Every great practice is shaped not only by experience, but by fresh thinking, creativity, and the ambition of those just starting their journey. At Franklin Ellis, we’re proud to support the next generation of designers and architects — those who bring new energy, perspectives, and potential to our team.
In this blog, we speak with two of our junior team members to hear about their journeys so far, the lessons they’ve learned, and what they’re looking forward to as they grow with us.
Lucy Perkins
Part I Architectural Assistant
Can you describe your journey to joining Franklin Ellis, from the application process to your first day?
It felt very welcoming from day 1. Even though there wasn’t a position available that I was looking for, they found a space for me. I started as an administration assistant to cover someone who was on maternity leave.
What was the biggest adjustment you had to make when transitioning from studying to working full-time?
I’ve gained experience in a variety of areas of architecture because of this opportunity, which I wouldn’t conventionally have access to anywhere else as a qualified part 1 architectural assistant. It was a refreshing experience working amongst like-minded people, in which I was offered the opportunity to do an apprenticeship and further my experience as an architectural assistant.
What has your day-to-day experience at Franklin Ellis been like so far? How does it compare to what you expected before joining the workforce?
I knew I wanted to experience what it was really like working in a practice before I progressed into a RIBA part 2 architecture course and I feel I have achieved that through my time at FEA where I have been able to work on a wide variety of projects. The work is challenging but that just makes it that much more fun. Everyone has been very supportive in my development, giving me help with software such as Revit and Twin Motion.
What skills do you hope to develop further in your career, and how do you think Franklin Ellis will help you get there?
Since starting my apprenticeship, I’ve come to appreciate just how much I’ve learned in a short time while working on design projects. The techniques and knowledge I’ve gained to produce documents have been highly transferable to my university work—and the same applies in reverse.
How do you balance your personal life and career at Franklin Ellis? Is the company’s approach to work-life balance something that resonates with you as a younger professional?
Architecture is often associated with long hours and demanding projects, but my experience at Franklin Ellis has been incredibly supportive. Balancing university work with professional commitments can be challenging, but I’m always given the support and flexibility I need to focus on my learning and development.
What do you hope to achieve during your time at Franklin Ellis, both professionally and personally?
In the near future, my focus is on absorbing as much knowledge as possible and working towards my professional qualifications. Looking ahead, I hope to lead projects and become a go-to person for BIM-related expertise.
What advice would you give to someone in a similar position, whether they’re still in school or just starting their career journey?
If you’re anything like me, you might be looking for direction when it comes to your future. I didn’t start my architectural education until I was 21 because I wasn’t sure what path to take. I explored several careers before finding my place in architecture, and I only committed to a four-year apprenticeship once I knew it was the right fit for me. If you’re offered the chance to gain experience—take it! You never know what it might lead to.
If you could sum up your journey with one word or phrase, what would it be?
‘A wizard is never late Frodo Baggins. nor is he early … he arrives precisely when he means to’
Katy Ham
Junior Interior Designer
Can you describe your journey to joining Franklin Ellis, from the application process to your first day?
After completing my MA at Nottingham Trent University, I began the exciting (and slightly nerve-wracking) search for my first role in the design industry. While exploring opportunities, I came across a LinkedIn job posting for a mid-weight interior designer from Franklin Ellis. Although I was actually looking for a junior position at the time, I decided to apply — after all, you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take!
To my surprise and excitement, I was invited for an interview, followed by a second one shortly after. From the very beginning, the team at Franklin Ellis was incredibly welcoming. What stood out to me most was their openness and flexibility. They took the time to understand my background and potential, and ultimately tailored the role to better match my level of experience. It was clear that FEA is genuinely invested in supporting the next generation of designers, which made my transition into practice both exciting and reassuring.
What was the biggest adjustment you had to make when transitioning from studying to working full-time?
One of the biggest adjustments I faced when moving from university to working full-time was learning to ground my designs in reality. At university, we were encouraged to explore big ideas and push creative boundaries — to design the unimaginable. While conceptual thinking still plays a valuable role in practice, the real-world application of design demands a different kind of discipline. It’s about balancing creativity with feasibility, ensuring that every idea is not just innovative, but also buildable, functional, and aligned with client needs and project constraints.
What has your day-to-day experience at Franklin Ellis been like so far? How does it compare to what you expected before joining the workforce?
My time at Franklin Ellis so far has been both exciting and challenging — in the best possible way. I’ve had the opportunity to work on a diverse range of projects, each with its own unique set of constraints. This variety has really pushed me to grow as a designer, encouraging me to think on my feet and adapt my approach depending on the project’s needs.
Working in practice has been everything I hoped for and more. The dynamic, collaborative nature of Interior Design at Franklin Ellis has been a highlight of my experience. Being part of a team where ideas are constantly shared, discussed, and evolved has made each day both rewarding and inspiring. It’s reinforced how much I enjoy the process of design — not just the outcome — and how much there is to learn from those around me.
Working in practice has been everything I hoped for and more. The dynamic, collaborative nature of Interior Design at Franklin Ellis has been a highlight of my experience. Being part of a team where ideas are constantly shared, discussed, and evolved has made each day both rewarding and inspiring. It’s reinforced how much I enjoy the process of design — not just the outcome — and how much there is to learn from those around me.
What skills do you hope to develop further in your career, and how do you think Franklin Ellis will help you get there?
As I continue to grow in my career, I’m really keen to develop a deeper understanding of the technical side of interior design — from detailed drawing packages to understanding building regulations and how design decisions impact the construction process. I also want to strengthen my project management skills, learning how to confidently lead a project from concept through to completion. Franklin Ellis provides a fantastic environment for this kind of development. The team is incredibly supportive, and there’s a real culture of learning and mentorship. I’m given the space to take on responsibility, while still having the guidance I need to progress, I feel confident that I’m in the right place to continue evolving and refining my skills.
How do you balance your personal life and career at Franklin Ellis? Is the company’s approach to work-life balance something that resonates with you as a younger professional?
‘Work-life balance’ isn’t just a buzzword here — it’s something that’s actively encouraged and supported across the team. There’s an understanding that productivity and creativity thrive when you’re given space to recharge outside of work. Whether it’s flexible working hours, a manageable workload, or just the overall culture of trust and respect, I’ve always felt that my well-being is valued. It’s made the transition into full-time work feel sustainable and has helped me maintain a healthy balance between my career and personal life.
What do you hope to achieve during your time at Franklin Ellis, both professionally and personally?
On the professional side, I’m aiming to build a strong foundation in interior design — refining my technical skills, deepening my knowledge of materials and construction processes, and gaining more experience across different project stages. I’d love to reach a point where I can confidently lead projects and contribute to shaping meaningful, well-considered spaces.
Personally, I want to grow in confidence as a designer — to trust my ideas, push my creativity, and develop my own design voice. I also hope to build strong relationships within the team and industry, learning as much as I can from the people around me.
Personally, I want to grow in confidence as a designer — to trust my ideas, push my creativity, and develop my own design voice. I also hope to build strong relationships within the team and industry, learning as much as I can from the people around me.
What advice would you give to someone in a similar position, whether they’re still in school or just starting their career journey?
Trust your instincts and don’t be afraid to go for it — even if it feels uncomfortable or uncertain. When I finished my undergraduate degree in Fine Art, I honestly had no idea where my career was headed. I decided to take a bit of a leap and pivot within the creative industry by enrolling in an MA in Interior Architecture and Design. Looking back, I probably wasn’t as prepared as I could’ve been, but I threw myself into it and ended up graduating with one of the highest grades in the course.
That same mindset helped when I applied for a mid-weight interior designer role — a position I knew I wasn’t qualified for. But I went for it anyway. To my surprise, the company saw potential and offered me a role that better matched my experience. It was a reminder that amazing things can happen when you back yourself. Growth doesn’t come from staying where it’s safe — it comes from stepping into the unknown, being open to learning, and trusting that you’ll figure it out along the way. Be bold. Say yes. You’re more capable than you think.
That same mindset helped when I applied for a mid-weight interior designer role — a position I knew I wasn’t qualified for. But I went for it anyway. To my surprise, the company saw potential and offered me a role that better matched my experience. It was a reminder that amazing things can happen when you back yourself. Growth doesn’t come from staying where it’s safe — it comes from stepping into the unknown, being open to learning, and trusting that you’ll figure it out along the way. Be bold. Say yes. You’re more capable than you think.
If you could sum up your journey with one word or phrase, what would it be?
“It always seems impossible until it’s done.” – Nelson Mandela.
Hearing from our junior team members reminds us just how important it is to support, nurture, and learn from the next generation of professionals. Their enthusiasm, curiosity, and drive not only enrich our studio culture but also push us to keep evolving as a practice.
We’re excited to see how their careers continue to develop — and are proud to be part of their journey.