Congratulations to Emma Spencer and John Lewis, who during their time with Wilson Mason have progressed from Architectural Assistants into fully qualified, RIBA and ARB accredited Architects.
It marks the culmination of seven years of study and on the job training for Emma and John.
To mark this special occasion, we recently asked them to reflect on their journey and share any useful tips they might have for aspiring Architects.
Tell us a bit about your path to becoming qualified?
Emma: I began studying Architecture in 2018 at Liverpool John Moores University, completing my BArch in 2021. I then joined Wilson Mason as a Part 1 Architectural Assistant, where I spent a year gaining valuable experience before returning to Liverpool in 2022 to undertake my MArch. After graduating in 2024, I rejoined Wilson Mason as a Part 2 Architectural Assistant, this time with a bit more confidence.
In 2025, I signed up for the RIBA Part 3 course, making sure to squeeze in a few well-earned holidays before diving back into study mode. The year that followed was a mix of weekend study sessions and online lectures, but the hard work paid off. I sat my final exam in February 2026 and after a few weeks of keeping my fingers crossed, I was delighted to find out I passed!
John: I started my architectural journey in September 2015 on a foundation year at University of Lancashire, via a slightly unconventional route involving a detour through accountancy and a part-time stint as a chef.
After graduating from the University of Lancashire in 2019 with a first class honours degree, I spent two years in a small residential practice in Preston, learning how buildings actually go together in the real world. In 2021, I made the move to London Metropolitan University for my Part 2, drawn partly by the opportunities of the big city, and partly by the promise that architecture somehow looks more impressive when you say you studied it in London. I graduated in 2023, joined Wilson Mason later that year, and started my Part 3 in 2025, finishing it last week.
How do you feel now that you’re officially an architect?
John: A combination of pride, relief, and slight panic. It’s satisfying to have finally reached the point where I can call myself an architect, but there is a growing realisation that this is also the point where I’m expected to actually know what I’m doing! It beats saying five years of saying “I’m nearly an architect” though.
Emma: It’s a great feeling, if a slightly strange one – a bit of relief as well as pride after working towards it for so long. There’s definitely a sense of achievement, but also excitement about what comes next. Looking back now, all the late nights along the way feel worth it, even though it was tough at the time.
What have you enjoyed about the journey to becoming an architect?
Emma: I’ve enjoyed the mix of creativity and practicality along the way. Working alongside different teams and seeing projects progress from early sketches through to something tangible. There’s something really rewarding about being part of that journey and watching ideas come to life.
John: The variety. No two projects, or days, are ever quite the same. One minute you’re working on conservation detailing, the next you’re trying to coordinate a suspended structure and wondering whose idea that was. Also, the gradual shift from thinking architecture is all about design, to realising it’s actually about problem-solving, coordination, and occasionally explaining to someone why their “small tweak” isn’t small.
What projects or buildings have you worked on during your training?
John: I’ve had the opportunity to work on a range of projects including advanced manufacturing facilities, conservation work at Bolton Town Hall, a suspended school extension, and the Leyland town centre regeneration project. These have given me experience across very different sectors, from historic fabric to complex new-build structures, each with their own challenges and opinions.
Emma: It’s been a genuinely rewarding journey, one that’s pushed me creatively while showing me the real impact architecture can have. During my Part 1, I jumped straight into a bid competition for a new student building at Liverpool Hope University. I really enjoyed being part of a fast-paced, collaborative process right from the start. Even better, we went on to win the project, which made it feel like a pretty memorable way to begin my time in practice.
I also worked on a masterplan for the centre of Leyland, taking it from early concept through to planning. That project gave me a great mix of experience across commercial and residential design, as well as a deeper understanding of how individual schemes contribute to a cohesive wider vision.
More recently during my Part 2, I’ve been heavily involved in an extension to an SEN school, which I’ve also chosen as my RIBA Part 3 case study. Designing spaces that can genuinely improve the day-to-day experience for students and staff has been both grounding and motivating. It’s reminded me of the real responsibility that comes with what we design.
What has been your biggest career learning so far?
Emma: One of the biggest learnings has been the importance of communication and collaboration. Architecture is very much a team effort, and being able to coordinate effectively with clients, consultants, and contractors is key to delivering successful projects.
John: I agree that architecture is fundamentally about communication. You can have the best idea in the world, but if you can’t explain it clearly to a client, contractor, or consultant, it doesn’t go very far.
Also, to never assume anything is “obvious,” and always check the drawings, especially your own.
What’s the next thing you want to achieve in your career?
John: In the short term, it’s about building confidence as a newly qualified architect and taking on greater responsibility in delivering projects. Longer term, I’d like to work towards a leadership role within the practice and possibly getting more involved in conservation work, having particularly enjoyed my time working on those types of projects. And, ideally, reaching a point where I can open a set of drawings without immediately spotting something I’d now do differently.
Emma: I’m looking forward to continuing to build my experience across all project stages, taking on greater responsibility within the team, and contributing to more complex and impactful projects.