Year 1 learners from the T-Level in Design, Surveying and Planning in Construction course recently received an inspiring and informative guest lecture by Architect Irene de Miguel Lopez from AWW Architects, a leading architectural practice based in Bristol.

AWW Architects operate from studios in Bristol, London, and Plymouth and are known for their collaborative, design-led approach that places people at the heart of every project. The practice prides itself on creating sustainable, inclusive, and meaningful architecture that improves how people live, work, and interact with their surroundings.

Irene delivered a talk titled “A Day in the Life of an Architect,” giving students a first-hand insight into the varied and dynamic nature of architectural work. She discussed her day-to-day responsibilities, which range from creating design drawings and attending client meetings, to visiting construction sites to monitor project progress.

To make the session more interactive, Irene brought along a selection of material samples that AWW Architects use when designing buildings. Students were able to handle these samples and explore how different materials influence the look, feel, and performance of a building.

Irene also explained that an architect’s role is incredibly diverse, involving the design of a wide range of environments including homes, workplaces, schools, sports facilities, and performance spaces. She highlighted that while the path to become a fully qualified architect can take up to seven years, the profession offers a rewarding and creative career for those passionate about designing and building future communities.

The talk made a clear impact, with many students expressing renewed enthusiasm for pursuing careers in architecture.

Daniel Comerford, Weston College Construction Professions lecturer, said: “We’re extremely grateful to Irene for taking the time to visit our learners and share her experiences. Her talk offered invaluable insight into the profession and has clearly inspired the next generation of architects and designers in the construction industry.”

Guest lectures like this provide our students with a deeper understanding of alternative career paths that students can pursue following their T Level. It allowed them to ask questions to industry professionals, gave them clarity on the journey required to become an architect, and the benefits of pursuing this career. It allowed them to network with a professional, increased their confidence by reducing future ambiguity, and provided them with real-world insight as well as discussions of industry standards and values.

A big thank you to Irene for taking the time to visit our students and engage with them to ensure they were fully informed regarding their future opportunities.

This guest lecture forms part of the Construction Careers Excellence Hub. Weston College's Career Excellence Hubs are designed to be the launching pad for our learners' careers. In a world where connections and relevant skills matter more than ever, these hubs offer a holistic approach that prepares learners to thrive in their chosen industries. With the support of these hubs, our learners are well-equipped to make a significant impact in their professional journeys. 

Progress to the next level in Construction! At University Centre Weston (UCW) our students give us impressive feedback, with our latest National Student Survey results putting us above average in all nine areas! Find out more about our exceptional teaching, wellbeing services and learning resources by visiting our website. Click here!

If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College here. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.