Our spotlight this month is Albie Williams, Technician at Land Studio. Having joined the practice after completing a Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment, Albie has spent the last four years developing his knowledge and experience across civil engineering, drainage and landscape projects while recently achieving a Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Civil Engineering alongside his full-time role.
Undertaking the HNC while working full time allowed Albie to apply what he was learning directly to live projects, developing his understanding of highway design, drainage engineering, surveying, construction technology and sustainable design. Studying alongside experienced colleagues also provided valuable insight into how engineering decisions influence the wider design process and the importance of collaboration across different disciplines.
Day to day, Albie is involved in the production of technical information for drainage strategies and SuDS design, site landscape layouts, mapping for technical landscape and ecology reports and production of technical details. He also visits site when he can alongside the engineers and ecologists helping with early stage surveys.
One of the biggest changes since joining Land Studio has been how Albie now views the built and natural environment. Whether walking through towns, cities, parks or new housing developments, he often finds himself noticing drainage features, SuDS infrastructure, planting schemes and landscape design that previously would have gone unnoticed. The role has given him a greater appreciation of how thoughtful engineering and landscape architecture can work together to create appealing, functional and sustainable places.
Working within a multidisciplinary practice has also sparked an unexpected interest. After being gifted a number of plants by colleagues over the years, Albie began looking after them at home before buying several more of his own. What started as a small gesture from colleagues has become an enjoyable hobby, alongside a passion for walking up mountains, and added a bit of character to his home… something he says probably would never have happened had he not worked at Land Studio.
“One project I've particularly enjoyed working on is Ipsen NDP in Wrexham. I became involved at a very early stage and it's been rewarding to see how the project has developed over time. It has given me the opportunity to work across both drainage and landscape design, which has helped me gain a better understanding of how the different disciplines come together to deliver a successful scheme.”
“Another project that stands out is St Mary's in Handbridge, Chester, where I was involved in a range of work including drainage design, landscape drawings and vehicle tracking. I enjoy projects like these because they allow me to work on different aspects of the design process, continue learning new skills and build on the knowledge I've gained through my HNC and day-to-day experience at Land Studio.”
Albie says, "Completing my HNC while working full time has been one of my proudest achievements. Being able to put what I learned into practice every day made the experience incredibly rewarding, and working alongside such knowledgeable colleagues has helped me develop both professionally and personally. I'm excited to continue building my experience and contributing to projects that create lasting benefits for people and the environment."
We were really impressed with Land Studio. They are creative, a delight to work with and captured our vision and their own vision perfectly.
Shahina Ahmad, Principal of Eden Girls’ School, Waltham Forest.