Ardrossan Academy Student Gains Architectural Experience with jmarchitects

At jmarchitects, we are committed to shaping not only inspiring spaces; as part of our dedication to delivering meaningful community benefits, we were delighted to welcome Oscar Bridge, an S6 pupil from Ardrossan Academy, to our Glasgow studio for an immersive and hands-on week of work experience.

Oscar’s placement was closely connected to the new education and community campus currently under construction in Ardrossan — a project we are proud to be delivering. Providing opportunities like Oscar’s is a vital aspect of the community benefits embedded within major projects, ensuring that our work leaves a lasting, positive legacy beyond the buildings themselves.

Councillor Tony Gurney, Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy, praised the initiative, stating:

"This has been a great opportunity for Oscar and one which he has grabbed with both hands."

During his time with us, Oscar experienced architectural practice hands-on. Challenged with developing a conceptual design for a mews house, he took full ownership of the project — from initial concept to detailed layout and design development with creativity and initiative.

Throughout the week, Oscar benefited from one-to-one mentoring sessions with our team, receiving tailored guidance, constructive feedback, and professional insight at each stage of the design process. His enthusiasm, curiosity, and growing confidence were evident from the outset and strengthened over the course of the placement.

Reflecting on his experience, Oscar said:

"With this desk came my work experience; designing a theoretical house for myself located in a block of mews. I was given full autonomy over this project, designing this house myself with the same appliances the professionals use.

Each day I had regular one-to-ones with members of staff for guidance, assessment, and appraisal for my progress through each stage of the design process.

My time spent at their office has fully reaffirmed my aspirations to continue this line of work as my future. I could not be more thankful to both my school for arranging this work position for me and also jmarchitects for granting me this opportunity to attend their premises in Glasgow, working and learning alongside their team."

At jmarchitects, we are passionate about investing in the communities we serve and inspiring the next generation of architects. It was a pleasure to support Oscar’s journey, and we look forward to seeing where his passion for the profession will take him in the future.

For more information on this project: Ardrossan Community Campus

Credit: Paul Smith, jmarchitects