5P. What has your journey into architecture looked like?

SV. I moved to the UK five years ago from South Africa to study a BA in Architecture at the Manchester School of Architecture and after I graduated, I did one year of Part 1 placement in a practice in Manchester and decided I needed another year of placement and joined 5plus for another year to diversify my experience and education.

5P. What have you enjoyed most about your time at 5plus?

SV. I have really enjoyed the culture and the people; everyone is so friendly and welcoming and happy to answer questions and collaborate. The weekly sweet treats on the chub table were a little highlight!

5P. Was there anything you disliked about your time at 5plus?

SV. Fire drills in rain.

5P. What was your favourite project during your time at 5plus?

SV. I was lucky enough to work on a variety of different projects while at 5plus, but I particularly loved working on Bradford City Village Masterplan as I was given quite a bit of responsibility and learnt a lot during my time during the project as well as producing sketches for the concept of the Masterplan. I also really enjoyed making a few relief façade models for a BTR scheme!

5P. What has been the most valuable thing you have learnt during your time at 5plus?

SV. How to efficiently and productively work in a collaborative team when designing a scheme.

5P. What do you have planned next?

SV. I am moving to London to pursue a Masters in Architecture at the Royal College of Art. I am sad to leave 5plus and Manchester, but excited for a change and furthering my education and career in the field!

5P. Good luck in London Sofia!