My name is Ross McIlvean and I studied HNC Architectural Technology. I worked my way to progress onto the HND part time whilst working full time. I then went onto a degree in BSc Sustainable Architectural Technology. I started studying in 2006 and completed the final part of the BSc in 2013.
The best thing about studying at Fife College was the flexibility. I was studying and working at the same time, and although it took me longer to complete my studies, I think the flexibility that I had in being able to attend college one day a week whilst working at the same time was the most beneficial thing for me.
The advice I would give to students looking to start at Fife College would be to look for some practical experience. I feel that I benefited from the blend of practical in the workplace and the theoretical aspect. I would encourage students to seek some experience in the field they are looking to move in to, and if not, at least a similar field, to help boost their skillset and knowledge.
The technology that we used when I was at Fife College was a programme that I still use today called Autodesk Revit. It’s a step above the auto CADD software that most architectural practices still use. Fife College was the first place where I was introduced to that. Over the years while I have been working with REVIT, I have stayed connected with the college on different seminars and presentations they have been running on BIM and REVIT to keep up to speed with how things are changing and how we can use BIM and REVIT to the advantages of the business.
The business I have now is called LTJ Architecture and we predominantly work in domestic, residential, extensions, internal alterations, garage conversions and so on. We have projects predominantly across Scotland from Aberdeen, Glasgow and Edinburgh and are very busy.
The last thing I want to say to anyone considering taking a course at Fife college, I found it massively beneficial doing a blend of both practical and theoretical work. Overall, I found it to be a great environment to get started on my architectural journey.