RIBA Mentoring SchemeMentor interview

Toni was my mentor during the RIBA program. She is an architect at Stride Treglown and agreed to answer our questions. She validated her Part 3 two years ago.

By Anna Godefroy

Anna Godefroy : Hello Toni! Thanks a lot for answering our questions today. So, as students, I think it is very important for us to know if the life in practice is as stressful as the student life?

Toni Riddiford: *laughs* No, to be honest, it is a much more peasable life. During the week, I do 9 to 5 daily but for some projects I would be required to work on week-ends, on big presentations for example. Some people stay later, but this is really up to you. We don’t have as much pressure as other practices because we work well as a team.

A.G :What are you working on at the moment ?

T.R : We are developping a lot of projects in Bath and especially at the University. We are building students’ accomodation on campus, so hopefully you’ll see this project very soon. Unfortunately, some others are quite confidential...

A.G : Do you have a good evolution process here ?

T.R : Yes, I hope to become an associate before my 30’s. It is more a personal challenge but we generally evolve quickly in the structure and they encourage our progession.

A.G : What was your academic background?

T.R : I did all my studies at the University of Bath as I am from here orginally. During my Year Out I spent 6 months in TP Bennet, in London. Then, I was an architectural assistant in Holder Mathias Architects and Stride Treglown until I validated my Part 3 and became a RIBA certificated architect.

A.G : What is your design approach ?

T.R : In Stride Treglown, we try to be respond as well as possible to the site context. Our architecture is not about pre-determined style or fashion : we strive to generate design that simply feels right. We also meet the environmental requirements of sustainability in our buildings, as it is one of the main important parts of a project.

A.G : Do you often take Part 1 students on placement ?

T.R : We do usually take on a number of ‘year out’ students. These typically being Part 1 graduates who start around September and spend 12 months with us before going back to complete their Part 2. Several individuals in our London office are Bath graduates so they are aware of the format of the course and they have offered placements in the past.

A.G : Well, thank you very much for you time. See you soon Toni.