![Student Insight - Sarah Gardner](/site/assets/files/1324/sarah_gardner.976x532.jpg)
I wanted to stay in Kent for another year and searched for practices to see their work. I liked the work I saw OSG produce and got in contact about an interview.
I became interested in architecture, in year 6 when we had a project to design an activities centre following a school trip to one. Since then I’ve always had an interest in buildings and how they go together.
Pathway into Architecture
I followed the traditional path of an Undergraduate degree full-time at the University of Kent. Personally I loved this route, but I understand the university lifestyle isn’t for everyone, so apprenticeships work great as an alternative.
Why OSG for your placement?
I wanted to stay in Kent for another year and searched for practices to see their work. I liked the work I saw OSG produce and got in contact about an interview. From the interview I learned I liked the style of practice it was and as they have a strong technical team, I could learn skills university didn’t teach me.
OSG Experience
OSG is not a huge practice, so I have had plenty of one-on-one help across projects. I have also been able to work independently and do some designing on projects which some of my peers haven’t been able to do as they have been ‘CAD Monkeys’. I have learnt a lot about the building regs and how the structure of buildings works.
Aspirations & Learnings
I am aiming to learn skills that will help me throughout my Masters and knowledge that I can take forward to employment after my Masters. I have learnt a lot about Revit software which I have used and also used software which I have never used before. I have learnt about building regulations which is something they don’t teach you in university, but you need to use them all the time in employment.
Tips and advice for prospective architecture students
Don’t let the fear of it being 7 years minimum to become an architect put you off! You don’t have to be in education all that time with apprenticeships.