Ryder Bursary 2021 Winner

I joined Ryder in 2019, after spending my first two years post Part 1 working in the diving industry across south east Asia.  Keen to continue exploring the region as I continued with architecture, I settled in Hong Kong where I joined Richard Dorkin’s team.  Right from the first interview, I knew I had found a practice with an ethos that aligned with my own beliefs and goals.  The value they placed in my previous two years of eclectic experience, their global presence and genuine emphasis on people encouraged me that I had found the right company in which to continue my professional development.

Ryder’s breadth of sectors has allowed me to gain experience on a huge range of projects, many from concept to completion.  The scale of project involvement and the amount that I have learnt has far surpassed what I expected as a Part 1. With my passion for architecture having flourished in practice for the last two years, I am excited to be able to reciprocate the trust and encouragement from Ryder, having been awarded this year’s bursary.

The application process was rigorous but a great opportunity to celebrate the magnitude of experience gained at Ryder.  In addition to fitting two years into a 140 word personal statement, collating a portfolio of work and presenting in an interview, the most rewarding element of the application was the chance to delve into an element of building performance and produce a research article.  I chose to focus on the potential for BIM as an asset management tool for schools in harnessing qualitative user feedback and the value this could add to post occupancy evaluation.  As my first piece of academic writing in four years, this was a daunting task but I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity for in depth inquiry into a side of the business of personal interest within the context of the sector I have worked most closely on in Hong Kong.

Winning the bursary is an unparalleled opportunity for professional and financial support as I relocate halfway around the world to embark on my Part 2 at London Metropolitan University. I have thoroughly enjoyed collaborating virtually with colleagues from Ryder offices across the globe during my time in the Hong Kong team both on project work and through various non project boards.  I am therefore delighted that I will be meeting these colleagues in real life in the not too distant future and feel privileged that I will have the chance to grow in another Ryder office as I pursue RIBA accreditation.