2012
Dan Bolt graduated with a BA (Hons) degree in Architectural Technology from Southampton Solent University in 2010. Soon after his graduation, Dan started working for the RPA: Group in Ashford, Middlesex.
“Since a young age I have always been surrounded by beautiful architecture and shown interest in properties, therefore I decided that a career for me later in life would be involved with the construction industry. At secondary school, I found myself succeeding in Technology and Art where I received many awards and extra GCSEs, I decided to combine my artistic skills with technology and find a career which encompasses both areas.
“When looking at specific courses and possible cities to study, I noticed that Southampton Solent did a course in Architectural Technology which filled my interests, and having visited the city on many occasions beforehand, I knew that this was a good choice. From attending an open day and looking at previous work projects, what is involved and what I would be achieving after the 3 year course, I knew that Architectural Technology at Southampton Solent was the right choice for me."
What did you enjoy about your course?
“Architectural Technology at Southampton Solent is so varied and covers a lot of topics that prepare you for when you enter the real world e.g. refurbishment which has helped me create professional and accurate condition surveys, measured surveys, and schedules of condition. The element I enjoyed most were the design projects, they were challenging, creative and productive. Working with employers and real sites and projects, and having your course tutors acting as your client for many projects prepares you for when you will be working with real clients and the problems that will occur from mind changing, budget and time. You also have an input into the design and the technical side of the projects. The greatest satisfaction for me was seeing my concepts realised from just ideas in my mind onto paper, and 3 months later seeing the project completed.
“What I enjoyed most is what I have learnt over the 3 year course; time management, organisation, design skills, technical knowledge, report writing, AutoCAD, Revit and Google Sketch-Up, all the vital skills for a successful career. The final element is that I had a very good relationship with all of the tutors and lecturers, they are communicative, helpful and definitely want you to succeed.”
Why did you apply to your current employer?
"I applied for a company called the RPA:Group in Ashford, Middlesex. They deal with live projects all across the globe and interact with clients such as, Tommy Hilfiger, Foot Locker, Starbucks and Burberry. I have an interest in both the residential and commercial side of Architectural Technology, therefore I applied for this company because they deal with huge projects that require a great deal of accuracy. Being surrounded by a strong team of architects, technical staff, project managers and surveyors, I knew that I would be able to learn so much more just by listening and observing what is going on around me."
What do you think enabled you to get the job ahead of other candidates?
"What enabled me to get the job was the experiences and skills I had learnt at University. I was able to show to my employer that I was keen, enthusiastic, committed and willing to learn and get involved in as much as I can. As well as that, I proved to them that I have great time management, organisational skills, great presence and confidence. From studying a wide range of topics, being involved in a variety of design projects all of these assets come to you naturally, that's how great Southampton Solent University is."
What does your job involve?
"My role at work currently is an Architectural Technologist, where I create and develop drawing packages for our clients. I also go to site visits on a regular basis to check the progress of work and to ensure the worked is being carried out according to the drawings.
"Planning applications are needed on most of our projects therefore we have to put together all the necessary correct documents such as design and access statements. The company requires good communication therefore we have team meetings on a weekly basis to check the progress of all projects and a single meeting fortnightly to assess your own individual performance and high-light any areas you would like to further develop in the future."
What do you particularly enjoy about your work?
"What I love most about my job is that every single day is different, one day I could be in the office creating drawing packages and the next I could be called out on site to check on certain projects. Having such great clients means we also get to travel all over the world to take on new projects. This has been my interest since I was of a young age and to be in a career that I really enjoy is perfect!"
What future projects will you be working on (or hope to be working on)?
"To date I have created design packages for Ann Summers, Carphone Warehouse, Tommy Hilfiger, World Duty Free and I have just completed a Multi-Faith prayer room in Stratford, London. My latest project is in Guildford which involves the refurbishment of a run down six story building, with the view to converting it into offices for the client to rent out for investment. I had to go on site to carry out a dimension survey and prepare the drawing package.
"In the future I know I will be working on many more great, exciting projects, one example is the refurbishment of 170 stores for one of the major mobile phone companies in the UK."
How have your studies at Southampton Solent University helped with your career and in particular what you do now?
Everything that I am faced with today in the real world is everything that I studied and developed at Southampton Solent University. I believe this enables me to be thrown into the deep end and come out strong because I know how to deal with so many different scenarios.
What advice would you give to anyone who wishes to follow in your footsteps?
"You are definitely making the right career choice. Architectural Technology is fun, creative, challenging, satisfying, productive, interactive and most importantly not boring. It also opens up many other doors into the industry which could lead to possibly having your own practice one day. If your interests at school are within Art and technology, then Architectural Technology is definitely for you."
"Southampton Solent University was great, it allowed me to make a million new friends and gave me a life experiences I will never forget. At the age of 18 I was afraid to move away from my home town Plymouth, and when the time finally came I never looked back, it was amazing. Good luck!"