Work experience placements resumed at Willmore Iles this summer, offering young people of diverse demographics the opportunity to be part of a professional team of architects and designers and experience the real work situations a practice operates in daily.

Willmore Iles have had the pleasure to welcome some local year 10 students for a week-long placement, from different schools across Bristol. This was a unique opportunity for the students to get involved in real work challenges, be part of a professional team and environment and benefit from a glimpse of what life could be like following college and/or further education.

Having the opportunity to work closely with experienced professionals can offer students, some insight into the real world of the professional working environment.

During this week the students were set a design challenge to design a new building to accommodate the Hotwells Centre for Young People. This involved selection of a suitable site and with support were guided through various core design and research activities including site visits, site analysis, critical thinking, precedent analysis and brainstorming. As well as how architecture plays its part in a socio-economic, cultural and environmental climate, and architects have to navigate the design development process in both 2D and 3D drawing conventions.

Students were involved in design workshops and software tutorials as well as drafting the students’, in most cases, first CV. Supported by one of our architects Stalo Pitta. The week concludes with a presentation at the end of the week, during which students present their final design proposals.

If you are a student, parent, teacher or individual, who would like to hear more about our work experience programme please get in touch with Simon Baker – simon.baker@willmoreiles.com and Tony Berongoy – tony.berongoy@willmoreiles.com.