Sam is an Architectural Technologist based in our Newcastle studio, who has been with us since 2021. Throughout school Sam knew that a career in Architecture was what he was interested in, from GCSE level he chose to take entirely relevant subjects including Product Design, Geography and Art. After school Sam attended Gateshead College completing his Level 3 Foundation and then National Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment. These qualifications provided a broad understanding of the principles, practices and technologies used in Construction and the Built Environment.

It was then when he began to pursue further qualification, that the college encouraged organising student finance or find funding through an apprenticeship. This is how Sam found GSSArchitecture, as a local job his tutor encouraged him to apply to.

Sam began his Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Construction and the Built Environment in August 2021. This was completed on day release, so he would work for four consecutive days and then have one day at college. Sam found this structure supported the continuity of his day-to-day work, whilst allowing for reflection at the start or end of a week.

When asked about the benefits of this type of integrated working, as opposed to full time education, Sam specifically noted how valuable it was to be able to learn and practice skills such as REVIT and AutoCAD. As software tools used widely across architecture, engineering and construction industries, he noted how important this was to practice and develop. Sam expressed how this cemented the fact that the apprenticeship was the right option.

Sam also felt the support of his mentors at GSS, who worked closely with him to ensure the development of important skills. He notes the specific focus on his presentation, which was something he previously overlooked, but now sees as a key element which ultimately determines the finished project and how it is perceived and interpreted by clients. Through this face-to-face experience and involvement with design teams he has also been able to grow in confidence.

Sam finished his Level 4 in 2023, allowing him to become ACIAT registered and has since completed his Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Architectural Technology, whilst working day-to-day on a range of Revit-based construction projects. He has worked across a broad range of sectors and deals with different individual client briefs. His most notable achievement to date being the work he has contributed to the £7 million Swallow Falls project, which he has seen through from Stage 3 to 4, watching his designs come to life. In the next couple of years, Sam is looking forward to cementing his skills and then working towards his MCIAT qualification.