Assistant to lead architect: navigating trust and responsibility in my role at AtkinsRéalis.

Hello there! I'm Lucy Wren, an Architect at AtkinsRéalis. I've been with AtkinsRéalis since August 2021, and it's been a rewarding journey so far, filled with trust, growth, and incredible learning opportunities.

I love being trusted to lead and succeed

Just a few months into my job at AtkinsRéalis, I was given the opportunity to take the lead consultant role on a social housing scheme for Bracknell Forest Council. The trust and support that AtkinsRéalis showed in me, allowing me to act above my role and coordinate a multi-discipline team, really encouraged and empowered me.

Thriving at work

One of the things I love most about my job is the people I work with. I find joy in building a positive work atmosphere, from organizing after-work socials to ensuring that new starters feel welcome and included. I've been hosting 'Thoughts,' a bi-weekly presentation for the Building Design team, where we explore a variety of 'extra-curricular' topics.

Making a difference inside AtkinsRéalis

Ever since I was a student, I've been driven by the desire to make a positive impact on the world. I had the opportunity to design, fundraise, and build a primary school in a rural village in South Africa, an experience that deeply influenced my understanding of architecture and my perspective on its impact on communities. Inside AtkinsRéalis, I've carried this passion into my work by focusing on the design and delivery of social housing solutions that are economically and environmentally sustainable and inspire positivity and hope.

Working on the design team for a new railway station in Nairobi was an absolute pleasure, where my attention was drawn to the use of sustainable methods and the cultural implications of our design.

It takes each of us to make a difference for all of us.

As an undergraduate, over 50% of my course consisted of women, which I found highly inspiring. This figure represents a significant shift in the profession. Now that I've started my career, I find immense satisfaction in seeing younger women gain confidence and empowerment. This is why I enjoy tutoring and mentoring at the University of Nottingham. My studio lead invited me back to tutor students in their thesis projects, a role I thoroughly enjoyed as it allowed me to provide valuable insight to students. I aim to reassure and instil confidence in my students – seeing them thrive has been truly rewarding. I'm also looking forward to being a mentor for L7 apprenticeship students at AtkinsRéalis, further contributing to the development of future professionals.

In everything I do, my ultimate goal is to engineer a better world for our planet and its people, whether it's through sustainable housing solutions or empowering the next generation of architects.

How about collaborating with colleagues as talented as you? We're hiring architects at all levels: browse life roles.