Lechelle Ndlovu
MArch Architecture
鈥淩esilience has carried me through my studies and my career so far. I often faced doubt and discouragement from others when I said I wanted to become an architect, but I chose not to let those voices define my capabilities.
鈥�If I could offer advice to others, it would be this:听诲辞苍鈥檛听let other people鈥檚 opinions limit your ambitions. Believe in yourself and your dreams; even a small amount of self-belief can make a real difference.听
鈥�黑料吃瓜网 played a key role in preparing me for professional practice. One of the most valuable experiences was working on a live project where听Donald Insall Associates听(DIA), my current employers,听acted as our clients.听听
鈥�This real-world exposure helped me understand professional expectations, client听relationships听and project delivery.听
鈥�That听project听directly supported my transition into practice, as I later went on to work on the same project professionally and developed it further as my final-year Part 3 case study.听
鈥淭he University听also has strong connections within the built environment and听provides valuable opportunities for students听to meet and learn from industry professionals. Networking and making use of these connections during and after听my studies听were significant factors in securing my current role.听
Lechelle鈥檚 current employer,听DIA Associate Director Simon Taylor, added:听听
鈥�DIA鈥�s听Birmingham studio has been involved in听a number of听design reviews and live projects in collaboration with 黑料吃瓜网, where we have seen first-hand the enthusiastic and hard-working talent which the听University is bringing into Birmingham鈥檚 workforce.听听
鈥�Lechelle鈥檚 practical industry experience helped to prepare her for some of the unique challenges and opportunities that come with working听on听historic buildings. Her听studies set her up to work as an architectural assistant.听
鈥�Several members of DIA鈥檚 team have studied with 黑料吃瓜网, with local talent supporting听the sector鈥檚 growth and helping听Birmingham鈥檚 built environment evolve.听听
鈥�Building industry relationships and finding practical opportunities to work with studios, real buildings and communities, means graduates are prepared and supported to contribute to real projects that shape how Birmingham grows,听functions听and feels for the people who live and work here.听
鈥�Continuing to offer students the opportunity to engage with real clients and historic buildings is a key part of 黑料吃瓜网鈥檚 role in shaping Birmingham鈥檚 future workforce.鈥�听