Budding architect is learning on the job at Wrexham University

13-Nov-2023

“I’m living the best of both worlds as I’m studying at Wrexham University and also playing a part in the design of a new facility on campus.”

Those are the words of Mia Roberts, a trainee technician at Lovelock Mitchell Architects, which has been appointed by Wynne Construction to design the multi-million pound Enterprise, Engineering, and Optics Centre (EEOC).

The 20-year-old is studying for a part-time higher national certificate (HNC) in architectural design and technology, while applying her learnings to the institution’s new hub, funded via Wrexham University and the growth investment deal rolled out by Ambition North Wales.

Mia has become a key member of the team after joining Lovelock Mitchell earlier this year following a week’s work experience with the firm. Talking about combining university and working on the EEOC from the outset, she said: “Design managers Richard Beatson and Megan Hughes did a talk for students about the progress of the facility. It was certainly a pinch-me moment when the reality set in that I was listening to a presentation with my course mates about a project I’m working on. From attending meetings with the company to using Revit modelling for assessing colour schemes, and how equipment will fit in each lab, I’ve learnt a lot so far.”

LMA is no stranger to supporting future architects, as it also welcomed Flintshire-based year 12 student Aiden Moreton to its office for a week of work experience in the summer. He undertook a design brief for a fictional riverside domestic building in Chester and hand-sketched initial proposals and prepared a full set of general arrangement drawings.

Alison Hourihane, social value manager at Bodelwyddan-headquartered Wynne Construction, added: “We’re huge champions of young people having access to work experience in the industry and it’s important for our supply chain to share those same values, too. Lovelock Mitchell Architects is a perfect example of an organisation that is fostering budding talent, offering valuable insight into the world of architecture and construction. It’s been a pleasure to see Mia flourish and we look forward to seeing her career progress.”

Peter Fisk, senior associate at Lovelock Mitchell Architects, said: “Mia settled into the day-to-day quicky and soon immersed herself in the industry, becoming a real asset to our team. The EOCC was the first project she’s been involved in and working alongside Wynne Construction has given her a window into all the moving parts for a development of this scale. Already on her way to learning a lot, I have no doubt her HNC at Wrexham University will give her an even stronger footing in what it means to be an architect.”

Mia added: “I’d like to give a special mention to Lovelock Mitchell Architects for not only giving me my trainee role, but for the constant help, guidance and experience they’ve provided me with in such a short time span.

“In particular, Pete, Chris, Dan, and Andy have been great mentors to me this past year. Furthermore, Wynne Construction has been a great company to work alongside for my first project, making each process run smoothly and each meeting enjoyable to attend. It’s been fantastic to reflect on everything I have learnt this past year and how much I have thoroughly enjoyed working on the EEOC project at Wrexham University.”

 

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