National Apprenticeship Week: Chatting to Justas Volskis
To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, we caught up with our Architectural Assistant Apprentice, Justas Volskis, who joined the practice through the AL Academy in September 2025.
After first connecting with Ackroyd Lowrie during college and completing work experience through the Academy, Justas progressed into an Architectural Assistant Apprenticeship and is now several months into working in practice alongside his studies.
Our Operations Manager, Hattie Gryspeerdt, checked in with Justas to see how he is finding the transition from work experience to working on live projects, what he has learned so far and how learning architecture by doing compares to a more traditional route…
Can you introduce yourself and your role at Ackroyd Lowrie?
I’m an Architectural Assistant Apprentice. I support architects across different projects, helping with drawings and general tasks to keep things moving. I also help the office manager when needed, whether that’s supporting the office day to day or helping out where things are busy.
What made you choose an apprenticeship instead of a more traditional university route?
I chose an apprenticeship because I could get hands-on experience while studying alongside work. Being in practice early helps you understand how architecture actually operates day to day, rather than only learning it in theory for three years and then suddenly getting into it.
It also made a lot of sense for me to avoid the debt that comes with university. I could start working straight away and make better use of my time by developing practical skills while progressing academically at the same time.
How did you first hear about the apprenticeship route and Ackroyd Lowrie?
I first heard about apprenticeships when I was still in secondary school, before going to college. I then studied construction at college, and during that time a careers advisor offered work experience opportunities.
That’s how I first connected with Ackroyd Lowrie through the AL Academy. I completed 50 days of work experience over my two-year college course and really enjoyed it, which is what led me to apply for an apprenticeship here.
How did your responsibilities change from work experience to becoming an apprentice?
During work experience, I wasn’t really working on live projects. I was mainly making physical models, some of which are still on display in the office.
Once I became an apprentice, it changed quite quickly. The first thing I did was get onto a real project and start working on floor plan layouts for large residential schemes, as well as conversions, including a church being converted into a workshop. That jump in responsibility made a big difference.
What’s been your favourite project so far?
Probably the first project I worked on as an apprentice. It was a 48-unit scheme and I was responsible for producing all the floor plans. I also had some input into the front of the building design.
I worked alongside other architects on the project and got a lot of support, especially learning how to make floor plans efficient and workable.
What new skills have you developed since starting your apprenticeship?
Problem solving is a big one. Floor plans can get complicated and you have to work out how to make spaces efficient. You also learn to stay calm under pressure.
One of my early projects had very tight deadlines for a tender, so there was a lot of pressure to get everything done on time. That taught me how to manage deadlines and stay flexible.
From a technical perspective, you’re using BIM and 3D modelling straight away. I’ve gained experience with Archicad, SketchUp and Revit, as well as design software like Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign. You build a really wide skillset quite early on.
You also improve your communication a lot, because you’re constantly talking to the team, asking questions and making sure everything is moving smoothly.
How do you balance working in practice with your studies?
I try to keep a simple structure. I focus on work during the day, then study in the evenings if there’s anything coming up. If not, it’s important to relax and switch off.
At weekends, I adjust depending on college deadlines. That balance helps me stay productive and mentally healthy, which makes a big difference.
Who has supported you the most within the practice?
I wouldn’t say it’s one person. It’s everyone. Whoever you ask, people are always willing to help and share their knowledge. Everyone has helped me through different challenges at different times.
What do you enjoy most about working in an architectural practice?
Being part of real projects rather than just concepts. You know the work you’re doing will actually be built.
Each project is different, with its own design challenges and constraints, and seeing work move from drawings and models into the real world really shows how varied architecture can be.
What advice would you give to someone considering an architectural apprenticeship?
If you learn best by doing, an apprenticeship is a great option. You gain experience straight away and learn while working on real projects.
Staying organised is really important. You also need to take initiative sometimes, because architects can be very busy. Asking questions is essential, especially at the start, and remembering what you’ve been taught helps a lot. No one expects you to know everything, but being open to learning and feedback makes a big difference.
Justas’ journey from the AL Academy into an Architectural Assistant Apprenticeship highlights the value of apprenticeships in providing early exposure to real projects, responsibility and practical learning within a supportive team environment.
His experience shows how learning in practice alongside academic study can help build confidence, technical skills and a strong understanding of how architecture operates day to day.
Ackroyd Lowrie is proud to support National Apprenticeship Week, apprenticeships and the opportunities they create, not only for those starting out in their careers, but for the future of the practice and the profession as a whole.