5 minute read
Aspiring Star
Onze Onze: a standout project for Miles (photo credit JG Architecture Ltd)
Advertisement
BUILDING A CAREER
Miles Pengelley, senior architectural technologist at JG Architecture Ltd (JGA), won the aspiring star trophy at the 2018 Guernsey Property and Construction Awards. He told us about his achievements so far, and his hopes for his career in the industry.
Was architecture an industry you were always interested in?
It was actually my year eight art teacher, Mr Harrison, at La Mare de Carteret secondary school who gave me the idea of working in architecture.
Through work experience at school, I was given a taste of what architecture in Guernsey could be like. That inspired me to make my own arrangements during school holidays for work experience and I was then clear in my mind that, once I’d completed my A Levels, I wanted to pursue the apprenticeship route in to architecture.
How did you gain your qualifications?
On completion of my A Levels at Grammar Sixth Form Centre, I began an apprenticeship with the Guernsey College of Further Education in “Construction and the Built Environment” whilst in employment with a local architectural practice as a trainee architectural technician.
The grades I achieved while completing the five year apprenticeship then allowed me the opportunity to enrol on a degree course in architectural technology with London Southbank University.
Having graduated that degree with first class honours, I am now recognised as an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technology (ACIAT).
What is appealing about architecture as a career?
It is such a varied job. Not just with the types of projects you find yourself involved with, but the different processes that you work through to realise your clients’ objectives.
I enjoy the fact that it’s not just an office job as there are always opportunities to get out on site to meet the clients and also liaise with suppliers and builders.
For me, as a very sociable person, I was wary at first of working in a small office, but any concerns I had were soon put to rest because of all the people outside my workplace that I communicate with regularly.
You won the aspiring star award last year, how did you feel about that?
The Property and Construction Awards is a fantastic event that allows the industry to reflect on the year’s successes. To even be shortlisted for the aspiring star award was a very humbling experience.
Being in the environment that I am at JGA has definitely provided me with the platform to display those traits so a big thank you has to go to its founding director, James Gavey, for providing me with the opportunity.
Tell us about some of the projects you’ve been involved with?
Every project I have worked on has been different in its own way, providing satisfaction at different stages.
Some provide more design opportunity, some require more technical detailing and others require heavier client and contractor liaison. The one project that involved all three of these elements was a project called Onze Onze (www.jga/gg/onzeonze).
The reason this project stands out for me is that it was one of my first at JGA but also one that I got to see from inception all the way through to completion, allowing me to maintain control of the design.
Do you have a particular type of project you enjoy?
Residential projects are those we see the most of at JGA but I have recently enjoyed producing a planning application for a sports and fitness facility. Sport makes up a big part in my life so it was great to support a client with a project that I could relate so closely to.
Typically though, the extension and new build residential projects are the most enjoyable, particularly when the client gives you free rein to produce designs from a blank canvas.
Projects such as these allow me to use both my creative and technical skills, which is always very satisfying.
What gives you job satisfaction in your role?
Meeting and exceeding, where we can, the clients’ expectations is truly satisfying. Client feedback is always beneficial but naturally, when it’s positive, you get a bigger buzz from it.
Of course, receiving planning and building control approvals through the post also provides a feel-good factor, particularly when it comes to the more challenging projects.
What are the challenges of your job?
Problem solving and technical detailing are a large part of my job description. As an architectural technologist, overcoming intricate and unforeseen construction details can be a challenge. But it is one that I’m always willing to take on.
What are your aspirations for the future?
Having joined JGA in 2016 as James’ first employee, I have seen the company grow significantly. I hope to be a major part of helping us become one of the leading architectural practices in Guernsey.
From a personal point of view I hope to upgrade my membership with CIAT to become a professional member of the Institute.
Have you had a role model or mentor in your career so far?
As a trainee architectural technician I learned my trade under the guidance of Michael Nicolle and Paul Vaudin. I owe them a lot for the knowledge they passed on during my time with them. I AM A PERSON WHO STRIVES TO BE THE BEST IN ALL THAT I DO, SO FOR OTHERS TO RECOGNISE THOSE ASPIRATIONS SHOWS THAT I’M DOING SOMETHING RIGHT.
I don’t have a role model as such. But I do try to keep an eye on the more dominant architectural practices in Guernsey to pick up on the little things that they do which might benefit the way JGA operates.
A role model can be important but personally, I see competition as sufficient motivation to achieve bigger and better things.
What advice would you give to other young people wanting to follow in your footsteps?
My main piece of advice would be to try and secure an apprenticeship as I cannot recommend this route to qualification highly enough. I found the opportunity to ‘earn while you learn’ invaluable.
JGA is currently supporting a trainee technician through the States of Guernsey apprenticeships scheme. It is a route that both James and I followed so it is nice to give something back to the next generation of architectural technologists.
Miles receiving his trophy at the 2018 Property and Construction Awards ceremony
