Elana Castle follows up on the progress of the 2013 Arkhefield Internship Programme.
October 9th, 2013
Following on from a highly successful 2013 internship programme, Brisbane-based architecture firm, Arkhefield have launched a state-wide competition for their 2014 intake. The office-generated competition encourages architecture students to compete for three internship roles at the firm.
“We believe that asking students to invest their time and passion into a competition indicates their commitment to joining us. It’s more than merely submitting a portfolio,” explains Philip Pawsey, Arkhefield Managing Director. “We are also keen to provide a level playing field, providing the same opportunities to all students.”
The 2013 programme unearthed three very capable and knowledgeable architecture students from the University of Queensland and Queensland University of Technology. Jeremy Field, Stephen Carmichael and Anthony Ip had the opportunity to work on a variety of projects of varying type and scale, exposing them to a number of areas within the field.
“By running this competition, we found students who demonstrated the highest skills across the areas of design thinking, technical ability and communication and their skills in these areas has been a great addition to our team,” adds Pawsey. “Including a presentation in the competition also ensures we get to assess student’s communication and interpersonal skills which are as valuable in the workplace as technical and design capacity.”
Asked about their experience to date, all the students were effusive regarding their career progression. “I’ve learnt how to interface professionally with many people, including co-workers, clients and consultants,” explains Field. “Just being in an atmosphere surrounded by professionals has helped me tremendously.”
By providing a flexible working environment, the programme has enabled the students to mature and develop their skill sets in a number of areas.
“The hands on practical experience has been a great learning curve for me as I feel that this kind of knowledge can’t be obtained through studying at university, “adds Carmichael. “The thing that I like the most about working at Arkhefield is the variety of work I’ve been given and the opportunity to work directly with my colleagues.”
Whilst providing extensive exposure to the field, students were challenged by the flexibility required to work on a variety of projects simultaneously. “My primary challenges have been to juggle between different jobs,” explains Ip. “In the morning I could be working on a residential job and two hours later, I’m asked to help out on a commercial job with three hour deadline. However, as an architecture student, this exciting type of lifestyle constantly creates new opportunities to learn and understand all the different phases and issues of a project.”
Despite, the additional work required to secure their internships, the students all unanimously support the competition-based programme. “I think it’s great that there was a level playing field for the position and unlike other jobs it didn’t just come down to a resumé and portfolio that received one glance and a split judgement,” adds Field. “Winning a job through a competition for a top tier architecture studio feels like a great way to start my career in architecture. I would recommend it to anyone.”
Arkhefield
A searchable and comprehensive guide for specifying leading products and their suppliers
Keep up to date with the latest and greatest from our industry BFF's!
Create a configuration to suit your needs with this curved collection.
Suitable for applications ranging from schools and retail outlets to computer rooms and X-ray suites, Palettone comes in two varieties and a choice of more than fifty colours.
In the pursuit of an uplifting synergy between the inner world and the surrounding environment, internationally acclaimed Interior Architect and Designer Lorena Gaxiola transform the vibration of the auspicious number ‘8’ into mesmerising artistry alongside the Feltex design team, brought to you by GH Commercial.
Channelling the enchanting ambience of the Caffè Greco in Rome, Budapest’s historic Gerbeaud, and Grossi Florentino in Melbourne, Ross Didier’s new collection evokes the designer’s affinity for café experience, while delivering refined seating for contemporary hospitality interiors.
Art & About returns to Sydney this September, transforming the city’s streets and laneways.
The first series of Designing a Legacy aired in 2020 and self-proclaimed design nerd, Tim Ross, is back with a two-part series on ABC. It’s a chance to bring important architectural issues to a national broadcasting audience.
NGV has done it once again, securing the internationally renowned India Mahdavi to design its latest major exhibition. Meanwhile, Daniel Emma studio takes over the NGV Kids gallery. All in all, it makes for an outstanding exhibition visit at NGV International.
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
Salone del Mobile 2024 is only a few weeks away, so we’re highlighting here seven special events, spaces and installations that we’re certainly planning to check out.
By adding Muuto to its roster as Singapore’s only retailer, XTRA not only celebrates the enduring appeal of Scandinavian design – it heralds a whole new perspective on its universally appealing legacy.
When iconic brands wield their influence, the ripples extend far beyond aesthetics. And so when the MillerKnoll collective formed, the very concept of design shifted, supercharging the industry’s aspiration to create a better world into an unwavering sense of responsibility to do so.