Life As An Architectural Assistant | Q&A
Holly Bate is currently working as an Architectural assistant for HPA in her first year of practice, after obtaining her degree from the University of Huddersfield in 2021. Holly has assisted with the design and planning of numerous projects since commencing work, and we spoke with her about the role and what it is about architecture that inspires her.
What have you enjoyed most working for HPA so far?
No one day is the same at HPA – the new and different challenges keep me inspired and excited to come back to work.
What made you want to get into Architecture?
I was first inspired by the built environment through the paintings and sculptures produced during my Art foundation course. Coming from an art and design background, I was initially focused on the physical appearance of buildings in my work, later becoming inspired by the historical importance of architecture and how it affects those that inhabit spaces daily – this pushed me to then pursue architecture at a degree level.
Do you have a favourite project you are working on at the minute?
One of my favourite projects I’ve been lucky enough to work on is the Treehouse, at Another Place in Ullswater. I was given the opportunity to produce all the interior and exterior renders using new software and create a visual 3D walkthrough video of the upcoming building, which is currently under construction.
What do you think has been your biggest learning curve since joining HPA?
The biggest learning curve I’ve faced whilst working for HPA is shifting the knowledge learned at university into an office environment. Adjusting my style of work to a real-life practice has enabled me to improve technical knowledge, design skills and professionalism to become more organised and efficient with my own work.
What advice would you give to any undergraduate students wanting to study Architecture?
I’d say be mindful that ‘off the job’ learning is never the same as ‘on the job’ learning in a real world practice. The key to being a good architect is understanding how the theories and methods studied at university can be applied into an office environment. Don’t be disheartened if that skill doesn’t come as quickly to you, it’s mastered over many years of first-hand experience.
We are currently recruiting for next year’s Part 1 student – if interested, please contact hpa@hpa.ltd for further details.
