Joao Virtudes

Joao Virtudes, MCIAT, graduated in BA (Hons) Architectural Technology in 2017, after coming to study at Solent University from Portugal. He then progressed onto MSc Sustainable Building Design at Solent. He now works as an architectural technologist for BrightSpace Architects. We caught up with him to talk about his study experience at Solent and what he’s doing now.

Tell us a bit about what you’ve been up to since leaving Solent University

Since leaving Southampton Solent University, I have worked for an Architectural Practice based in Winchester in the UK top 100, working in luxury retail and commercial architecture for two years. I then chose to pursue a career in residential architecture and joined BrightSpace Architects, where I currently work as an Architectural Technologist and project runner.

What does a typical day look like for you?

On a typical day, I have online and on-site design team meetings with diverse consultants, from structural engineers to cost consultants, as well as drawing and designing the projects I am involved in individually or within a team of great colleagues.

How do you think your studies at Solent helped prepare you for your career?

I feel that my course's biggest strength was to prepare me for real-life architectural scenarios, from learning architectural law and contracts that I now apply on a day-to-day basis to speaking to product suppliers to resolve construction details, Solent has prepared me to come into the Construction Industry with a great understanding of how it operates.

What advice would you give those wanting to follow in your footsteps?

My advice for someone trying to follow in my footsteps is to keep updated with new technologies and systems within architecture. The industry is moving fast in the right direction, and it is increasingly critical to keep up to date with new and more sustainable ways to build and do architecture. This will help you in any practice or interview you attend.

What’s been your career highlight to date?

My career highlight to date is being able to design and efficiently project run a £6m+ Luxury Hotel project with a team of 15+ consultants for it to become the first 5-star Hotel in Salisbury.