Coordination, communication and creativity with Mehr Liaqat

Throughout my studies, I did various placements at Benoy. I originally applied for a three-week internship at the end of my first year at Kingston University, with a view to developing my software and technology skills. The following summer, I returned as an Architectural Assistant, then again a year later to do my Part 1 year out placement. For the past year and a half, I’ve been working fulltime at Benoy as a Part 2 Assistant, while studying at weekends for my Part 3. So, one way and another, since 2018 I’ve spent a lot of time in the Benoy London studio, which has come to feel like home.

During my Part 1 placement, I worked in teams of four to five people on projects in Saudi Arabia and Egypt. I was mostly involved in early design concept work, but also got to do some of the project research and modelling. Because of the pandemic, for several months I didn’t meet any of my colleagues face to face, which was quite challenging. Working remotely isn’t quite the same as having people there to interact with and consult; but overall, it was still a positive experience.

As a Part 2 Assistant, my day-to-day tasks were similar to the work I was doing in Part 1, only with much more ownership and independence. I would be given an assignment and left to figure things out for myself. Of course, I could ask for help when I need it, and I was learning all the time. But being in the studio makes a massive difference; the conversations you’re part of, the ideas you hear being discussed and developed. It’s a great learning environment.

One of the standout projects for me was the London Motorsport Campus in Chiswick, west London. It’s essentially a development for motorsport enthusiasts within a dynamic mixed-use space. There are motorsports and entertainment anchors, an education/research building, a hotel, four residential towers and central public realm. It was really interesting because high-rise buildings fall under the Building Safety Act, which I was learning about in my Part 3 studies. It was great to see all that technical theory being applied in practice.

Originally, I wanted to stay in touch with drawing, which was something I always loved to do. I loved the idea of being creative and collaborating with people, and architecture seemed to offer both those things. But since I’ve been working on live projects, I’ve really enjoyed the balance of the creative and the technical, as well as engaging with diverse stakeholders, such as structural engineers and landscape architects. So, whereas originally my motivations were purely design oriented, I’ve discovered other dimensions of architecture that I now find hugely fulfilling.

Coordination and communication are key skills I’ve developed. At university, we’re taught how to present design proposals is a very specific way, catered always to a technical audience. At Benoy, through the process of coordinating with diverse stakeholders and consultants, I’ve learned how to reframe drawings and ideas to best convey value and impact. For example, explaining design concepts to fire consultants and engineers requires very specific communication skills and approaches. Of course, I’ve acquired lots of technical knowledge here as well, but how to communicate ideas in a relevant, clear and compelling way has been one of the major lessons.

These experiences have definitely increased my confidence, both in communicating concepts and in pushing back when something doesn’t seem right. As architects and designers, we have a very good understanding of what clients are trying to achieve. So, when there’s conflicting information in a brief, or unworkable spatial dimensions, it’s important to challenge those instructions, rather than always taking them at face value. Having the courage to question a brief and push for the approaches you know will benefit a project, that’s something that will definitely help me in the future.

The people, without question. The people at Benoy have real emotional intelligence; they understand there’s a balance between work and life and they’ve been so considerate in how they interact with me and explain things. I’ve felt like there’s always someone fighting my corner, wanting me to succeed and develop – not just for the sake of the business, but for the sake of building my skills and confidence, and that’s been really nice. And the people here always challenge you and push you further, which means I get to do a lot of things that someone in my position wouldn’t ordinarily do. It’s a great place to grow, both professionally and personally.

I would say always speak up. It’s easy to feel like you should be more of an active listener when you’re starting out. But your ideas are valid too; by speaking up, you can confirm your own understanding and build up your communication and presentation skills, which is really important. Don’t be intimated by people; they’re here to support you. So, put yourself out there as much as you can – that would be my advice.