Ajay Parmar.

AJAY PARMAR

3D Design Teacher at Shenzhen International Foundation College

Whilst studying I always had a huge passion for design and technology and selected this subject at both my GCSEs and A-Levels. My Dad is keen on DIY and renovating properties, which also got me familiar with processes. In my spare time I would often help him with various DIY type jobs and learnt many useful skills. I was often modifying and tinkering with bikes, DIY and technology in my spare time. I was lucky enough to have a little workshop in my bedroom and my Dad had a full set of tools in his garage. We would often repair things around the house.

Studying at Middlesex University gave me access to some of the best lecturers; as well as modern facilities like carbon fibre 3D printing and CNC machining. The university also has a good social network.

I was fortunate enough to have lots of support from the friendly 3D workshop staff. They helped to push my designs to the next level as I went through several iterations.

As our final year at MDX came to an end we started to prepare for our design show. We all collaborated on a unique design for our stand constructed from recycled materials. We exhibited at both the Truman Brewery and New Designers show. Our stands attracted a lot of attention; the amazing work which my classmates and I exhibited definitely stood out from the crowd. I was proud to see what we had learnt, achieved and perfected over our years at MDX and be able to compare it with what those from other universities were doing.

Since graduating from my BSc Product Design degree I was offered a position as a Graduate Academic Assistant (GAA) at MDX which gave me an excellent opportunity for further education and also time to advance my design skills. During this time MDX also sponsored my MSc by Research degree on Street Lighting.

After 2 years as a GAA at MDX I entered the real world and was offered a CAD Designer role for a bespoke glass company - IQ Glass. This was a complete change from working at MDX and I learnt a lot in a short amount of time. I was creating technical drawings for various complex windows systems, sliding doors, structural glass and balustrades etc. Before any design was approved, I would assess the required acoustics, u-values and wind loadings of the site. From these results I would recommend the appropriate product and glass specification. Many of these projects have been featured on the popular UK TV show ‘Grand Designs’.

I was then offered a more senior position at Fleetwood Architectural Aluminium where I was the lead designer of a new build on Gillender Street, London which consists of 4 buildings over 24 floors. We were contracted to design, test and install over 600 side hung casement windows and 300 balcony sliding doors. This project involved considerable testing to ensure the glass and glazing systems met certain acoustic values to eliminate heavy traffic noise from a nearby dual carriageway and other regulatory requirements.

Later, I got an opportunity I had been dreaming about. A job in China. I was offered a position to teach 3D Design at the Dongguan University of Technology in Guangdong. Working abroad seemed an exciting challenge which I could not refuse.

Unfortunately, soon after I settled in China, the world changed due the pandemic. I used this to my advantage and finalised my MSc thesis which was approved.

I then moved to my current position in Songgang, Shenzhen, Guangdong, where I have just completed one year of teaching at Shenzhen International Foundation College as a 3D Design teacher to middle school and high school students. This was an unbelievable experience and it was very rewarding to see youngsters be engaged and display enthusiasm for 3D modelling despite the strong language barrier. Living and working in China has been an amazing and rewarding experience, which I will never forget. I have learnt a lot academically and socially. I have also learnt some Mandarin!

I would like to say a big thank you to the countless number of friends, family, colleagues and teachers that have helped me and guided me along the adventurous and educational path that I have experienced. Thank you all!

Follow Ajay Parmar on Twitter @ajay_parmar_ and on Instagram @ajay_parmar

Connect with Ajay on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ajayparmardesign/

Check-Out SIFC: http://en.sifc.net.cn

Article from #MDXPD: 5 Years On (Class of 2016), #MDXPD 2021 p.39-40