Meet The Expert: Benjamin Wibberley - Architectural Technologist

1. Describe your role at Wyvern

In my current position at Wyvern Partnership, my primary responsibility involves conducting initial visits to clients’ properties. This includes gathering relevant background information on the client, as well as detailed accounts of the accident or negligence they have experienced. I take precise measurements and photographs of the existing property, which are then provided to our accommodation experts for report generation. Additionally, I perform suitability assessments for various properties nationwide, again documenting measurements and photographs. I am also responsible for producing existing and proposed CAD drawings, which are essential for cost estimations and other project needs. I am proficient in preparing and submitting planning and building regulation applications, along with the necessary drawings. Furthermore, I conduct interim site visits to monitor and document progress, and have experience in property defect inspections, although this is less frequent than other areas of my work.

2. Can you tell us a little about your professional background?

I began my career at Wyvern Partnership at the age of 15, immediately after completing my schooling. While working, I enrolled at South Cheshire College to study the Construction and Built Environment course, which I successfully completed with a Triple Grade Distinction*. At 18, I expanded my professional experience by working with various companies and exploring a new career path. At the age of 22, I returned to Wyvern Partnership to continue my architectural career.

3. What led you to pursuing that career?

Architecture has always been a passion of mine, particularly the design and structure of cathedral buildings and churches. I am drawn to the creative aspects of architectural work. Coming from a family of builders—both of my grandfathers owned and operated construction companies—I chose to follow my father’s footsteps in pursuing architecture rather than the family trade of building.

4. How long have you been doing it for?

I have accumulated a total of 11 years of professional experience, with 8 of those years being consecutive at Wyvern Partnership.

5. What is your favourite part of the job?

My favourite part of the job is being on-site, particularly when measuring or surveying properties.

6. What is the most challenging aspect of your job?

One of the more challenging aspects of my role is working with individuals who have significant disabilities. In some cases, this creates communication barriers, especially when no carers or family members are available to assist with gathering background information.

7. What do you like to do outside of work?

Outside of work, I enjoy spending quality time with my partner and our son, Max, who was born in 2024. I also enjoy walking with our dog, Zeus. I am passionate about food, especially burgers, and enjoy socializing over a drink. In terms of sports, I am an avid fan of rugby, boxing, and UFC, and I relish the opportunity to watch these events either at home or occasionally ringside.

8. If you weren’t in your current role, what would you be doing?

If given the opportunity to start over, I would pursue a career in mixed martial arts or boxing from a young age. This has always been a great passion of mine, and the potential to travel globally for training and competitions would be an exciting prospect.

9. Tell us an interesting fact / something we don’t know about you.

At our previous office location, I was the first responder to a head-on collision involving two cars on the train tracks. I assisted the elderly driver to safety, away from the tracks, before returning to the vehicle to rescue her young grandson from the back seat and carry him to safety.

10. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be & why?

If I could travel anywhere in the world, I would choose the arctic circle. I am captivated by the snow and the polar environment, and my favourite animal is the polar bear. I would also relish the opportunity to see walruses and penguins in their natural habitat.