Affording professional time to universities and architecture students is a key element of the Social Value Initiatives embedded in Hamilton Architects.
The practice has been involved in the RSUA Professional Insights Programme, rolled out in partnership with Queen’s University Belfast and Ulster University, for a number of years.
The aim of the programme is to give architecture students an initial understanding of the real-life work of an architect by pairing them with volunteer practices.
Under the most recent programme, 131 Stage Two students were paired with 40 local practices, including Hamilton Architects, where they were mentored by Associates Jonathan Spence and Ryan Cuthbertson.
Ryan said: “We have been involved in the RSUA Professional Insights Programme for a number of years. It is a process we find both rewarding and worthwhile in that it offers us a valuable opportunity to reflect on our own approach to mentoring students at Part 1, 2, and 3 levels.
“We were very impressed with this year’s cohort. The group was particularly enthusiastic, approaching each workshop with professionalism and coming prepared with questions. This collaborative approach made the entire process enjoyable for everyone involved.”
Ryan says that the time commitment required for the programme, although relatively minimal, delivered significant impact and represented an important step in bridging the gap between education and practice.
“That is something we believe is essential for the future of the profession,” he added, “and we look forward to continuing our involvement with the RSUA Professional Insights Programme and supporting the next generation of architects.”
