Having initially completed a degree in industrial design and worked some five years in the design field, I became disenchanted with the discipline. I found working as an industrial designer a singularly stressful process, with tight deadlines and collaboration and team development was a rarity.

It was at this time I took the decision to change professions and become an Architectural Technologist. It occurred to me that the role may offer me all the challenges and answers I have been looking for from a career. In my opinion, unlike architects where professional bodies jostle between themselves, arguing over policy and control, Technologists enjoy a unique situation where our training, qualifying and recognition is steered via a consolidated leadership with clarity of vision.

With the agreement and support of my employer I returned to De Montfort University (DMU), (where I had studied previously), to develop and progress my understanding of my recently chosen career direction. I decided to site for the BSc (Hons) Architectural Design Technology and Production (ADTP) degree which is CIAT Accredited. Whilst the lecturing staff at the Leicester School of Architecture where very supportive, I did find working and studying part-time very demanding.

During my time at my current employer I have enjoyed a wide and varied role. Working within the practice’s education department I find my work ranging from being involved in school master planning, developing up sketch/design ideas, putting together planning applications, producing detail construction drawings, researching materials/solutions, producing 3D models, animations, photomontages, powerpoint presentations and even marketing material.

Upon reflection I feel it is fair to say that my chosen change in career

has provided me some fantastic opportunities and I hope will continue to do so throughout my career.

However I shall shortly be moving and returning to Norfolk, where my family and I hope to build our own home.