Persuasive presentation leads to development opportunity for architectural assistant

Impressed by a presentation she delivered, RSK Group company Kendall Kingscott sponsored Part 2 Architectural Assistant Sophie Atkinson to participate in an international design workshop bringing young professionals together.

Sophie first attended the Meeting of Design Students (MEDS) in Greece in 2019 and again in Poland in 2024. She said: “The network promotes design’s positive societal impact, fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and offers designers a platform to build connections and unlock potential. Workshops take place annually and are built around the needs of the host city.”

When Sophie saw the 2025 workshop would be held in Croatia and there was an opportunity to be a tutor for the first time, she felt it would benefit her work at Kendall Kingscott, as well as the business.

Sophie said: “I put together a presentation for my manager, the director of the Exeter office, the lead for professional development and the social value manager. My proposal was that Kendall Kingscott contribute £500 towards my project and allow me an extra week of leave to attend the event.

“My friends were in disbelief that the company was so supportive, all from me presenting the idea. It felt great knowing that a good idea, persuasively presented, can be accepted and encouraged and can open doors.”

Being a tutor was a fun and fulfilling experience for Sophie, who led a group to create design interventions for the city: “I remember in 2019 being in awe of my tutors in Greece and thinking how amazing it must have been to see something you have designed become reality. To get the opportunity to experience that for myself was amazing.

“It’s an intense role with a comprehensive application process that required me to respond to a brief set by the local organising team. Once I was selected, I worked with the team to develop ideas, provide a detailed budget and materials list and obtain any permissions needed for installing on-site.”

Sophie and the other tutors travelled to Croatia one week before the participants, allowing them to get to know the city, make any last-minute project developments and bond with the other tutors to share knowledge. Once the event began, each tutor presented their project to 160 participants before they were assigned a project based on their choice of top three.

Being a tutor involves instructing, inspiring and designing with the participants to create the project.

Sophie said: “Our project in Croatia was collaborative. Participants designed their own elements based on material and site constraints we had set. Problem-solving is a huge part of being a tutor; be it a lack of materials, changeable schedule or blistering hot weather, we had to adapt to overcome challenges and complete the installations.”

The workshop developed Sophie’s soft skills, including time management, budgeting and procuring materials, leadership and communication skills. She said that the main professional benefit she gets from the workshop is that it ignites her love of design and architecture, motivating her to be creative and to push herself to make beautiful and meaningful designs.

Director of Training and Technical Excellence Tim Clark said Sophie’s experience highlights what is possible and demonstrates how Kendall Kingscott is supportive of continuous professional development. He added: “Lifelong learning is enshrined in the Kendall Kingscott way and is a critical element in empowering personal growth and authentic excellence in our people. It also allows them to define their own path by studying and specialising in areas that reflect their professional interests and ambitions.

“We hope this story encourages others at Kendall Kingscott to come forward with their own proposals for similar activities.”

Attending this workshop showed Sophie that social value initiatives and creative outlets are positive things for a business and individuals. She said: “As a result of attending the workshop, I was inspired to take on the role of social value champion in the Exeter office.

Now I hope to share ideas and initiatives such as MEDS for the business to continue getting involved in and to encourage colleagues to harness their activities outside work for professional development.”