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Kieran Lawlor has been with us since January 2022, working as an Architectural Assistant in our Planning team. Sadly, Kieran will be leaving us to return to University of Portsmouth, embarking on his Part II from September. Before he leaves, we sat down with Kieran and asked him about his time at gdm, the world of work and what he is most looking forward to about going back to University.
Kieran, what have you enjoyed about working for gdm?
KL: ‘Working in a SME practice like gdm has given me many advantages. I have been able to deliver different elements of work, from feasibility to planning, picking up many different skills. I feel my experience will positively differ from those in larger practices, they may not have had the chance to gain as much breath or responsibility as I have. The interaction with the Directors and experienced members of the team, the chance to learn from their knowledge and experience has been extremely valuable and a highlight too. I feel I am coming away with a real understanding of how the process actually works, the practicalities of day-to-day and what it is to be an architect.’
What projects have you undertaken that stick out for you?
KL: ‘I have worked on 65 different projects in my time here, including large and small residential, industrial, fit-out and mixed use, but several are highlights. Salts Farm and Cheney Walk, both for Fernham Homes, where I was able to take a leading role with the client and consultant team. The first project I worked on was Bullockstone Road, a masterplan of 78 houses for Stonebond. It has been great to see that project progress through planning to site. During my time here, I have realised I enjoy working on the smaller projects as well as the large, taking on the development of the brief, understanding often complex and intricate schemes, working through the detail to provide a deliverable solution for the client. This has been highlighted recently on a tricky back land site in Maidstone. When I first saw the site, I was hesitant if development was even possible, however through clever design and discussions with the planners and heritage officer through the pre-application process we are about to submit a planning application for 6 flats.
So, what has surprised you about stepping into the ‘real world’?
KL: ‘The importance of working in a team, rather than being siloed. It can often be the case at Uni that you are working on your own projects and portfolio and not engaging with others, which is obviously not a true reflection of how it happens in the industry. I have enjoyed collaborating and communicating with clients and other consultants to bring together designs and plans for projects. I have also enjoyed the office camaraderie, our lunchtime games of table tennis, catch ups at the pub and team builders, gdm have provided a great culture for me to work and grow in.’
What are you looking forward to the most back at University?
KL: ‘I am looking forward to taking on alternative projects and undertaking a deeper exploration of them, which sometimes doesn’t happen in the real world. I am also looking forward to expanding my theoretical design knowledge and developing my understanding of heritage buildings.’
Do you think you’ll take any transferrable skills back to University?
KL: ‘Yes, mainly time management and application of my design knowledge. My clearer understanding of the design process will also be key when working alongside other Part II’s who will also have similar knowledge’.
What would you love to work on in the future?
KL: ‘I’d love to deliver an education project, plus a heritage scheme, I like the real sense of satisfaction and ability to give back in both sectors. The schools at Ebbsfleet Green and Chilmington Green that gdm have designed and delivered looked great and fun to work on, unfortunately I am just leaving as we are beginning work on a new large extension on another local school.’
Thank you to Kieran for all his hard work over the last 18 months. We wish him every success as he heads back to University, we know he has a bright future ahead and our door is always open for you to return.