FINAL - JDDK Millmount News Summer Edition 2025 DIGITAL - Flipbook - Page 25
Gavin and Molly sharing their paths into
architecture at North Durham Academy
Inspiring careers in architecture at North Durham Academy
As part of our ongoing collaboration with our client, Karbon Homes, we
were invited to take part in a Careers Event at North Durham Academy
in Stanley. Organised by Building Self-Belief and sponsored by Karbon
Homes, the event brought together a range of professionals from
different industries to share their career journeys and offer insights into
various professions.
Two of our team members, Gavin Wu, Architect and Molly Falcus,
Trainee Architectural Technologist attended the event, taking part in
three sessions with different groups of students. Each session provided
an opportunity to discuss routes into architecture, the quali昀椀cations
required, and the importance of work experience when considering
career choices.
Gavin delivered an inspiring account of his own career journey. He
recounted the challenging decision he faced after his higher secondary
exams when he couldn’t decide between pursuing medicine or
architecture. His story described the importance of work experience
during his A-levels, a rewarding experience at a general hospital that
clari昀椀ed his career path, and the rigorous three-part quali昀椀cation
process in the UK. His journey resonated with the students – from
earning his undergraduate degree in Malaysia, to obtaining a master’s
at Newcastle University, and 昀椀nally completing his RIBA Part 3 exams
–, encouraging the group to explore global opportunities beyond their
immediate surroundings.
Sharing his experience of speaking to the students, Gavin said, “It was a
great opportunity to share my journey into architecture with the students
at North Durham Academy. Being able to explain the different routes
into the profession and highlight the importance of work experience
felt really valuable. The event also gave me a chance to hear inspiring
stories from other professionals, which was a reminder that there are
many different paths to success. I hope our insights helped the students
see the wide range of possibilities available to them.”
Summer 2025.
2023. Millmount. 25
