This interview sees us shining our staff spotlight on Architectural Assistant (Part 1) Harry Breeden. Harry is approaching 7 years of being a part of the Barker team, so we sat him down to find out how he went from being on a work experience placement to becoming a fully-fledged member of the team.
Hi Harry! Thanks for taking the time to sit down with us. Let’s start off at the beginning and find out what it was that initially drew you to architecture?
I have always loved freehand drawing and quickly found that technical drawing was my favourite subject at School. I decided quite early on that I wanted to pursue a career that incorporated this into my day-to-day duties, which is where I concluded that architecture was the perfect choice for me. At the time I was living in Spain and their education system is vastly different from ours, if I were to study it over there the course wouldn’t have included any work-based modules, so I opted to come back to England to explore my education options here. I undertook work experience in building surveying, structural engineering and at the council before I discovered Barker. Upon completion of a couple of weeks of work experience with the architectural team here, they offered me a work placement at university and the rest is history!
What does your typical working day look like?
My day always begins by checking my emails and looking over what my task list for the day is. Then I will attend a team meeting where we will discuss as a group the urgency of the projects and set the teams priorities. The remainder of my day will be spent on CAD (computer aided design) and Revit developing projects from feasibility studies through to construction. My role means I am involved in the process of taking the project from conceptual design right the way through to technical design. I shouldn’t forget to add that my day also includes a fair few teas and biscuits and I also love to socialise with the team on my lunch.
What would you say are the highlights of your career so far?
I would be inclined to say there are two main highlights that stand out for me. The first one was when I obtained my RIBA Part 1 degree in Architecture after 6 years of part time study. The second was seeing my first project that I worked on and designed being built and used by the school. It was an amazing feeling and I felt a huge sense of pride and accomplishment.
What is your favourite aspect of the job?
I absolutely love working on the conceptual stage of a project. This is the initial design and exploration part, so I love the fact I get to draw freehand with just a pen and paper and have the freedom to explore different design options.
What do you like doing in your spare time?
Even though my job is heavily drawing based, I still absolutely love to sketch in my free time. I even sell some of my architectural illustrations on postcards, prints, framed artwork etc. I also enjoy taking my classic car out for a ride in the country lanes and hanging out with my friends and family.