Pair lay career foundations

Kirkham-based architecture practice Croft Goode Architects has made two new appointments for its longstanding training programme.

Chris Day has joined the firm as an architectural assistant on a year-long placement as part of his architecture studies, while Matthew Schofield has joined as a design assistant after leaving school, filling Croft Goode’s apprenticeship position.

Mick Goode, a director for Croft Goode Architects, said: “Chris will gain invaluable experience with us before resuming his Part II architecture studies next year and Matthew has a great opportunity to learn on the job while also studying at college.

“We have always placed great emphasis on developing new talent and our apprentices in particular have gone on to build great careers with us.”

Matthew, from Thornton attended school at Millfield Science & Performing Arts College and got his first experience of Croft Goode through the school’s WOW (Work on Wednesday) day.

He will receive mentoring at Croft Goode and is also enrolling at Preston’s College on the Level 3 Construction and the Built Environment course.

He said: “At primary school a supply teacher set us the task of designing our own house and my passion for design grew from that moment.

“The way Croft Goode mentors students and gives opportunities to young people made it stand out as somewhere I wanted to work.

“I feel lucky to be given this opportunity as many people my age don’t get this sort of chance to gain experience while in the working environment.”

Chris, who lives in Preston, is a former Corpus Christi Catholic Sports College pupil and completed his A-Levels at Preston’s College. He recently graduated from the University of Liverpool’s School of Architecture with a 2:1.

Chris, who also has an NVQ Level 2 in carpentry and joinery, said: “I’ve always had a passion to design and make things. From an early age I wanted to follow my grandad’s footsteps in becoming a joiner, but while at high school we were set the task of designing a gym and from that moment I wanted to become an architect. I have always had an interest in housing design and Croft Goode has a lot of experience in this sector.”

The firm is a specialist in building design for the local authority housing, urban regeneration and restoration, healthcare and education.

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