Sean Tan Tian Ting recently graduated with a Part 2 qualification from Leeds Beckett University. He's currently working as a teaching assistant for Year 1 Bachelor of Architecture students. He is also works at MOST Architecture, an Architecture practice in London that has experience in projects spanning from civic and public buildings to residential and interior projects. Sean says he is aiming to get more practical experience here in the UK and pass his Part 3 exam as quickly as possible to keep progressing in his career as an architect.
Sean says: "Attending the Stirling Stories North event was an incredible experience! It wasn’t just about learning the technical aspects of the shortlisted project, but also hearing directly from the architects behind the six shortlisted projects that truly brought their designs to life. You could feel how passionate they are about architecture and innovation, and it was amazing to see the challenges they faced throughout the process."
"One moment that really stood out to me was when they talked about the Elizabeth Line. The architects shared how they balanced the aesthetics with functionality, especially when redesigning the cladding. It was interesting to learn how they got the curvature just right, but what really stuck with me was their focus on simplifying future maintenance. We often get so caught up in the visual aspects that we forget about the long-term practicality."
"I was particularly struck by their use of glass-fibre reinforced concrete (GFRC). It not only aligned with the sustainability goals of the project, but it also made me reflect on my own recent master's design thesis, 'The Gamified City', a sustainable floating city proposal addressing the threat of rising sea levels. It made me realize the need to prioritise durability of materials and ease of maintenance in my designs. These aspects are sometimes overlooked during the design process but are crucial in the real world."
"The Stirling Stories event not only provided us with more than just insights into the design and construction process. It delved into the deeper stories behind the projects, involving both the community and the architects themselves. Personally, I found the opportunity to speak directly with architects and hear about their projects first hand to be invaluable."
"As a recent graduate, attending these events isn’t just about learning. It’s also about building connections. This event is a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with classmates and lecturers, gain insight into what they are working on in practice, and be inspired by the experiences of others. These conversations gave me a fresh perspective on the architecture career path and what’s possible in the industry."
"There is also a technological aspect to these events that can be incredibly beneficial. For example, at the event, I discovered Wienerberger's thin bricks, a new technology that enhances insulation. This type of exposure helps us, as students or recent graduates, to stay informed about industry developments and bridge the gap between academic studies and real-world applications.
I truly believe that events like Stirling Stories can have a significant impact on the architecture career path, especially for recent graduates like me. They provide a broader understanding of the architecture industry and showcase the many different career paths available. Whether it’s community-driven projects, highly technical designs, or large-scale urban planning, it is inspiring to see so much diverse of amazing architecture that has been built in the UK over the past few years.
For me, seeing these different types of projects has helped me figure out the direction I want to take with my career. It’s given me more confidence in refining my skills and pursuing the specific areas of architecture that excite me."
"Architecture is a journey. Attending events like Stirling Stories North has made me realize just how many passionate, hardworking people are out there, constantly pushing the boundaries and developing in this field. It’s inspiring to see, and it makes me feel that this career path is warm and full of amazing people who encourage you to keep going."
"I am looking forward to refining my skills in architecture and pursuing opportunities that align with my interests. I highly recommend attending events like this. The insights, inspiration, and connections gained as a recent graduate like me are incredibly valuable and can really help to find a footing in this industry.
