Hi Sophie! Congratulations on your shortlist. Please can you tell us a bit about your role?

My role within the Architecture & Digital Captures Department is a Trainee Architectural Technician. As a technician, I am responsible for supporting the Architect and wider team in the design and construction process within a project.

As an example, my key responsibilities include:

  • Feasibility Studies – Assessing a project’s viability by developing an initial design layout that complies with building regulations, while also identifying any potential issues. This information is then sent to the client to assist in their decision-making process.
  • Digital Modelling from Point Cloud Surveys – Creating accurate 3D digital models based on point cloud data from the Digital Capture Team’s Survey, allowing for the creation of precise drawings.
  • Detailed Design – Creating more detailed layout drawings, selecting potential specifications for how the project will look. Utilising design meetings with other disciplines and the client to further refine and enhance the design.
  • Research & Analysis – Researching more sustainable processes and materials to enhance the project and achieve environmentally friendly outcomes.
  • Technical Construction & As-Built Drawing – Producing drawings to showcase how the project will be constructed and finalise project specifications. These are used by contractors during construction, followed by an as-built drawing pack that documents any post-construction changes for future maintenance and lifecycle management.
  • Collaboration on Multi-Disciplinary Projects – Co-ordinating with other disciplines to streamline processes and reduce costs and risks related to the project.
  • Client Relations and Interaction – Establishing a relationship with clients and participating in design meetings to ensure their needs are met and keeping them informed of any project changes.

My recent project involvement includes Phenix Salon Suites new developments in Nottingham and Liverpool, Lids new retail store in Cabot Circus Shopping Centre, Bristol and a new Housing Development at Station Street, Spalding.

How have you demonstrated a commitment to personal growth and progress in your career?

Before embarking on my career journey at Waldeck, back in 2020, I relocated from Frinton-on-Sea, Essex, to Lincoln to pursue my degree in Interior Architecture and Design at the University of Lincoln.

During my final year, I attended the University of Lincoln’s annual Careers Fair in October 2022, where I had the opportunity to connect with the Director of Architecture and Digital Capture at Waldeck.

I later committed to joining Waldeck in a part-time capacity by the end of 2022 to pursue a work experience placement, despite having no prior experience in the industry, while completing my final year of study in Interior Architecture and Design.

After successfully completing my degree, I was delighted to be offered a full-time role as a ‘Trainee Architectural Technician’ in the summer of 2023, where my journey really began.

It was great to come back to the University’s Annual Careers Fair a year later in 2023, but instead as a full-time employee at Waldeck to help inspire the next generation of undergraduates beginning their career in the industry, and then again very recently in October 2024.

In addition to the above, with regards to my commitment to professional development, I also feel my dedication is evident through my active participation in the companies ‘Early Careers Development Programme’ through the wider Waldeck and Morson business.

My mentor is the Senior Architect in the department, David Foster, who has played a vital role in my career so far. I contribute to regular mentor meetings, where my mentor’s guidance enables me to establish clear, achievable goals and evaluate my performance effectively. This support has not only boosted my confidence, but also provided invaluable insights towards leading my own projects in the future.

I have also been lucky enough to attend events to represent the Waldeck Team in a variety of settings, including the Constructing Excellence Lincolnshire’s first annual quiz, the Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce’s summer garden party at our Head Office in Wellingore and the company’s annual summer conference in Manchester.

Learning and development is a continuous journey, since joining Waldeck and completing my degree I have learned so much through on-the-job training. I have also carried out additional role-specific training such as ‘BRE BIM ISO 19650 Essentials’ and ‘CSCS for Managers and Professionals Health & Safety’ to support my career progression and project capability.

David Foster, Sophie’s Mentor, shared of her progress:

“Sophie has stepped into her role with a lot of enthusiasm and has been committed to learning and improving her skillset to become a well-rounded Architectural Technician. Sophie is hardworking, proactive and has been an integral part of the Architecture / Digital Capture team as well as the wider collaborative multi-disciplined team. Sophie’s commitment to expanding her knowledge is clear on a day-to-day basis, and being her Mentor so far has been a pleasure.

“Not only is Sophie performing in her technical role, she also fits in well with the team, taking an active role in external and internal meetings, networking events and joining social activities like the local pub quiz— although she might need to brush up on her music knowledge beyond the 2000s!

“Sophie adapted quickly to office life when joining the business, and has continued to quickly pick things up with the help of mentorship and guidance. She continues to exceed expectations, using a hybrid of her existing interiors skillset and new architecture learnings to deliver drawing packages for two key clients Phenix Salon Suites and Lids.”

What’s next for you, Sophie?

Since joining Waldeck and completing my degree, I have focused on enhancing my skills and industry knowledge. A significant achievement in my journey so far is being recently accepted as an Associate Member of the British Institute of Interior Design (BIID), which will support my on my development journey; enabling me to have access to the latest industry news, best practice as well as logging my own CPD and working towards Registration over the next six years. This goes hand in hand with the continued expansion of Waldeck’s Interior Design offering, which will be targeted as an area of growth over the next 12-18 months.

After a successful start with the Waldeck team and seeing the impact of my role on our projects, earlier this year, my team recruited a new part-time Junior Architectural Technician, Sophie Lincoln. Sophie is currently in her second year of study at the University of Lincoln, studying Architecture. I am now using my knowledge and experience to mentor her, supporting both her academic studies and her day-to-day work in the department. This opportunity has not only contributed to my professional growth but has also enhanced and improved collaboration and knowledge sharing within our team.

What would it mean to you to win this award?

I hope that this submission showcases my commitment to my personal growth within the construction industry and my desire to achieve success. When I first entered this industry in 2022, I had no previous experience, which has made my journey both challenging and rewarding.

As I progress in my career, my goal is to further refine my skills and broaden my knowledge, contributing to more innovative and sustainable project outcomes. I am excited about the future and the potential to make a significant impact both within my team and in the wider construction industry, and I believe this award would be a testament to my dedication and achievements so far in my journey.

I’m also eager to inspire the next generation of women to pursue careers in architecture, engineering, and construction. The recognition of this award would be an important step in that journey, especially in an industry that has historically been male-dominated. By attending careers fairs and mentoring during these early years of my career I really hope I can build on this in the years to come as my experience and confidence grows. I’ve also signed up to my first Women in Construction event which I am looking forward to attending.

Waldeck’s Director of Architecture and Digital, Stuart Denniss shared of Sophie’s progress:

“Since joining Waldeck, Sophie has made a remarkable and positive impact on the team. Her studies in Interior Architecture and Design have not only refined her understanding of user experience but have also sparked her ability to adapt her expertise across different architectural services within Waldeck’s full Architecure offering. With an open mind and a proactive attitude, Sophie has seized the opportunity to expand her knowledge, bridging gaps between varied disciplines and enhancing the teams overall capability.

“Thank you and well done Sophie for your hard work so far.”