Samantha Tomlinson
Samantha Tomlinson
Placement: Bakewell and Partners
Placement position: Assistant Architectural Technologist
"The location with regards to Nottingham city centre has been a good bonus about Nottingham Trent University. The library is one of the best features, as it provides a great place to meet in groups and work. It is also a pleasant environment to do individual work and study.
"My placement is in Belper, located in Derbyshire in a conservation area, which means that the work is varied and often challenging with regards to planning. As it is a small practice, the majority of the work is residential which in all honesty I prefer. I now have experience in meeting the clients at the initial stages of the process; undertaking the surveys; creating the proposals; and preparing planning applications and building regulations. Hopefully, in the forthcoming months, I will also obtain the knowledge in tender document writing.
"The properties on which I have been working have also varied dramatically from the modern two-storey property through to medieval barns. My confidence in my ability to be an Architectural Technologist has also developed throughout my placement, as you slowly realise that half the daunting information that you learn at Uni either isn’t required or the way in which you apply it makes it seem easier.
"My placement year has made me decide to pursue this choice of career path for a few years then maybe look to further my degree with a degree in Architecture.
"Being on placement has been the highlight, and probably the greatest achievement was the moment when I had my first design approved for planning and building regulations.
"My intention is to come back to NTU, finish of my degree, whilst hopefully still working part-time at Bakewell and Partners. Once my degree is over, I will return to full-time employment."
