National Careers Week: Get to Know Team GSS

We’re celebrating National Careers Week across GSS by interviewing a few members of our team about their career so far. We’ve spoken to Maria Garvey and Oliwia Kuzma, who are both Architectural Assistants, Ian Bray, Managing Partner, and Gabbie Snelling, Business Development Manager.

From learning how to be a leader and listening to people’s needs, to gaining first hand experience from part-time degrees, apprenticeships and on the job training, Maria, Oliwia, Ian and Gabbie talk us through their reasonings for joining the construction industry, the proudest moment of their career so far and any advice they’d give to people starting out in the industry. Read the full interviews below:

What is your favourite part of your job?

My favourite part of the job is seeing a project through from the initial concept sketch to a functioning building and the way in which its users interact with the architecture is what makes it so exciting. Architecture is a creative field that requires a process of conscious decisions and collaborative expertise. Seeing your vision manifest itself into a real life form can be incredibly rewarding.

I have a real interest in the material selection process and how the chosen materials of a project can impact both the final aesthetic and the way in which users see and interact with the building. Materials can be used to inform part of the narrative, and contribute to the finesse or failure of a design.

What advice would you give to someone starting out in the industry?

Make sure you use your time at university to absorb as much information as possible, keep a mental catalogue of precedents and use that information to influence and expand project possibilities when working in practice. Architecture is a profession of continuous learning which can be both challenging and exciting. We have to ensure that we constantly educate ourselves to ensure we’re providing our clients with a suitable and innovative end product. Expose yourself and network from the outset. But most importantly, stay curious.

What’s the biggest challenge you face and how do you overcome it?

When design forms the basis of both your career and your hobbies and interests it can sometimes be difficult to establish boundaries and a healthy work-life balance.

Is there a specific moment or project you are most proud of?

Shortly after joining GSS, I was given the opportunity to work on the Dame Margaret Barbour building for Newcastle university. With an extremely tight programme and a small team it has become one of the most challenging but rewarding experiences during my professional career. The project allowed me to push my work ethic, form good working relationships with members of the practice and gave me the opportunity to interact with sub consultants at an early stage in my career which really helped me to grow in confidence both personally and professionally.

What is the most valuable training you have received and why?

Although I chose to progress via the traditional pathway (Full time education during Part I and Part II, and currently completing my Part III studies through the part time course at University of Westminster), on-the-job training has definitely been the environment in which I have obtained most of my skills. University sets you up with an understanding of the importance of meeting deadlines and the ability to be creative and expressive with your ideas, but working in industry allows you to gain knowledge and an understanding of the wider profession that can only be established through ‘doing’.

Oliwia Kuzma is based at the GSS Newcastle Studio and is an Architectural Assistant currently undergoing her apprenticeship with the support of GSS.

What attracted you to pursue a career in architecture and the construction industry?

The mix of art and science and the impact on the world around us. As well as the wide opportunities that an architecture career offers.

What is your favourite part of your job?

Seeing the design becoming a real building!

What advice would you give to someone starting out in the industry?

Try to get work experience as soon as you can and build the relationships with tutors, peers, and architects, they all help you to progress your career and of course, produce quality work over quantity!

What’s the biggest challenge you face and how do you overcome it?

Pushing myself out of the comfort zone to learn. To overcome it, I am aiming to take on new tasks, social situations, and projects. Stress and anxiety with deadlines… To overcome it, talk with more experienced staff about their experience and their stress management techniques and do the work! Time management – healthy balance between work, study, and personal life – try to have days of intense work, study and some days out to rest.

Is there a specific moment or project you are most proud of?

I am most proud of finishing my masters’ degree whilst working full time and achieving a first class mark for my design project, thanks to the support of my GSS team. I started to believe that I can become an architect. Also, seeing my design ideas for elements of the James Barber Student Accommodation at Durham University being built on site!

What is the most valuable training you have received and why?

Being mentored by Architects on the job, as well as by tutors on my university projects as well as being involved in the meetings, the variety of projects and being trusted to have the responsibility of leading a project.

Ian Bray is the Managing Partner at GSS and joined the Practice in 1993 as a Trainee Quantity Surveyor. GSS supported him with his studies and he was promoted to Partner in 2006 and Managing Partner in 2018.

What attracted you to pursue a career in the construction industry?

I enjoyed maths and was good at it, but I knew I didn’t want to be in an office all day. I chose to become a quantity surveyor because it would give me the opportunity to be part of a creative industry and spend my time in the office as well as on site.

What is your favourite part of your job?

My favourite part of the job is being able to travel to all six offices to meet and get to know all of the GSS team members – our people are our greatest asset and I think it’s important to get to know them all.

What advice would you give to someone starting out in the industry?

I would say, gain a variety of work experience to find a career you enjoy, there are lots to choose from in the construction industry, including quantity surveying, architecture, business administration, marketing, and lots more. Don’t be scared to change tack to find an avenue within the industry suited to you. Think big and be prepared to work hard!

Is there a specific moment or project you are most proud of?

I am most proud of how GSS has grown in my time here, especially the significant growth in Yorkshire and the North East. I have witnessed the practice expand from two offices with 25 people to six offices with a team of over 70.

What is the most valuable training you have received and why?

On the job training allowed me to gain first-hand experience in the industry and learn from those who were more experienced than me. If I hadn’t completed my degree part time, I wouldn’t be in the position I’m in now. When I finished my degree, I had 5 years’ experience and was in better position than my peers. I progressed to an Associate at aged 28 and I was made a Partner at 32 years old in 2006.

What is your favourite part of your job?

I would say the variety within my role and that no two days are the same, and that I am constantly challenged. I’m also extremely lucky to have such a great team who help create a lovely working environment.

What advice would you give to someone starting out in the industry?

Ask questions and be willing to learn! I’ve worked in the industry for over 15 years, and still learn something new most days.

What’s the biggest challenge you face and how do you overcome it?

I would say managing bid deadlines and ensuring we receive what we need from others in good time to allow for us to coordinate responses. This can be a challenge but by introducing internal deadlines, being strict with our time management, and not being afraid to get on the phone and chase people, we tend to keep these instances to a minimum.

Is there a specific moment or project you are most proud of?

Probably the launch of our refreshed website back in 2022. A lot of hard work was involved in getting it over the line and it was so rewarding seeing it go live and receiving positive feedback.

What is the most valuable training you have received and why?

Working closely with colleagues and learning from them and their experiences has been invaluable and probably the most valuable form of training. Utilising those around you and their skills and knowledge is a great way to continue developing and something that I think is often underrated in terms of training.