Welcoming our Part I Architectural Assistants

A year in practice is an opportunity to build on architectural studies and gain first-hand experience of the profession.

Each year, we welcome a cohort of Part I Architectural Assistants to help them develop into the Architects of tomorrow. Our Part I pledge, part of our commitment to people, ensures their year out supports their ongoing architectural education and offers more than ‘just a job.’ We’re proud that many of our team began their careers with us as Architectural Assistants, including our Managing Director, Andy Rainford.

Our pledge translates into practical support throughout the year. Each Part I has a one-to-one mentor offering guidance and helping them gain experience across projects and the RIBA Plan of Work. Alongside this project experience, regular study sessions help prepare our Part Is for Part II and beyond, connecting their architectural education with the commercial realities of practice.

This year, we welcomed six Part Is to the team. We caught up with them to hear why they chose to join AEW and how they’ve been putting their studies into practice:

Millie Turner joined us from the Manchester School of Architecture.

Why were you interested in joining AEW?

I have a strong interest in sustainable and community-focused design, and AEW’s passion for low-carbon architecture which enhances people’s lives sparked an interest in working in the team! I was particularly inspired by the practice’s B-Corp certified status, which ensures that my work as a Part I aligns with my values as an individual – not to mention the sociable, collaborative design methods used throughout the studio.

Describe the type of work that you’re involved in.

As part of the industrial team, I’ve mainly been based on AutoCAD during my first month, using Photoshop to create illustrative masterplans from these 2D models. I’ve learnt many workflows and industry standards within this work, developing my CAD skills and learning Revit for the first time. I’ve also joined the social value committee, where I’ve attended four events so far.

Roisin O’Doherty joined us from the University of Sheffield.

Why were you interested in joining AEW?

After completing work experience at AEW in 2022, the practice’s collaborative and people-first ethos left a lasting impression on me as a college student, who was still unsure if architecture was the right path for me. The experience gave me confidence and motivated me to pursue my degree, and I am excited to have returned to AEW as a Part I four years later!

Describe the type of work that you’re involved in.

I’m gaining experience on multiple projects ranging from the industrial sector to new mixed-use neighbourhoods. I’m particularly enjoying working on one current scheme, located in an old quarry, involving a sensitive design approach that responds to its picturesque surroundings – whilst considering ecological factors such as the protected species in the area.

Zoe Hill joined us from the University of Newcastle.

Why were you interested in joining AEW?

I was particularly drawn to AEW’s commitment to social value, which closely aligned with my approach to architecture at university. Beyond this, the structured support for Part Is and opportunities to learn from those around me made it feel like the right place to start my career. I was also really attracted to the wider culture, with charity events and volunteering opportunities creating a friendly and welcoming working environment.

Describe the type of work that you’re involved in

I’ve been involved in a range of early-stage projects, from feasibility studies to development opportunities within sensitive heritage settings. It’s given me a much stronger understanding of how design, planning, community needs and site context come together to shape a proposal.

Archie Harris also completed his studies at Newcastle University.

I was interested in joining AEW because of the company’s heavy emphasis on social value. Things such as their Social Value and EDI Committees, volunteering for Ronald McDonald House and monthly social events show that AEW provides a caring environment, both for its team and its wider community. AEW also puts an emphasis on Part Is feeling included and part of the team throughout its projects, even creating a Part I pledge to ensure we see all elements of the practice.

Describe the type of work that you’re involved in

Currently I’m involved in the retail team where I participate in work such as feasibility schemes, site plans, and some concept work. Through this work, AEW has enabled me to develop my Revit and AutoCAD skills throughout my time here.

Emily Barrow joined us from the University of Liverpool.

Why were you interested in joining AEW?

AEW’s people-first approach, evident across its diverse portfolio of projects, was one of the main reasons I was drawn to the practice. The firms Part I Pledge demonstrated a genuine commitment to supporting early-career architects, while also providing the opportunity to gain experience across all stages of the RIBA Plan of Work. Visiting the office for my interview further reinforced this impression; the welcoming atmosphere and flexible working environment gave me confidence that AEW would be a place where I could develop both professionally and personally.

Describe the type of work that you’re involved in

Working within AEW’s Industrial sector, I’ve already gained exposure to a diverse range of projects during my first month with the practice. This has provided experience across multiple work stages, from contributing to early-stage feasibility studies to producing visualisations and planning documents for a Stage 3 project. As I continue my year at AEW, I look forward to contributing to projects, further expanding my knowledge and professional skill set.

Ethan Hotson also joined us from the University of Liverpool.

Why were you interested in joining AEW?

I was interested in joining AEW because of its reputation as an award-winning practice and the diverse range of interesting projects it delivers. Equally, the practice’s values around putting people first and making a positive contribution to the wider community really aligned with my own. The opportunities to get involved in events and activities beyond project work were another aspect that appealed to me. Since joining, I’ve found the people and office environment to be incredibly welcoming, creating a really positive and enjoyable place to work.

Describe the type of work that you’re involved in

I’m currently involved in developing a lot of feasibility schemes for a range of commercial projects. Day to day, I’m involved in a variety of tasks, while also developing my software skills and gaining a better understanding of how a practice operates. It’s been a great opportunity to build on my experience, learn from the wider team and gain exposure to different aspects of the work.

As their year in practice continues, we look forward to seeing our Part Is develop. We support a range of routes into the profession and hope that, like many before them, they will stay with us whilst continuing their university studies or return for their Part IIs or Degree Apprenticeships.