Architecture BA(Hons): After you graduate

"Although I knew very little about architecture when I was choosing my degree, it seemed to fit well with my interests.  The course at Kingston University had a good reputation and offered a balanced mix of academic study combined with an emphasis on high quality design. I also spoke to a couple of architects who suggested that Kingston's students were well regarded within the profession.

"The course itself was fantastic. I loved it from the minute I started and it certainly exceeded my expectations. We were introduced to design in an exciting and stimulating manner and really encouraged to use our imaginations and explore ideas thoroughly. In the first year we spent a lot of time designing things other than buildings which was a surprise. Highlights of my time at university include great fieldtrips to places such as Paris, Amsterdam and Berlin, and winning my first architectural competition.

"After finishing my degree I knew I wanted to continue to qualify as an architect. Finding my first job seemed relatively easy and I think this was mainly due to the extensive portfolio I had produced. I worked for a small firm of architects and went on to study for a Diploma in Architecture. Studying for the final RIBA Part III exams while working was hard but in 1993 I qualified and was finally able to call myself an architect.

"In 1995 I joined Planning Design Development. It's a medium-sized firm employing architects, quantity surveyors and planning supervisors. We have a varied workload that ranges from refurbishment projects, residential developments, sports facilities through to master planning for large areas of development or regeneration projects. I'm currently working on a new secondary school building and I am also involved in a large retail and warehouse facility. 

"My job means I'm always doing something different and constantly learning new skills. I love working independently while also being part of a team.  I enjoy forging strong working relationships with clients, other consultants and working with contractors. I also like the balance of the desk job combined with design time and being out onsite. There's a great deal of satisfaction when a project is complete and the client is happy.

"My degree at Kingston definitely inspired my desire to become an architect and gave me a great grounding in the skills needed to do the job. The structure of the course means there is plenty of opportunity to explore areas of individual interest in greater depth while its broad base means that you acquire a good general knowledge in the core subjects.   I would unreservedly recommend the course. I've got a great job doing what I love with something new to tackle almost everyday."

"I chose to study architecture because it joined together my interests in construction and art and design, and I selected Kingston University because it offers a RIBA* recognised course, good facilities and good teaching staff.  Furthermore, it's in the perfect location, being close to London and some of the best buildings in the UK. Plus it's a fantastic place to be a student.

"Architecture is not a course to do if you want an easy three years!  But the hard work is worth it. I think the studio element of the course was probably the most enjoyable and challenging aspect. Having to work to a brief and design a building are excellent skills to learn, helping build your problem-solving abilities and spatial awareness.

"The course is designed so that you get to know people from the start. The trip to Italy in the first year was fantastic and really opened my eyes to different types of architecture.  Another high was the way the students rallied round to help each other in the final year. The final highlight was getting a 2:1 at the end of it all.

"After graduating I decided not to pursue a professional qualification in architecture and initially worked for the civil service, mainly dealing with benefit claims. Just over a year later I got a job I really wanted in the property services technical department at my local authority.  Despite having little experience, my degree showed I could do the work.

"I started off as a trainee and was promoted to asset management surveyor early in 2006.  The work mostly involves dealing with social housing which can be anything from Georgian buildings to 1960s council estates. It includes surveys, upgrade programmes and maintenance programmes, as well as solving tricky technical issues. I like that my job provides the opportunity to meet lots of different people and I really enjoy investigating buildings, finding out what is wrong with them and how to go about solving problems.

"I am now aiming to become a member of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors as a building surveyor and, as part of my job, I study building surveying at postgraduate level.  My architecture degree has been of real benefit, giving me an excellent foundation to the course and there are also many aspects I use in my work on a daily basis.

"Going to university is one of the best life experiences you can have. It can be a shock to the system at first, but the opportunities a degree can provide far outweigh the negatives."

* Royal Institute of British Architects