Tony Tran

Tony graduated in 2022 after completing a four-year Architecture MEng, BEng degree. Studying maths and physics at A-levels kindled his interest in how things worked fundamentally, and Tony was intrigued by the modules offered at Leeds, which combine this aspect of thinking with the social and visual side of architecture.

Different from the rest

…the programme’s standard of teaching provides us qualification for multiple professions, i.e. architecture (ARB and RIBA), civil/structural engineering (JBM), building services engineering (CIBSE).

“The University of Leeds Architecture programme is certainly different from other conventional architecture schools around the UK, as it combines the technical elements of the design and construction industry with the architectural factors.

“I was particularly intrigued by the topics which included structural design and analysis, geotechnics, and building physics.

“From this, the programme’s standard of teaching provides us qualification for multiple professions, i.e. architecture (ARB and RIBA), civil/structural engineering (JBM), building services engineering (CIBSE).”

Get to know your peers

Moving to a new city can feel daunting but Tony found the Architectural Suite a great place to get to know people, as well as working alongside them on projects.

“I’ve made many great friends over the years from working in the suite and there is a really friendly atmosphere.”

Exciting projects

For Architecture students, there’s at least one Design Studio project to get stuck into per year – “I’d say that they’re all different but still equally exciting.”

… my favourite of them all was Design Studio 4.1 and 4.2 where we had to design a community hub and library at a local site.

“For the first design studio, you work in a group to design a list of proposals, learning the process of producing a design from scratch.

“Then, in the following years, you are given briefs and you have to respond to them using the skills you have learnt from the architectural and technical modules.

“I’d say that my favourite of them all was Design Studio 4.1 and 4.2 where we had to design a community hub and library at a local site.”

Outside of studies

During his time at Leeds, Tony got involved with a variety of different societies “including Sign Language Society, Students for Global Health and Casual Kickabout.

“Me and other students were also involved in a small project to develop a renovation proposal for the local, grass-roots Hyde Park Football Club pavilion – it was nice to meet and be able to offer help to the people of Leeds, especially since the club is for youths.”

…it was nice to meet and be able to offer help to the people of Leeds…

Future ambitions

Tony sees his future in architecture focussing on humanitarian and civic projects, saying
“Further in my journey, I would like to lead a range of projects, from civic/public spaces to affordable housing in our current crisis, and even work on disaster relief/humanitarian projects. But for now, I will be working as a Part 1 Architectural Assistant and eventually moving onto a Part 2 course.”
 

Advice to prospective students

…if you are willing to put in the time and energy, it will be rewarding.

“The programme itself will definitely push you to work hard and get you out of your comfort zone to grow and if you are willing to put in the time and energy, it will be rewarding.”

“Finally, the staff at Leeds are great and you will learn many things about architecture, structures and building services. I personally really loved this course and I have many great memories from over the years.”

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