Caitlin McPhillie, our Architectural Assistant, talks to us about her year at NIXON, the best bits, and what lessons she will remember as she returns to her studies.
Joining NIXON from Strathclyde University, where she is an architectural student, Caitlin has completed Part 1 of her architectural programme – a course requirement to ensure architects get hands-on experience of working in their profession.
Hearing about NIXON through word-of-mouth, she successfully applied for a position in the team, here’s what Caitlin said about her time with us when we quizzed her.
Q: How’s the year been?
“I have learned an incredible amount when I think back to the last year when I’d just started. My general awareness has increased massively and working in an architecture department every day makes the studies feel real. The people, the projects, the site visits that I’ve been on help to put into context what I’m learning. From small residential extensions to large-scale developments, the team all pull together to bring ideas, plans, and visions to the end goals.”
Q: Best bits of working at NIXON?
“The team. The team is incredibly helpful. I’ve been able to be fully involved in projects and never once felt left aside. I think that’s because it’s a close-knit team and the approach is a one-stop shop so there is lots of crossover and getting to know other disciplines and how it works to pull everything together.”
Q: Best jobs, you’ve worked on?
“I’ve liked working on The Millhouse Paisley which is a new residential development in the town. The scale of the job and regeneration has been impressive. I also really like some of the smaller domestic jobs like the house extension we are doing just. I like the detail, planning the design, working out all the details needed to get the person or family what they’re after. It’s the variety that I like.
Q: What’s next for Caitlin?
“Going on holiday first and then back to university for fourth year. I think this year will be more challenging as my dissertation is due but I will be able to take away with me all the things that I’ve learned.”
Our Architectural Director, Sam Smithers, added:
“We’re incredibly grateful to Caitlin for all her efforts, her brilliant positive attitude that she brings, and we wish her every success in her year ahead at uni. She has been a great asset to the team here and we look forward to seeing her progress in her career.”
