Design Coordinator Review

Checking and gaining a full understanding of the scope of design service for consultants and our subcontractor's, design team meetings and workshops, technical awareness-building technology and regulations, Interrogate and gain a full understanding of the ER's along with design brief and specifications, leading the management of BREEAM on my site - following the requirements of our target criterion.

Since joining McLaren, I have development and understanding of the responsibilities of the main contractor and design team during different RIBA Plan of Works Stages. My early (preconstruction) experience gave me an understanding of the theoretical practices of construction and different logistical techniques to construct buildings of varied cost and programme constraints. Also gaining an understanding of thresholds for RIBA Stages 0-4. In my most recent experience, working during the construction stage (RIBA Stage 5-7), I have learned the fundamentals of design management and managing procurement and scope of works packages with our subcontractors. Handover of my current project is fast approaching and during this stage, I have gone from assisting design management to leading the design management of the project, following the retirement of my senior design manager. This period has allowed me to develop a working understanding of the pressures and actions required to close out a project and all the additional factors that have to be addressed in our clients "practical completion checklist" including; BREEAM, operations & manuals, completion certificates, building control sign of and design record drawings etc.

Outside of the challenges of balancing educations with work, I have greatly enjoyed the format of the apprenticeship and the ability to work day to day with industry professionals with a broad spectrum of knowledge that I can bring to my studies. Having mentors and tutors have been exceptional in keeping me grounded and providing me with resources and experience that is catered for my development area of architecture.

Due to this being a trailblazer course the structure and organisation have come on penfold since it was launched in 2018. Given the situation, with the coronavirus, my institution has done well ensuring that they are able to continue the course virtually and delivering lectures and CPD's over Microsoft Teams - which is great because we haven't had to take a break in learning. Professional experience logging has been a lot easier during isolation as it has become integrated into my work schedule, definitely something I hope to continue with.

My employer have been extremely helpful in providing guidance whether it be work-related, related to studies, or dealing with personal concerns. I have an assigned mentor with a background in architecture that is available during working hours for support with university assignments, employment deliverables, and progression through my defined training plan. Working for a main contractor, doing an architecture course, my employer have really had to cater my role to ensure I have a working understanding of the roles and responsibilities of an Architect, along with still keeping on top of the outputs that are required of my job role.

My training provider have been extremely helpful in keeping me informed about my obligations as an apprentice and the one-to-one support and online resources that are available for us apprentices. Every 3 months I also submit PEDR's to my Professional Studies Advisors (PSA) to log all the professional experience required to become a licensed architect in the UK.

The day to day role of a Design Coordinator at a main contractor differs from the theoretical practices in architecture school. However, there are many transferable skills, especially in the technical and professional practice departments. The benefits are really going to show upon completion of the course, and hopefully qualification as an Architect. By weekly evening lectures from recognised local architects have been extremely valuable gaining inspiration from some of the innovative projects they have worked on.

Evening Architecture lectures at my university, monthly CPD's with my employer that cover technical, legal, and contractual requirements of design and construction. Outside of contract hours, I have also attended RIBA open days/CPD's (containing presentations from product manufactures/suppliers), during the research phase of my master's dissertation I made contact with Rogers Stirk Harbour & Partners, who open their doors to me and allowed me to view their innovative off-site manufactured housing developments (including a visit to their offices and one of their projects in Lewisham).

Yes

I would recommend a friend to the company I work for, they really encourage the best out of their staff and want to place less experienced members of staff into teams and projects that will further their development. It is clear from the outside looking in as they are willing to support people towards their professional goals (graduate programs, apprenticeships).

Express and eagerness to learn and develop, be a team player, research the core values of the business. Speak to people you know who work or have worked for the company in the past and be positive. Sometimes it's not all about the effectiveness or aesthetics or experience of the CV, it's about the personality behind the CV.