable and it is more clear in my mind what really happens in industry away form university. My placement is not over yet, but I feel as though when I leave, I will have experienced such a variety of things, that I will almost definitely know what I want to do when I graduate.