A Bit About Me
Hi everyone! I’m Grant, an architectural designer from Jersey, about to embark on an exciting journey to train in the fabrication workshop at Morphosis in Los Angeles for nine months.
My career began with a Bachelor of Science from the Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL, where I graduated with First Class Honours. I later returned in 2022 to pursue a Master of Architecture, graduating with Distinction. During my time at the Bartlett, I specialized in digital fabrication, honing my skills in designing and manufacturing architectural models and prototypes with the guidance of the BMade team. My thesis focused on integrating the limitations and failures of digital fabrication into the architectural design process, giving me hands-on experience with technologies like CNC milling, 3D printing, water jet, and laser cutting.
Since graduating, I’ve been invited back as a guest lecturer to share my research, and I’ve gained professional experience in various architectural roles. Currently, I’m an architectural designer and 3D lead for the retrofit of TfL underground stations at Fereday Pollard in London.
Landing the Offer
Six months ago, I decided to steer my career back into the world of fabrication to better utilize my specialized knowledge from university. While many London studios have excellent model-making workshops, several US firms are renowned for using fabrication as a core design tool, rather than just for representation.
With that in mind, I reached out directly to Morphosis in Los Angeles to explore the possibility of a trainee position in their workshop. After several video calls and sharing my portfolio, we agreed on a 9-month placement. Securing this position was a dream come true, as I’ve always admired their work and approach to using fabrication in architectural design. However, finding sponsorship to take up this opportunity turned out to be a significant hurdle.
Securing the Visa through Architect-US
While securing my position was thrilling, the visa process seemed daunting. I was particularly concerned about how long it would take, along with the challenges of moving to a new country, adapting to a different work culture, and navigating the complexities of the application.
Fortunately, Architect-US offered a clear pathway to help me take up this valuable work experience in the United States. From my first contact with them, the team guided me through each step of the process, making it much smoother than I had anticipated and allowing me to book my embassy appointment well before my deadline.
My Embassy Appointment Experience
Despite my initial apprehension about the embassy appointment, being well-prepared with all my documents and having strong connections in the UK gave me confidence. The interview was straightforward; the consular officer asked about my role at Morphosis, my background, and my plans in the US. My advice to anyone going through this is to stay calm, be honest, and ensure you have all your paperwork in order—the whole process was much smoother than I expected.
Expectations for the American Experience
With just a month before I set off, I’m anticipating that my time in the US will be a transformative experience for my career. Working with Morphosis will allow me to further develop my skills in architectural design and digital fabrication, and to learn from some of the best in the industry, using fabrication as a true design tool, not an afterthought. I’m eager to embrace the unique challenges and opportunities that come with working in a new environment and immersing myself in the vibrant culture of Los Angeles. This experience will undoubtedly shape my career and broaden my perspective on architecture and design.
