Oliver Lovell, a recent graduate of Northumbria University, starts the next stage of his architectural journey with an eagerness to understand professional workflows and to broaden his knowledge across live projects. His interest in Architecture grew from his passion for maths and design, combining the two skillsets: “My real spark came in my first year at Northumbria, when I began to see just how varied and impactful the field could be.”
Olly revels in the fact that he still has so much to learn and explore, stating that architecture “feels like a profession without limits.” He first came across SPACE Architects while at university, where projects in the education sector, such as Woodham Academy and the University of Hull Sports Hub, caught his eye. Now, as a Part I Architectural Assistant, he is already contributing to projects and is particularly excited about the chance to work across different sectors, gaining insight into each while continuing to build his skills and confidence in practice.
Jack Thornton, who graduated this summer from Newcastle University, has also joined SPACE Architects as a Part I. Jack has been passionate about art and design from a young age, playing with LEGO or drawing out ‘dream houses’ on graph paper before he even knew what an architect was. Though his interests may have evolved as he’s grown, Architecture has remained a constant in his life.
Jack is interested in a range of topics, from philosophy and history to fine art. As a Newcastle student, Jack became familiar with SPACE Architects’ award-winning Farrell Centre project, designed in collaboration with Elliott Architects. It was this that first sparked his interest in the practice, leading him to explore our wider portfolio. He states:“When I looked further into the practice, I felt it really resonated with my own areas of interest and passions- particularly the emphasis on climate-conscious projects and the communities that can benefit from our work.” Jack is looking forward to working on education projects and heritage sites with historical significance. He is ready to get stuck in and can’t wait to see how his contributions to the practice will have a real lasting impact, outside of a workshop or office environment.
Maksim Spirkin recently started at SPACE Architects as a Graduate Architectural Technologist, after completing his master’s degree at Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen. Max also remembers playing with LEGO as a child, linking that to his developing interest in architecture. He says: “The most interesting thing for me is the shapes and forms that architecture can create, and how it can shape people’s lives for the better.”
Max was drawn to SPACE Architects because he related to the ethos of caring for others and contributing to the community. He is particularly looking forward to working on small or medium sized community projects or even getting involved in some museum or community centre projects. Max hopes to develop a deeper understanding of detailing and architectural practice through his new Technologist role and is excited to learn more from the experienced Architects at the practice.
Lucas Walton has joined SPACE Architects as a Trainee Architectural Technologist, marking the first step in his career after finishing school. Lucas was always interested in how buildings and structures could influence both function and aesthetics, from the Neolithic period, all the way to modern day. Discussing his new role as a Trainee Technologist, Lucas said: “I have only just begun my journey through Architecture; however, I am enjoying learning how to use new software and being able to put that into practice so quickly.”
Lucas reveals how he was inspired to work at SPACE because he aligns with the forward-thinking goals and ambitions of the practice, specifically regarding the environment. Having already progressed, since starting out in his role, Lucas is excited to continue learning and evolving, hoping to become more familiar with SPACE’s methods of working so he can contribute successfully, both collaboratively and independently, to the team. Lucas hopes to gain a broad foundation of knowledge before beginning his Technologist University Course.
Joining the broader Space Group family as a Marketing Assistant, Amala Parry recently graduated from Newcastle University. With a background in Media and Cultural Studies, she brings a fresh perspective to our architectural practice and is keen to deepen her understanding of the built environment through this versatile role. Resonating with SPACE’s sustainability focus, and push towards carbon neutrality, she is looking forward to spreading this ethos across different channels and helping convey this inspiring message of change.
Amala says:“I’m very excited to have joined Space Group in the role of Marketing Assistant. I deeply resonate with their drive towards sustainability and their community-focused attitude as a B Corp organisation. I look forward to learning a whole new skills set and expanding my knowledge about the built environment through marketing for Space Group, and of course SPACE Architects.”
