Ali Abbas

I completed both my architecture degrees at the University of Nottingham, and after graduating in 2009 joined Ellis Williams Architects (EWA) – where I’d also worked during my year out. Based in a large practice, I have a great opportunity to work alongside people from varying backgrounds with expertise in many different aspects of architecture.

I’ve been a key member of the team working on Abraham Moss High School in North Manchester. I joined the project prior to the planning submission and helped to develop the 3D design and key details for a tender submission. My 3D modelling skills were useful to quickly model difficult sections, which could then be discussed with our technicians and suppliers.

The design team are aware of my professional studies towards Part 3. Every couple of weeks I meet our contractor for early morning site visits, to help gain the site experience I need. In the office, our Managing Director held a conference for the Part 3 students about how the practice calculates fees. I’ve found that if you catch people at a good time, professionals value our input and want to help us succeed.

I’ve also found that my experience has been most rewarding where I’ve been able to get out of the office and talk to people in the industry - the project manager, structural engineers and other sub-consultants. I’ve pitched in on all aspects of the job including drawings for a public consultation, presentations to the headteacher and coordinating a meeting with teachers to explore the most appropriate way to refurbish a classroom.

Alongside the education work, the practice is also engaged in speculative work. Through my involvement in this, I’ve been able to develop my own design ideas while taking on the extra responsibilities of writing and compiling bid documents.

Next