I am a MA(Hons) with Architecture (RIBA Part 1) graduate based in Edinburgh with a wide ranging skillset in architectural and graphic design. I strive to create intriguing new buildings and graphics that are contemporary and unique.
CV
Experience:
Trainee Team Leader – Waitrose & Partners – 2014 (ongoing)
Waitrose was originally meant to be just a small part-time job whilst I studied at University, however I soon came to identify with he ownership model of the John lewis Partnership and I have since been furthering my development within the business, most recently studying to become a Team Leader. The role requires me to manage up to 30 people, allowing us to complete all the required tasks for the day, whilst maintaining high standards of customer service. It is a fast paced environment, in a high turnover branch that demands a very good work ethic. In 2018 I was awarded Partner of the Year by my colleagues and nominated for the Chairman’s Award by branch management (representing our branch). Beyond completing the daily tasks required to operate a successful supermarket, I also take on a variety of additional projects and responsibilities. In 2017 and 2018, I organised and created a cohesive vision for the Christmas Foodies Festival held in Edinburgh’s International Conference Centre. The event is attended by 10,000’s and provided a key opportunity to promote the brand in Scotland. My design upheld the strong values of the Waitrose branding was instantly recognisable as the leading premium retailer. The job allows me to utilise most skills required in any workplace including good communication and people management skills along with engaging with third parties (suppliers and customers), a skill which also comes in useful in a design environment.
People Management | Team Working & Collaboration | Innovation & Creativity
Street Team Member – Bauer Media – 2017 (ongoing)
This ad-hoc role requires me to carry out a variety of promotional activities to promote the radio station group and/or their partners. Activities can range from supporting a marathon to attending Edinburgh Hogmany providing coverage on Forth 1’s social media accounts, driving engagement and increasing the digital presence of the brand. Being a Street Team member requires a high level of enthusiasm and understanding of the station’s demographics alongside a good knowledge of how to utilise omni-channel social networks.
Social Media Utilisation | Engagement & Promotion | Enthusiasm
Voluntary/Unpaid Work
Social Media Editor – CRUMBLE Magazine – 2016 (ongoing)
As a founding member of Edinburgh’s own ‘architecture’ magazine CRUMBLE, I ensure the magazine has successful digital presence. This entails generating content for and continually updating their website, along with creating graphics and promotional material for their social media accounts. I have also helped to organise several public events, designing and printing materials to convey the brand image to a wider audience.
Social Media Utilisation | Graphic/Web/Video Design | Event Planning
Editor and Founder – The Penicuik Cuckoo – 2015 to 2019 (ongoing/on hiatus)
The Penicuik Cuckoo was originally a free community newspaper that I founded and created in my spare time during secondary school. My town lacked a publication that shared Penicuik’s news and the Cuckoo sought to remedy this. The physical publication ceased after three issues but I grew the online presence creating a highly popular website and social media presence, with the social media following equating to at least one reader in every household in Penicuik. Organic reach on popular posts could reach up to 180,000 people. The Cuckoo is currently on hiatus due to other commitments, though the opportunity remains to restart as necessary at any time.
Social Media Utilisation | Graphic/Web/Video Design | Public Engagement
Collaboration
House Extension – d2 Architectural Design – 2017 to 2018
Working in collaboration with the Dalkeith based architectural design practice, I developed a design for a substantial residential extension in Penicuik. The practice helped to put the application through the planning and building warrant process, though on site completion was undertaken by myself. It was an interesting process combining my ideas and vision with those of the young practice, finally developing a design that is now enjoyed by the clients.
Collaboration | Architectural Design | Deadline Management | Third Party Negotiation
Work Experience
Fuoin + Bell Architects – Summer 2015
Education:
Architecture – Edinburgh University – 2014 to 2018
Awards: Second Class First Division (2:1), Royal Incorporation of British Architects Part 1
This degree introduced me to the field of architecture and established a base of theoretical and technological knowledge that allows me to consider the design process of the built environment from concept through to reality. Each semester featured a different design brief ranging from a single dwelling in first year, to an architecture school and library in second year, a mixed use development in third year and my final design project of a railway station in fourth year. In my final year, I also considered the role of contemporary architecture in repurposing post-industrial Scottish towns as part in my dissertation. Throughout, I was part of a studio environment and was encouraged to treat it like an architecture practice with constant peer and tutor feedback, both informal and formal through reviews. Alongside learning the fundamentals of the profession, the degree also taught me how to work well together in a collaborative environment, how to use creative software and how to push the boundaries by engaging with new technologies like virtual reality.
Beeslack Community High School – 2008 to 2014
Advanced Highers in Maths, Chemistry and German. Higher qualifications in English, Maths, Chemistry, Physics and German.
Skills & Abilities
Proficient in: AutoCAD, Sketchup, V-Ray Renderer, After Effects, Premiere Pro, Photoshop, Lightroom, InDesign and the Microsoft Office Suite
Capable in: Illustrator (I’m still learning how to use some features), HTML & CSS coding (Self taught, so definitely not an expert yet)
Abilities: Freehand sketching and photography (Canon)
Interests
Photography is a passion of mine, especially landscape and cityscape, though much of my work involves portrait and street instead. My trusty Canon 70D with a 135mm lens allows me to explore by capturing subjects from different angles.
I also enjoy travelling (who doesn’t?) to explore different cultures. A highlight was my Round the World (in 21 days) trip in 2019 taking in Toronto, New York, San Francisco, Honolulu, Sydney and Singapore.