Lechelle Ndlovu
MArch Architecture
“Resilience has carried me through my studies and my career so far. I often faced doubt and discouragement from others when I said I wanted to become an architect, but I chose not to let those voices define my capabilities.
“If I could offer advice to others, it would be this: don’t let other people’s opinions limit your ambitions. Believe in yourself and your dreams; even a small amount of self-belief can make a real difference.
“BCU played a key role in preparing me for professional practice. One of the most valuable experiences was working on a live project where Donald Insall Associates (DIA), my current employers, acted as our clients.
“This real-world exposure helped me understand professional expectations, client relationships and project delivery.
“That project directly supported my transition into practice, as I later went on to work on the same project professionally and developed it further as my final-year Part 3 case study.
“The University also has strong connections within the built environment and provides valuable opportunities for students to meet and learn from industry professionals. Networking and making use of these connections during and after my studies were significant factors in securing my current role.
Lechelle’s current employer, DIA Associate Director Simon Taylor, added:
“DIA’s Birmingham studio has been involved in a number of design reviews and live projects in collaboration with BCU, where we have seen first-hand the enthusiastic and hard-working talent which the University is bringing into Birmingham’s workforce.
“Lechelle’s practical industry experience helped to prepare her for some of the unique challenges and opportunities that come with working on historic buildings. Her studies set her up to work as an architectural assistant.
“Several members of DIA’s team have studied with BCU, with local talent supporting the sector’s growth and helping Birmingham’s built environment evolve.
“Building industry relationships and finding practical opportunities to work with studios, real buildings and communities, means graduates are prepared and supported to contribute to real projects that shape how Birmingham grows, functions and feels for the people who live and work here.
“Continuing to offer students the opportunity to engage with real clients and historic buildings is a key part of BCU’s role in shaping Birmingham’s future workforce.”