Joining as a Part I Architectural Assistant in March, Aayush Saraf recently finished his placement and will now resume his studies at the University of Bath. He was generous enough to share his insights to working here at FMA.
“This summer, I had the opportunity to complete my placement with Ferguson Mann Architects; a Bristol-based practice renowned for its expertise in conservation, heritage, and adaptive re-use. From day one, I was immersed in a wide variety of projects, gaining first-hand insight into how the practice balances respect for historic fabric with the demands of contemporary design.
I supported the Bath and North East Somerset (B&NES) Property Upgrading Works by preparing statutory documents and drawings for Listed Building Consent applications for multiple buildings across their estate. For a new Housing Development Project in Bristol, I developed design drawings and 3D visualisations to support planning submissions. One of the highlights was working on the refurbishment of Hangar 16U in Filton which is a Grade II listed hangar that is being transformed into a vibrant community hub. This project gave me first-hand experience in construction detailing and site coordination, and visiting the site as it neared completion was an exciting chance to see the design come to life.
Alongside project work, I joined CPD sessions on sustainability, heritage, and design innovation, and contributed to marketing initiatives that helped enhance the practice’s virtual presence by showcasing its expertise. These experiences highlighted not only the breadth of knowledge within the office but also its strong culture of continuous learning and collaboration.
Overall, my placement has been both rewarding and inspiring. I developed new technical and professional skills while learning from a generous and supportive team. Working closely with colleagues in the practice gave me a deeper appreciation of FMA’s collaborative ethos and its commitment to delivering thoughtful, enduring design solutions.”
We would like to thank Aayush for his contributions to the company!
