Learning architecture on site and in the studio

Rithik is an Architectural Assistant at AtkinsRéalis, based in Leeds. He joined two years ago after graduating with a Master’s from the University of Leeds, and last year was selected for the company’s Level 7 apprenticeship, studying part‑time for a Master of Architecture at Oxford Brookes University alongside his work. He has worked across energy, commercial and defence projects, and more recently on Leeds Bishopsgate, a major transport and public realm scheme in front of Leeds station.

A lot of what Rithik has learned in his first two years didn’t come from software or drawings. It came from the people around him.

I have learnt that the strongest teamwork is often built on meaningful relationships, he says. Being friends first makes collaboration much easier, communication improves, and everyone is more willing to support each other.

Two years, three sectors

Rithik’s work has already spanned energy, commercial and defence projects at different stages of design. That variety, he says, has helped him build a versatile skill set that is applicable to a wide range of architectural challenges.

He finds the balance of work and study a tricky one, but has a steady and organised support system which allows him to get the best of both worlds.'

A station that welcomes people in

Leeds Bishopsgate is a transport project that started more than five years ago with Balfour Beatty, Network Rail and Leeds City Council. The aim was to improve active travel, access around the station, and to add a new and improved public realm and landscape.

The result, Rithik says, is a more pedestrian‑friendly city that encourages sustainable travel, with an architectural beacon in front of the station to improve urban wayfinding. The project also reused spaces under the station, including the Mill Goit, which has now been repurposed as a bike store after previously being underused.

Seeing it come off the page

For Rithik, the stand‑out moment was visiting the site.

It provided a valuable opportunity to see the project beyond drawings and models, bringing the design to life through construction, he says. Working directly with engineers on site showed him how design decisions are actually built, and why coordination between disciplines matters so much.

Seeing intricate detailing, construction sequencing and complex site logistics first‑hand gave me a greater appreciation of the challenges involved in delivering a large‑scale project. It provided a valuable opportunity to see the project beyond drawings and models.

The team behind it

The Leeds multidisciplinary team, including structures, building surveying, building services and landscape, has worked on Bishopsgate from design right through to site and is due to complete in the next few weeks.

Rithik credits two colleagues in particular. Lead Architect Steve and Landscape Architect Jim have been on the project from the beginning, making sure the most important aspects of design were delivered to the highest quality. In October, they took the team round the site as part of a project completion social. They have been exemplary leaders and instrumental in ensuring the project reaches completion.

Advice for your first years in practice

Rithik remembers how much was new when he started, from software and technical knowledge to understanding how projects progress through design and delivery. His advice is to be a sponge.

Listen to conversations, observe how experienced colleagues work, and never be afraid to ask questions about why things are done in a certain way. There is a huge wealth of knowledge across the office, and most people are generous with their time and willing to help.

He’s honest that feedback won’t always be what you want to hear, but says it’s a vital part of developing. And when you’re tackling something for the first time, ask for examples. Understanding what a good example looks like provides valuable context, builds confidence, and helps you produce better work from the outset.

If you remain curious, work hard, and actively seek opportunities to learn, the challenges that seem difficult today will gradually become second nature.

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