Learning Through Practice: My Part 3 Journey
It's been quite a year!
Well, technically not a year, my part III journey started back in September 2024, and I would say with some trepidation. Completion of Part III is essential for anyone hoping to carry the title of ‘Architect’ in the UK; it focuses centrally on professional practice rather than being design based and results in being able to register with the Architects Registration Board. Topics covered in the course include contracts, procurement, project management, professional ethics, legal responsibilities, and client care presented in a mix of coursework, an in-office exam, case study submission, and the dreaded final interview.
One of the biggest challenges of Part 3 is balancing study with a full-time role in practice. Aside from around two days each month spent on campus, I was working full-time at Arbor while completing coursework, preparing for exams and developing my case study. Much of the study happened in the evenings, often alongside plenty of lunchtime discussions and questions directed at members of the team. I was fortunate to have constant support from both Elly and Kirk throughout the process. Their guidance helped bring many of the professional practice topics to life, whether discussing procurement, contracts or project-specific challenges.
While Part 3 provided the theoretical framework, it was working on live projects that really brought the subject matter to life. The project that had the biggest influence on my learning was the NMITE Centre for Innovation and Future Skills (CIFS), which also formed the basis of my case study. As a university campus building featuring a pioneering hybrid glulam beam structure, it exposed me to a wide range of construction, contractual and project management challenges. Projects such as Montcalm and Holmefields also gave me the opportunity to lead client meetings and develop my confidence, with supportive clients and plenty of guidance from colleagues when needed.
NMITE CIFS
Old Pasture was another significant project. It was the first scheme where I was responsible for all of the construction detailing and, although relatively modest in scale, it helped build my confidence in Stage 4 technical design and construction information.
Working directly with clients taught me the importance of clear communication and how to apply professional knowledge in real time. Equally valuable was site experience, with both the NMITE CIFS and Vipassana under construction during my studies, topics such as JCT contracts, interim certificates, extensions of time and professional responsibilities became much easier to understand because I could see them unfolding on real projects.
Most of Part III went pretty much to plan. I enjoyed the coursework, achieved the results I was aiming for, and weirdly even enjoyed the in-office exam. Balancing it alongside work wasn't always easy, but I finished those elements feeling confident in what I'd learned.
The part that didn't go to plan was the final interview, which I first sat in December 2025 – it's fair to say it went badly! Looking back, it wasn't because I wasn't prepared or lacked experience; my head was simply elsewhere. At the time, my best friend was in hospital, and my focus was with her. I found out I'd been unsuccessful just before Christmas, it was disappointing, but I never felt panicked by it. I knew I'd get there eventually and tried not to put pressure on myself about when that would be. It's particularly easy at part III level to look around and see many others qualifying before you, but it's vitally important to never compare yourself.
I went on to pass the interview on a gorgeous sunny day in June this year. Looking back now, I'm glad I gave myself the time and space to qualify at my own pace. Part III is an important milestone, but life doesn’t stop while you're studying for it.
Since qualifying, I feel more confident in my approach to projects. In many ways, it feels like the qualification validates the years of learning and experience built up since I first started studying architecture in 2015.
One of the biggest changes has been my understanding of responsibility. As a Part I and Part II assistant, there is a degree of protection that comes with working under others. As projects become your own, you become much more aware of risk, decision-making and the responsibility that comes with advising clients and coordinating project teams.
It's also given me a greater appreciation for everything that happens behind the scenes. Part I & II at University naturally focuses on design, but in practice there is an enormous amount of communication, coordination and so many emails. The qualification has also helped me support clients with greater confidence, I'm more decisive in my recommendations and more comfortable trusting my own judgement.
I'm proud that I stuck with it, there were moments where it felt never-ending, but looking back now, the years of study, placements and exams all feel worthwhile. I'm lucky to be working at a practice I genuinely enjoy, alongside people who've supported me throughout the process, on projects that continue to challenge me.
Looking ahead, I'm excited to keep developing as an architect and take on greater responsibility within projects. Sustainability remains a particular interest of mine, and one ambition is to deliver a Passivhaus project as Project Architect, combining my practical experience with my Certified Passivhaus Designer qualification.
I'd always had a goal of qualifying before I turned 30, it wasn't about the age itself, just one of those milestones that helps you get there in the end. And it worked, I did get there in the end - although any sense of professional title was short-lived when a subcontractor on site assumed I was on work experience a few weeks ago. I'll let you decide whether that was humbling or complimentary.