We gain valuable perspectives from Annie Lattimore, one of our newest placement students, currently in her third year at Nottingham Trent University pursuing a degree in Architectural Technology and undertaking a year-long placement at Arc Partnership. We have asked her questions regarding her placement and her experiences so far.

I am currently in my third year at Nottingham Trent University, pursuing a degree in Architectural Technology, which includes a year-long placement. For this placement, I am working as an Assistant Architectural Technologist at Arc Partnership. For the year, I am involved in a variety of projects, which are helping me develop the practical skills and experience I will need in my final year.

I secured this placement through connections between my university and Arc Partnership, as they have a strong relationship with my course. Representatives from the design team, some of whom are alumni of Nottingham Trent, attended career fairs and participated in mock interviews, where I first learned about the placement. This interaction sparked my interest in joining the company and gave me insights into the application process and who to contact.

To gain a clearer understanding of the role, I contacted a former placement student at Arc Partnership. He shared his positive experiences and emphasised the opportunities available after graduation. His feedback reinforced my decision to apply for the placement, and I am now gaining invaluable hands-on experience in the field.

Upon joining Arc Partnership, I was assigned to a team where I began working on Arc Construction Services (ACS) projects under the guidance of experienced Senior Architectural Technicians and Architects. My initial work involved projects such as Sustainable Drainage Systems, modular classrooms, and offices and highway depots. These projects provided an excellent foundation for easing back into the professional environment while refreshing my knowledge of industry software. The tasks were well-balanced, offering a manageable learning curve, which allowed me to adapt to the responsibilities of a full-time role while also getting to know my colleagues and settling into the company culture.

Initially, joining Arc felt a bit daunting as I was stepping into a completely new environment without knowing anyone. However, that feeling quickly disappeared within a few hours. Everyone was incredibly welcoming, and I felt part of the team almost immediately. The workplace culture here is very open and friendly, with people from all departments being approachable and easy to talk to.

The work I’m assigned is always manageable, and the support I receive from the design team has made a huge difference in my experience at Arc. The team members are incredibly knowledgeable and always willing to help, so I never feel hesitant to ask questions, no matter how basic they might seem. My team have been nothing but respectful and encouraging. They never make me feel uncomfortable for not knowing something and are always patient when offering guidance. Their supportive approach has created a positive, respectful environment, making me genuinely look forward to coming to work every day. The team here not only fosters learning but also makes me feel valued and confident as I continue to grow in my role.

Arc also hosts a variety of social events that strengthen team bonds and make it easy to build friendships outside of work. Every Friday, there is a social, and events like quizzes and karaoke nights are organised from time to time, adding to the fun and community feel.

If you have a real passion for Architecture or Architectural Technology, Arc Partnership is an ideal place to do your placement year. The projects are diverse and challenging enough to help you grow, yet never overwhelming, allowing you to develop your skills at a steady pace. One of the biggest advantages is the opportunity to be involved in all stages of the RIBA Plan of Work, giving you hands-on experience in the full architectural process—from concept design to construction and handover.

The design team is incredibly knowledgeable and always eager to help, making it easy to ask questions and learn without fear of making mistakes. The supportive and respectful work environment fosters a positive atmosphere, and the company culture encourages both personal and professional growth. With engaging social events and a collaborative team, Arc offers a fantastic opportunity to gain valuable real-world experience while feeling valued and supported throughout your placement year and I’d recommend it to anyone interested.