The realisation that designing places for people to live, work or play in is a big responsibility. Listening and understanding the clients' needs with compassion should come naturally, alongside the ability to stay motivated to help improve our built environment for the future.

Its been a challenging but rewarding journey to get to this point in my career and I am excited about the future and the adventures that lie ahead!

I find working on distillery projects interesting due to their specialist nature. I've learnt a lot about the distillation process and how to maximise the efficiency of the building layout to facilitate the staff, the tour guides and the visitors in equal measure.

I think it is important that an architectural assistant is adaptive and resilient, as sometimes existing constraints and changing circumstances require quick thinking and the ability to problem-solve. Being creative and having natural empathy are useful qualities that will allow you to work in harmony with clients.

Thoughtful design has the potential to positively impact people's lives and the way in which they live and work - great architecture should consider the site and surrounding context to create a proposal that complements and contributes to the built environment.

In my career, I have been fortunate to have worked on projects large and small for an array of architectural practices. Highlights of my career include my Part 1 placement in Australia and being part of the project team designing Edinburgh's Royal Hospital for Sick Children, and whilst working with Denham Youd I've enjoyed designing distilleries on both the Isles of Arran and Barra.

The ability to engage in constructive collaboration and communication are key in our profession; from the formulation of a brief, through initial ideas, concept development, construction, occupation and use.

For me, architecture has been an outlet through which I can express creative concepts and designs. I get a lot of inspiration from collaborating with clients, consultants and contractors to create thoughtfully designed places for people to work and live.

Housing projects of all shapes and sizes. Housing satisfies the social responsibility part of my brain, whilst one-off house designs allow us to test more ideas and work closely with clients to create their dream home. I also have experience in Community and Educational projects.

Some architects love to work in the early Concept Design phases of a project where it's all about testing and discussing ideas, others thrive in the detailing of a project or administering a contract. All of these processes require you to be methodical, both in your thinking and how you work.

A good breath of experience in various sectors, on projects of varying scales, with a great mix of clients.

To consider the changes that the future may bring when making design decisions. Tackling concerns around societal and environmental issues can provide more sustainable architecture for us to enjoy for years to come.

Designing spaces vicariously means an architects design process can become incredibly meaningful. I like to place myself in the habitat and design from the inside out to make sure the space is used effectively.

Since finishing Part 1 of my architecture journey in 2021, 2022 has brought real-life experience and pragmatism to my architectural understanding.

Great architecture must have a unique and striking form but also cater to the clients' needs. Finding the perfect balance is what I find most enjoyable.

From initial concepts to the completion of a project there are many challenges to overcome, so the ability to think on your feet and have patience with the process is key. An open mind and good listening skills also go a long way if you want to be a great architect.

I recently contributed to the design of new affordable housing developments for the residents of Arran alongside the Arran Development Trust. I find this sector to be particularly rewarding as we are making a difference to residents in their local communities.

Great architecture to me means many things – it is creating lovely spaces for people to enjoy, helping to build communities; it is fostering relationships with clients to provide a meaningful service that we can both learn from; it is creating a vibrant, sustainable workplace. It is ensuring sustainable design forms part of the core of a project, never the afterthought.

I have worked in various sectors over the years including private housing, social housing, individual dwellings, industrial, commercial and leisure. One area that gives me a great deal of satisfaction is social housing – you feel that in a small way you have helped to enhance the life of a community and its residents.

Being able to listen is really important, along with being flexible and willing to make changes when they are necessary.

Vast amounts of knowledge and attention to detail! Quite often it also comes down to basic common sense and, of course, the ability to use your imagination - being able to imagine something in your mind that is yet to exist is a special kind of madness.

A good design appears effortless; it considers users' needs and wellbeing, it works in harmony with its surroundings, it subconsciously improves people’s day to day lives. Good architecture is resilient, made with the intention of adapting to the changes of time.

It’s been a steep climb, but I wouldn’t change a thing.

You'll go far with plenty of imagination and clarity of vision!

Get creative in all aspects. Problem solving and designing go hand in hand, and bundles of creativity can go a long way in this industry.

My main focus is to design spaces and create structures that stand out from the rest whilst being beneficial for the client and the planet.

I’ve mainly worked on bespoke residential projects around the countryside across the west coast of Scotland. My ambition is to move on to more commercial projects and gain experience working at larger scales.

The realisation that designing places for people to live, work or play in is a big responsibility. Listening and understanding the clients' needs with compassion should come naturally, alongside the ability to stay motivated to help improve our built environment for the future.

Its been a challenging but rewarding journey to get to this point in my career and I am excited about the future and the adventures that lie ahead!

I enjoy giving financial meaning to monthly figures for a creative business.

Honesty, accuracy and good communication skills

To provide thoughtful, ambitious and well-crafted architectural responses that carefully consider the site, context and people that will occupy them.

Creative flair, vision and an ability to communicate ideas well.