Alex Rosalki

Immediately after completing his studies, Alex fulfilled his lifelong dream of moving to Israel, and began a Hebrew language immersion programme a month later. A month after that, he married the love of his life, his girlfriend of two years.

I’ve now started work at one of the highest-profile landscape architecture and urban planning firms in Jerusalem – I’m really enoying it.

“Towards the end of the language course, I began applying for jobs in my field, and after only three interviews at two companies, I received job offers from both. I’ve now started work at one of the highest-profile landscape architecture and urban planning firms in Jerusalem – I’m really enjoying it.”

Why Leeds?

“As soon as I saw the Architectural Engineering course in the course catalogue, I knew that Leeds was the place for me. I already knew someone who had studied in the programme and is now a senior engineer at ARUP, and the experiences they related to me only encouraged me further.

“The programme was put together excellently, with incredible attention to how all of the modules fit together and increase your understanding of the overall material. I especially enjoyed the Design Studio modules, which take all of the knowledge accumulated thus far and employ it in simulation of a real-world project. The opportunity to engage with working architects during this module is also particularly useful.”

The programme was put together excellently, with incredible attention to how all of the modules fit together and increase your understanding of the overall material.

Stand-out projects

Alex’s Masters-level Design Studio module involved producing two designs for a community library, at two different sites, and further developing one to RIBA Stage 3 – the point at which a project is handed over to a contractor to start building.

“I was able to explore two unique directions and come up with something which I felt would really improve the area and create a public space for all to enjoy. It is partially because of this project that I decided to apply for jobs relating to the creation of public spaces.”

It was fantastic to get an insight into the workings of a national-level company.

Over the summer between Alex’s third and fourth years, he also participated in the Institute of Civil Engineers Summer Virtual Project. This connected small groups of Architecture and Civil Engineering students with mentors in the industry and gave them the opportunity to design and work on real-life projects that are actually taking place. Alex explains “My group designed a new road-over-rail bridge for Norbiton in south London, under the supervision of a mentor from Network Rail. It was fantastic to get an insight into the workings of a national-level company.”

Preparing for the future

In terms of experiences that Alex feels particularly helped prepare him for his current career, Alex relates that “the Design Studio modules are superb for learning how to integrate the different skills learned during the year into a cohesive workflow. In the working world, it is unusual to only do one type of calculation or even to solve problems posited to you – instead you have to figure out what the problem is first, and only then you can solve it.”

Into the Woods…

“A few of my friends set up ArcSoc – Architecture Society – during our third year, and we had all sorts of fun workshops and social events both virtually and in person.

“I was first a member and for a time on the committee of Jewish Society, and we had various social, learning, religious, and interfaith events every year. The faith community in Leeds, and also the interfaith one, is fabulous.

“As a long-time theatre and technical theatre enthusiast, I also enjoyed Backstage society. I was lighting designer for a pantomime and the 2019 performance of Into the Woods, a favourite of mine.”

Advice to prospective students

...this course gives you that unique point of view which blends concept and calculation.

“Grasp the opportunity with both hands! Everyone who has asked me about my degree has always been interested to know more – Architectural Engineering is a unique degree which is not offered in many places. Many countries across the world have no concept of holistic design – here in Israel, for instance, people train either as an architect or a building engineer – and this course gives you that unique point of view which blends concept and calculation.”

Join us

To find out more about studying in the School of Civil Engineering, view our Undergraduate courses.