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Allan CorfieldDec 11, 2015 12:00:00 AM6 min read

Self Build Architects - Working at ACA

‘A Week in The Life’ – Working for ACA

What’s Happening at ACA?

Since 2009, Allan Corfield Architects Limited has been steadily growing in size and ambition. Having started out as a one-man band supplying designs for home extensions, ACA is now a team of 7 – a team making great strides in the one-off Self Build home sector. Director Allan Corfield has forwarded his expert advice on the Self Build industry to the likes of Homebuilding & Renovating Magazine, and has delivered talks at the Homebuilding & Renovating Shows around the UK.

As ACA have become more experienced in the design and project management of eco-friendly Self Builds, several of the firm’s projects have featured in Homebuilding & Renovating magazine – and on a number of well-known television programmes too.

So what’s a typical day like at ACA? Having joined us in September, Technician Chris Eadie shares how his first few months have been, and what causes the buzz around ACA…

Chris“What initially attracted me to the Technician role at ACA was the scope and calibre of work which I’d seen ACA produce within the Self Build sector. I specialised in Self Build with my previous employer, and I was really keen to remain in this exciting and expanding area of architecture. I’m already 3 months into my position at ACA, and I haven’t been disappointed with the diversity of work that I have been contributing to. The team here at ACA has made my transition into a new office really easy – offering their support and training me up on the new software wherever I’ve needed it.

I’ve been asked a few times what a typical week at ACA consists of – but if I’m being honest, there hasn’t really been one since I started! The diversity of the work has meant that some weeks have consisted of producing initial concept designs for new Self Build dwellings – whilst others have been spent developing designs for existing clients. On top of that, there’s planning applications, or detailed warrant and construction package work. Another week actually saw me on site surveying a B-listed building, which I then produced designs for remodelling the interior, as well as organising the planning application and building warrant.

There have been frequent meetings with clients, engineers and suppliers – which I’ve found great as I’m learning all of the time. There’s a great culture of constant learning here at ACA as well – we participate in CPD sessions every month or so, covering a wide spread of topics. It’s a great place to work, and despite the recent problems with the Forth Road Bridge, commuting across to Fife from Edinburgh has been pretty straightforward. We are working on a lot of really intriguing projects at the moment, so I’m looking forward to seeing how things develop in the coming months.”

ACA HBR Show

Part of the job involves educating new Self Builders once they have decided to commit to their project. This means the ACA team has to be up-to-speed with the latest techniques and technologies in the design and construction industries.

As Chris mentioned, we take Continuing Professional Development (CPD) seriously, and regularly invite RIBA-certified CPD providers to run courses for us at our office in Dalgety Bay. With a strong focus on having highly-trained staff, ACA can provide current, expert advice to new Self Builders. There is the opportunity for us to pass on this advice at Self Build Seminars, which we contribute to, with our friends at SIPS Industries. Our work covers all corners of the UK, so there’s always an opportunity to play a part in the development of inspirational Self Build projects.

Allan Corfield Architects are a talented bunch with a range of backgrounds and interests, and the team love a good challenge:

The work with ACA has been both challenging and exciting, but we have a very knowledgeable office – and the range of bespoke residential projects we work on is excellent.” – David MacFarlane, Technician

I really enjoy the projects at ACA – there’s always an excellent mixture of challenges as we work on both contemporary and traditional projects throughout the UK.” – John Hansen, Architect

There’s a lot going on outside of the architecture side of things – ACA are working hard to promote Self Building as a means of homebuilding, so it’s been brilliant helping to spread the word! The team really know their stuff, so you literally learn something new every day.” – Nathan McConway, Content Marketing

Like the Sound of Working at ACA?

With one of our previous projects set to appear on Charlie Luxton’s ‘Building the Dream’ on More4 just before Christmas, and a couple of Self Builds set to feature in Homebuilding and Renovating Magazine early 2016, Chris has joined ACA at a really important time. 2016 looks like it’s going to be an even busier year for ACA, so with this in mind, ACA are now looking to bring another architect in to our dynamic team! Director Allan Corfield is keen to find “a great team player, keen to contribute to ACA’s growing portfolio of Self Build projects. We’re looking for someone with a hunger for learning, and someone who is passionate about architecture.”

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A JOB IN ARCHITECTURE?

Join our team! Visit our ‘Careers’ page and contact us!

ACA Amor Self Build

If you are excited by the prospect of working with ACA and would like to apply, or you know someone who might be interested, here are the details – get applying/sharing!

The Role – We are seeking an ARB registered Architect with a minimum of 2 years post-Part 3 experience.

About You – We are looking for individuals who have experience of working on private one-off houses – with a focus on quality and sustainability. You will have had good experience dealing with clients, and the day to day running of projects.

You will have in-depth knowledge of Planning Guidelines and Building Standards, and will have dealt with all stages of projects from inception to completion.

About Us – ACA was founded in 2009 and has completed an array of one-off eco homes throughout the UK. We are specialists in eco house design and assisting clients with their ‘Self Build’ projects.

At ACA we pride ourselves on having a happy working team environment. We have a culture of sharing knowledge and learning together. We offer career and personal development as well as an attractive remuneration package. This includes competitive salary, flexible pension allowance, company car and contribution towards professional subscriptions.

Please send all CVs for architecture jobs to allan@www.acarchitects.biz.

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