Atomik: Studio Conversations #5

The BTEC Version?

By Derek Draper - Director, Atomik

In recent months it has been great to see a growing discussion about different paths into architectural education. So, I thought this would be the opportunity to introduce my unusual route into the profession.

This month is my twenty-year anniversary since joining Abbey Holford Rowe Architects in Shrewsbury. I was 18 and had just qualified in motor vehicle mechanics and welding at Shrewsbury College. A careers adviser had sparked an interest in construction technology and, with perhaps fate on my side, I got an introduction to a director of AHR, who’s office happened to be next door to the Burger King I was working in at the time. Following a successful interview, I started the following week as a Junior Architectural Technologist and was enrolled on a part time BTEC in Construction and later an NVQ.?

During that time a developing interest in architecture led to a transfer to their London Office, which had by then been rebranded as Aedas, and a part time Degree and Diploma in Architecture at Greenwich University.

Part time study involved a weekly ten-hour day in the Eltham campus of Greenwich University, which in my A-Z was diagonally opposite the flat I had found in Kilburn. It was early mornings, late evenings and weekends getting ready for the next weeks crit. A strict control was needed of planning how to fit my professional role and my academic work into each week. I remember the day of my final Degree crit. I presented Holland Park School to resident’s groups in the morning, then gathered my models and portfolio on the way to the final crit and submission in Eltham.

Part-time studying came with its challenges. It involved consistent focus and commitment over several years There were also the discouraging and patronising moments from other architects. There are those who said part time study doesn’t have the credibility of full time, or that it shouldn’t be a vocational qualification. I still hear now BTEC used as a belittling comment, an outdated view that needs to change if we are to encourage people into the profession.

Challenges aside, there were huge benefits to this route. I’m aware that student fees cost less in the late 2000s, but Aedas paid for everything. They had a model room, all the equipment, directors that cared, and teams of people who were there for advice. Mostly unsolicited, but that is what Architects are like. I couldn't say how many colleagues, consultants, contractors and clients I interacted with during the ten years from BTEC to part 3, too numerous to count. But the synthesis of this contact exposed different approaches, opinions, individual agendas and what it is to be professional. I’m confident now there is no way I would have gotten through the courses without this. In a funny way, it took the work to get the qualification, rather than the qualification to get the work.

From my experience if you are considering a way into the profession, or in a position to advise someone, I would say to think seriously about the BTEC, NVQ and part time study routes. With them comes hands on experience, a salary and a great network of support.?