Celebrating National Careers Week at JRA

At JRA, we prioritise social value, providing mentorship, guidance, and hands-on experience to the next generation in architecture and design. This National Careers Week, we continued in our commitment by engaging in a series of events to actively contribute to shaping the future of our community.

Director Mark Wibberley and Architectural Assistant Sean Yong visited the London Nautical School’s career fair. During the session, they shared valuable insights into the architectural process, from concept to completion, and encouraged students to think about how architecture shapes the world around them. The enthusiasm from the students was inspiring, and we’re excited to have sparked an interest in architecture as a potential career for many.

Director Etain Fitzpatrick was also invited to participate in a Practioners Day, ‘What Next’, with Stage 3 Architecture students at the University of Kent. She described her own career path, the work of JRA and provided an inside look at the various stages of architectural projects on which she has worked, highlighting the importance of collaboration and communication in the industry.

Our team members have taken diverse paths into architecture, and we are proud to support individuals navigating their careers. Architectural Assistant, Sophia Yu, shared her perspective on the challenges and rewards of the profession:

“As a foreign woman in architecture, my career has had its ups and downs. Breaking stereotypes, overcoming language barriers, and balancing work with motherhood are challenges, but with persistence, self-belief, cheering for yourself, and reaching out for support, we’ll get there!”

National Careers Week serves as an important reminder of how crucial it is to support young people as they embark on their career journeys. At JRA, we’re passionate about nurturing talent, offering guidance, and creating opportunities to foster an environment where creativity, learning, and innovation thrive.