For their Master’s Degrees, in Autumn, Tom will be heading off to the London School of Architecture and Hannah is going to the University of Sheffield.
Q: What has been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned during your time at our studio?
Tom: During my time at Buttress, the most valuable lesson has been understanding the profound impact architecture can have on community building. The studio has given me the opportunity to explore the professional side of architecture and discover the kind of architect I aspire to be.
Working on community projects like ProjX in Maryport, where we engaged with local school children and encouraged them to learn about the broader context of architecture in their lives, has been particularly enlightening. This project involved multiple sessions with young students, including those from home schools, where we explored the roles of QS, planners, council members, and architects in delivering community-focused projects.
The experience at Buttress has shown me that architecture goes beyond designing buildings; it's about fostering community engagement and betterment. Witnessing firsthand how architectural projects can contribute to a community's development has been incredibly rewarding. The collaborative nature of these projects, especially with young people, has highlighted the importance of understanding and integrating various professional roles to achieve successful outcomes.
Hannah: I started in early September 2023, I immediately felt the energy of the studio, filled with bustling conversations and meetings on that hot day.
Everyone has been incredibly supportive, taking the time to teach me and answer my questions. I came into my year out determined to learn as much as possible. Immersing myself in and taking advantage of the wide range of skillsets and experience has really sped up my learning curve.
My time at Buttress has underscored the importance of having continual conversations with those you are working with and for. Whether it was through community engagement sessions with project stakeholders, or through internal formal/ informal project reviews, the centrality of collaborative design in architecture has progressed from just a theorised concept to actuality that I will definitely carry with me through my career.
Q: How do you feel your skills and knowledge have developed over the past year, and what specific areas do you want to focus on improving as you continue your studies?
Hannah: Being in the studio has significantly broadened my knowledge of architecture and improved my skills and perhaps in the less obvious ways that you’d expect. I've developed a deeper understanding of architectural practice by listening to professional conversations and observing how people work together to find the best solutions.
Being included in conversations regarding ‘softer skills’ such as the facilitation of design teams, as well as management of human resources has also been foundational to my professional development.
The dynamic energy of Buttress’ studio fosters continuous learning through the diverse approaches and techniques of my colleagues. Prone to being overly self-critical, Buttress’ promotion of this continual practice of learning, reflecting and then improving has been cornerstone in my development. Equipping myself with these values will hopefully allow me to mature into a more rounded professional.
Tom: Over the past year, I've learned just how dynamic and ever-changing the architecture industry is. At university, I tended to be a perfectionist, but working at Buttress has taught me that "work in progress" is a valuable concept and that a project is only finished at the final issue. The exposure to the business and commercial side of architecture, such as understanding fees, has been particularly interesting and crucial at this stage of my career.
This experience has reinforced the idea that architecture is a field of constant learning and adaptation. Moving forward, I aim to deepen my understanding of the commercial aspects of architecture while continuing to embrace the dynamic nature of the industry. I look forward to further developing my skills and adapting to new challenges as they arise.
Q: What or who has been your biggest inspiration in architecture so far, and how do you see this influencing your future work?
Tom: I don't have one single favourite architect, but I find inspiration in witnessing completed projects and understanding the stories behind them. Visiting sites and having experienced professionals walk us through the details and design decisions has been incredibly motivating. For instance, the architects at Buttress have been inspiring, demonstrating the importance of looking forward and continually evolving in the field.
This hands-on experience and seeing the tangible outcomes of architectural work have deeply influenced my aspirations. It has made me appreciate the meticulous attention to detail and the forward-thinking approach required in architecture, which I aim to incorporate into my future projects.
Hannah: My biggest inspiration comes from observing how people use spaces. I enjoy watching and studying the small details, from fonts and signage to patterns in the streets.
In 2023, I worked on a voluntary project in Singapore, meeting in a tiny piece of grass in a car park and working with the community creating buildings from whatever we could find around us. We engaged local children in building structures from wooden palettes and invited residents to sketch their neighbourhood designs. This experience reinforced my belief that architects should focus on how people interact with and inhabit spaces.
Q: Where do you see yourself in five to ten years within the field of architecture, and what types of projects or roles are you most excited about pursuing?
Tom: In five to ten years, I see myself as a qualified architect, exploring the architectural landscape of London. I'm particularly excited about the diverse opportunities and influences that a capital city like London offers, compared to the cities and towns in the North West that I'm familiar with. The variety of projects and the unique architectural challenges in London intrigue me, and I'm eager to see how working in such a dynamic environment will shape my career.
I'm looking forward to engaging with larger-scale projects and possibly exploring innovative and sustainable design solutions. The prospect of contributing to iconic and transformative projects in a city like London is incredibly motivating and aligns with my long-term career goals.
Hannah: In five to ten years, I see myself as a fully qualified architect, and hopefully engaged in the impact and policy aspects of architecture. My goal is to work on projects that not only focus on design but also on how architecture can influence and improve public policy and community wellbeing. I hope that I’m involved in some way shaping policies that ensure architectural practices are sustainable, inclusive, and beneficial to all members of society. By working at this intersection, I hope to contribute to creating spaces that positively impact people's lives and foster stronger, more connected communities.
Q: As you return to university, what are your main academic and personal goals for the next stage of your architectural education?
Tom: As I return to university, my main goal is to remain open to all forms of learning and to integrate the practical knowledge I've gained at Buttress with my academic studies - now I see the value in balancing both practical experience and academic achievement. I plan to put into practice the lessons I've learned about the professional and community aspects of architecture to enrich my university projects.
Personally, I aim to continue developing a holistic understanding of architecture that encompasses both theoretical and practical aspects. This balanced approach will help me become a well-rounded architect, prepared to tackle various challenges and contribute meaningfully to the field.
Hannah: As I return to university, I aim to delve deeper into the intersection of architecture and public policy. I'm particularly interested in understanding the 'whys' and 'hows' of architecture and how these aspects can impact people's lives. Exploring how architectural decisions can either enrich and empower people or lead to alienation and harm and this is a key area I want to investigate further in my studies.
Q: What advice would you give to future young people joining our practice to help them make the most of their experience here?
Hannah: My advice to future Part One architects is to have fun and fully immerse yourself in the experience. Instead of trying to prove something with an overloaded portfolio, focus on being yourself and enjoying your work. I’ve found that this approach allows for more genuine learning and growth.
Buttress is a lively and dynamic place to be in. There is an ever growing number of people with a myriad of different experiences, perspectives and workflows. Taking time to get to know and appreciate them all has added richness into my year out, and I would encourage Part 1s joining to come as you are, be unafraid to ask questions and make use of the incredible wealth of knowledge in the Studio.
Tom: My advice to future Part One architects joining Buttress is to seize every opportunity to learn and engage actively with the team. Buttress is excellent at providing hands-on experience and responsibility, so don't hesitate to ask questions and seek guidance. Always put your ideas forward, as fresh perspectives are highly valued and can offer innovative solutions to projects.
Remember that your unique viewpoint as a young professional is just as important as anyone else's on the team. Embrace the collaborative environment and be confident in sharing your insights. Buttress has been very welcoming of new ideas, and this inclusive culture is something future Part One architects should take full advantage of.
Both Hannah and Tom would like to thank everyone at Buttress for their constant support and trust, both iterating the memories and what they have learnt at their time here which will be something they will fondly look back on throughout their careers.