Self Review

My individual essay explored the possibilities of the future role of the profession, and why there is an immediate need for change, is mostly derived from the experience and knowledge I have gained through my atelier choice, CPU. Choosing this atelier was me pushing myself to try things that I have never attempted before as a means of widening my skill set and better preparing myself for industry. The research and understanding I have attained from the atelier became the base for my studies in professional studies. Having studied and designed around a niche market of computational design, I was more aware of its relevance in current practice and I have used the professional studies module to push the boundaries of its application, bettered my understanding of its future uses and grounded myself with valuable knowledge and insight as to how this can be applied at industry level.

For my individual essay I wanted to cover the topic of the future role of the Architect on a broad scale, in order to cover as many avenues as possible, in which a young professional like myself might situate themselves. And although I have taken a broader approach to the written piece, the research and understanding about the future of the profession, and how my skillset fits in with its projections, have been the most important asset of the essay writing. I wanted to approach the written piece in this way, as it has set me up with a conversation to be had with other professionals during the application process in the next step of my architectural education. I believe this extensive research has allowed me to be able to challenge the norm and question the traditional approach to my Part 3 qualification. I also believe that in an interview situation my understanding of where I will be positioned, what I can offer and how I can sell, and improve, my worth to a prospective employer is invaluable in my journey to becoming a professional. This also allowed me to engage with this topic that I have been incredibly interested in since the year group symposiums, which were also very stimulating in enabling my thought process regarding my future. The talks from futurists and practices using new technologies as a means of providing efficiencies were especially inspiring for both the collaborative work and the individual essay, and this has even driven me to think about how I can apply such thinking in a landscape of construction where it doesn’t necessarily find any relevance at present.

Another way that I believe I have benefitted from the professional practice programme is that I am now open to a different approach towards my chartership. Seeing ex students of Manchester thrive in the industry working for a contractor and understanding the diminishing position of influence the Architect has, I will be looking how I can gain valuable experience that will further benefit my career in the future.

[Fig.23] Self Evaluation