Mandeep Mattu, architectural assistant

ARCHITECT OF HER OWN SUCCESS

M

andeep Mattu is a role model for anyone looking at a career in architecture.

At 27 years old, the associate and architectural assistant’s career has gone up and up since she graduated with a BSc Interior Architecture and Property Development. She says choosing her journey into architecture has been “simple”, starting with playing with building blocks and Lego, which developed into a passion for buildings, colours, makeup and fashion led to a natural flair for interior design and architecture.

Mandeep was impressed with Wolverhampton from day one. Nominated for a Women in Property Award during her first year and receiving the Outstanding Student Award by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists, it’s clear that the environment suited her ambitions. After graduation, she quickly found her feet in the industry, supported by colleagues with over 30 years’ experience. “The depth of experience I receive is incredible which all leads to my progression in my own career. I’m fortunate to work with Nick Chapman (MCIAT) my mentor for the last six years. Starting off your career as a fresh graduate can be very daunting, going into a new office surrounded with very technical and experienced individuals, especially in a perceived male-dominated industry.

“I’ve learnt from my mentors that your job title doesn’t define you; it’s your skills and passion for the work which will help you on your career path.”

“Nick made me feel comfortable and took me under his wing. We spend nearly 38 hours a week with our colleagues, so it’s super important to feel happy and confident in our work environments. Nick’s wealth of experience has been vital to my personal development and significantly broadened my knowledge and technical abilities. He has always pushed me out of my comfort zone.” Mandeep is rightfully proud of setting up a company in 2019 with her colleagues, TNM Architecture, which designs intelligent and practical spaces for clients’ needs. She’s acutely aware of her own place as a woman in an industry where women are still underrepresented, and part of her way of contributing to change is to write a blog on the topic.

“It’s a paradox that even in the 21st century, architecture can still be a challenging career path for women, and gender inequality continues to be a cause of concern. I’m lucky – personally I’ve never come across the battle of gender inequality in the workplace. However women still account for barely a fifth of UK architects – and that figure is falling.

“Maybe I’ve been one of the fortunate ones, with male mentors who don’t undermine you. If it wasn’t for the support I’ve received I wouldn’t be pushed to where I am today! Being at the forefront of setting up TNM Architecture with my colleagues has been a massive milestone in my career.

How many 27-year-olds can say one of their company initial stands for their name? I even got the largest letter of them all!

“I’m a strong believer in passionately pushing the younger generation to thrive and do better. At TNM we aim to raise the profile, represent the views and promote the progression of women in architecture. We believe this will have a positive impact on the built environment and secure a legacy of inspiration for future generations.”

With a flexible approach to working life TNM was well-equipped to weather the pandemic. Projects were still running on site and taking off, supported by the team home-working. So what’s next for Mandeep?

“I graduated in interior architecture and passionately want to push that forward. In our quieter spells I set up Interiors by M. It’s an offshoot of TNM to showcase our interior skills and how we incorporate colours, textures, furniture etc to create a space that works for our clients. I’m currently completing the next stage of professional qualifications, MCIAT (Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists).

“Personal development never stops and I’m continually striving for extra qualifications or programmes I can be part of, for example I recently took part in the Black Country Chamber of Commerce business development programme. It’s important to develop my knowledge in order to help our business grow, especially being a young professional in a startup company.” City Campus Courtyard, which Mandeep helped redevelop

Professional, and personal development are clearly important to Mandeep. She’s emphatic about how important education is – as well as making the most of the opportunities it affords.

“Put your education first. As students we have a tendency to forget the importance of learning, especially in the midst of managing deadlines. But if you have the chance to taste-test different programmes and learn from experts in diverse fields you can tailor your path to whatever industry you’re interested in. “I regret not going on Exchange or volunteering internationally whilst at University. Experience like an international internship or new language can really make your professional portfolio more competitive in the job market. “I’ve learnt from my mentors that your job title doesn’t define you; it’s your skills and passion for the work which will help you on your career path.”