Architecture, Design and the Built Environment

Adeline Goodheart

Adeline Goodheart
BSc (Hons) Building Surveying
Placement company: House of Commons
Position: Project Assistant 

What projects did you get involved in during your work placement?
With this placement I am working on a multitude of disciplinary projects: ranging from, restoring and preserving the historic fabric of a building, repairing and improving contemporary buildings and maintaining the functionality of buildings, from bronze windows to motor rooms of lifts.  My projects require an involvement with various bodies; from, external consultants to in-house Project Leaders, with legislative regulatory bodies such as Listed Planning Consent and Health and Safety Advisors but also with the Finance and IT department.

What was the highlight of your placement year?
The highlight of being at this placement is working on and around an iconic landscape.  The aspect I enjoy the most is having the chance to direct projects and ultimately having the possibility to engineer a project from its start to completion.  Working with such helpful people is also a bonus; they are on hand to advice but also make the work enjoyable.

Has the placement experience helped you make a decision regarding your future career?
My work experience is giving me invaluable practical lessons for my future career.  A placement year at the Palace of Westminster will notably be beneficial for my future career as well.  However, with regards to deciding my future, it has provided me with an insight into the scope available to me with my degree, and has reinforced my interest in the conservation of buildings, yet I want to vary my work experience in this field before deciding on a future career.