Sponsored by Willmott Dixon.
Ben is currently an Apprentice Architectural Technologist at Lawray Architects, working toward a BSc (Hons) in Architectural Design and Technology. He joined the practice after completing a degree in Automotive Design at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, bringing with him strong capabilities in technical drawing, precision, and analytical problem-solving.
With no recognised apprenticeship route in Architectural Design and Technology (ADT), Lawray Architects identified both a challenge and an opportunity. In collaboration with Cardiff Metropolitan University, the practice initiated discussions to create a bespoke academic and professional pathway tailored specifically to Ben. Following a thorough vetting process to assess his competencies and academic achievement, a unique role was designed to test the viability of a custom apprenticeship route.
Ben contributes across a wide range of sectors including bluelight services, education, and conservation. Under the guidance of experienced mentors, he supports projects at multiple RIBA stages, from concept design through to detailed technical delivery and construction. A cornerstone of his apprenticeship is his involvement in the restoration and redevelopment of Old College in Aberystwyth, one of Wales’s most iconic Grade I listed buildings. This complex and culturally significant project has provided Ben with rare early-career exposure to conservation architecture, heritage methodologies, and collaborative working with specialist consultants.
Recognising Ben’s capability and maturity, Lawray Architects have introduced him to advanced project stages and client interactions earlier than is typical. He has consistently risen to these challenges, earning praise from clients for his professionalism, clarity, and thoughtful contributions.
Sponsored by Willmott Dixon.
Ben is currently an Apprentice Architectural Technologist at Lawray Architects, working toward a BSc (Hons) in Architectural Design and Technology. He joined the practice after completing a degree in Automotive Design at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, bringing with him strong capabilities in technical drawing, precision, and analytical problem-solving.
With no recognised apprenticeship route in Architectural Design and Technology (ADT), Lawray Architects identified both a challenge and an opportunity. In collaboration with Cardiff Metropolitan University, the practice initiated discussions to create a bespoke academic and professional pathway tailored specifically to Ben. Following a thorough vetting process to assess his competencies and academic achievement, a unique role was designed to test the viability of a custom apprenticeship route.
Ben contributes across a wide range of sectors including bluelight services, education, and conservation. Under the guidance of experienced mentors, he supports projects at multiple RIBA stages, from concept design through to detailed technical delivery and construction. A cornerstone of his apprenticeship is his involvement in the restoration and redevelopment of Old College in Aberystwyth, one of Wales’s most iconic Grade I listed buildings. This complex and culturally significant project has provided Ben with rare early-career exposure to conservation architecture, heritage methodologies, and collaborative working with specialist consultants.
Recognising Ben’s capability and maturity, Lawray Architects have introduced him to advanced project stages and client interactions earlier than is typical. He has consistently risen to these challenges, earning praise from clients for his professionalism, clarity, and thoughtful contributions.
Ben’s path into architecture is anything but conventional, and it is precisely this that makes his contribution so impactful. With a background in automotive design, he brings a strong foundation in precision, technical thinking, and problem-solving into architectural practice. These transferable skills have enabled him to quickly grasp complex architectural concepts and communicate design intent and technical detail with clarity and confidence.
Under the mentorship of Senior Associate Lyn Hopkins, Ben has played an active role in the redevelopment of Old College, Aberystwyth. Working on a Grade I listed building demands sensitivity, care, and respect for heritage, and Ben has demonstrated all three. He has developed an increasing understanding of traditional materials, detailing, and conservation-led design approaches, becoming a valued member of the project team.
Ben’s work on Old College has been impressively varied, ranging from detailed technical drawings to coordination with consultants and responding to the unique challenges that arise on heritage projects. He approaches every task with calm focus, a methodical mindset, and a genuine enthusiasm to learn.
Beyond project delivery, Ben exemplifies a strong work ethic and professional attitude. He asks thoughtful questions, listens carefully to feedback, and actively seeks opportunities to expand his skills and knowledge. His approach is humble, diligent, and consistently centred on delivering the best possible outcomes for clients and communities alike.
Ben’s path into architecture is anything but conventional, and it is precisely this that makes his contribution so impactful. With a background in automotive design, he brings a strong foundation in precision, technical thinking, and problem-solving into architectural practice. These transferable skills have enabled him to quickly grasp complex architectural concepts and communicate design intent and technical detail with clarity and confidence.
Under the mentorship of Senior Associate Lyn Hopkins, Ben has played an active role in the redevelopment of Old College, Aberystwyth. Working on a Grade I listed building demands sensitivity, care, and respect for heritage, and Ben has demonstrated all three. He has developed an increasing understanding of traditional materials, detailing, and conservation-led design approaches, becoming a valued member of the project team.
Ben’s work on Old College has been impressively varied, ranging from detailed technical drawings to coordination with consultants and responding to the unique challenges that arise on heritage projects. He approaches every task with calm focus, a methodical mindset, and a genuine enthusiasm to learn.
Beyond project delivery, Ben exemplifies a strong work ethic and professional attitude. He asks thoughtful questions, listens carefully to feedback, and actively seeks opportunities to expand his skills and knowledge. His approach is humble, diligent, and consistently centred on delivering the best possible outcomes for clients and communities alike.
The bespoke apprenticeship route developed for Ben has proven highly successful, demonstrating the viability of alternative pathways into the profession. Ben has excelled academically and professionally, confirming that non-traditional routes can produce exceptional talent when supported with the right mentorship and structure.
His contributions to the Old College project have been both meaningful and tangible, supporting the sensitive redevelopment of one of Wales’s most historically significant buildings. His early exposure to conservation architecture has accelerated his development and positioned him as a highly capable emerging professional.
Academically, Ben has also achieved outstanding recognition. While undertaking his degree in Architectural Design and Technology at Cardiff Metropolitan University, he was awarded:
ESA Architecture – Architectural Design & Technology Award (Second Prize)
CIAT Wales – Outstanding Graduating Student Award (Highly Commended)
These achievements reflect not only his technical ability but also his design sensibility, commitment, and adaptability.
Ben’s progress, maturity, and professionalism have marked him as a standout apprentice within the practice. His success reinforces Lawray Architects’ commitment to developing future talent and championing alternative routes into architecture.
The bespoke apprenticeship route developed for Ben has proven highly successful, demonstrating the viability of alternative pathways into the profession. Ben has excelled academically and professionally, confirming that non-traditional routes can produce exceptional talent when supported with the right mentorship and structure.
His contributions to the Old College project have been both meaningful and tangible, supporting the sensitive redevelopment of one of Wales’s most historically significant buildings. His early exposure to conservation architecture has accelerated his development and positioned him as a highly capable emerging professional.
Academically, Ben has also achieved outstanding recognition. While undertaking his degree in Architectural Design and Technology at Cardiff Metropolitan University, he was awarded:
ESA Architecture – Architectural Design & Technology Award (Second Prize)
CIAT Wales – Outstanding Graduating Student Award (Highly Commended)
These achievements reflect not only his technical ability but also his design sensibility, commitment, and adaptability.
Ben’s progress, maturity, and professionalism have marked him as a standout apprentice within the practice. His success reinforces Lawray Architects’ commitment to developing future talent and championing alternative routes into architecture.
A Unique and Inspiring Route into the Profession
Ben’s journey highlights the value of alternative pathways into architecture. His successful transition from automotive design demonstrates ambition, adaptability, and courage, while also proving that transferable skills from other disciplines can significantly enrich architectural practice.
Exceptional Contribution to Complex, High-Profile Projects
Despite being early in his career, Ben has already made a meaningful impact on major and technically demanding projects. His work on the Grade I listed Old College in Aberystwyth showcases a rare level of responsibility, sensitivity, and capability for an apprentice, particularly within conservation architecture.
A Rare Combination of Humility, Drive, and Professionalism
What truly sets Ben apart is his character. He is diligent, thoughtful, and eager to learn, quietly raising the standard for those around him. His willingness to seek feedback, ask intelligent questions, and strive for excellence makes him not only a highly capable apprentice, but a trusted and respected team member.
Ben is not just an outstanding apprentice — he is a future leader in the making and a compelling example of how innovative thinking in skills development can shape the next generation of the profession.
