Anil graduated from RGU with a master’s in Advanced Architectural Design and is now working as an Architectural Assistant in London. He shares more about his experience of the course in this blog.
Why did you choose to study at RGU?
When I was looking for a way to apply for an international scholarship, I stumbled across RGU. After visiting the RGU website, I had a really pleasant first impression. I decided to take a chance and delve a little more. I was overjoyed when I discovered that RGU offered my desired subject: MSc Advanced Architectural Design. The course curriculum, cutting-edge technological facilities, and the university’s industry connections all wowed me. The course accreditation with Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) was also a big bonus.
How was your experience of the course?
The course equipped me with the knowledge and skills to develop innovative yet contextually appropriate solutions to challenges in the industry. I found innovative strategies and digital design modules very informative. They made me explore real-world problems in zero-carbon buildings, urban design, project management, design for fabrication and assembly, digital and parametric design and future bound designs.
Also, the year’s theme ‘Automata’ was very interesting. We investigated the effects of automation on architectural design, including new digital technologies such as block chain, machine learning and robotics. Exploring the concept of decentralisation and cutting-edge automation tools such as block chain in architectural design was really mind-blowing.
Practicing the above in the design studio, I worked on Vertiport (a station for flying taxis or drones) design in Aberdeen. It is really fascinating to research and work on the concept of ‘passenger drones’ and to design the required infrastructure. For my dissertation, I explored AI (artificial intelligence) aided architecture design. My aim was to develop an evolutionary algorithm for early-stage space planning optimization for multifamily housing in the UK. The studio made me explore design in ways I have never imagined before. Overall, this course has turned out to be a taster for me to explore futuristic architectural concepts and applications.
Aside from studying for the course, I also joined 57°10 Architecture Society. The events and lectures organized by the society are very informative. I have met inspiring architects and designers from a wide range of disciplines through these events. I would advise students to join this society to increase their exposure to the field.
What career options can the course lead you to?
It may lead to a vast number of career opportunities in the field of architectural design, urban design, project management, zero carbon and digital design. With this course, you can work as an architectural designer, architectural assistant, architectural technologist, computational designer, and many more. It depends on your personal interests as well to find your specific niche to start your practice and specialise further.
How has the course helped you in your career?
After graduating, I wanted to practice the skills that I learned during the course. Fortunately, I quickly managed to secure a job as an Architectural Assistant in London at Pascalls+Watson. It has been a great breakthrough for me and I am growing in my role each passing day. The course at RGU, and the fact that I tried to explore futuristic architectural concepts like vertiport and AI in architecture, added competitiveness to my profile and helped me secure this job.
Anil Daniel
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