Architectural Technology Graduate influences Queenstown

Arthur Lee has had some remarkable experiences in his career to date which started through his initial Architectural Technology studies at WelTec in Petone.

Since completing the New Zealand Diploma in Architectural Technology at WelTec, Arthur spent 1 year in Denmark studying towards a Bachelor of Architectural Technology and Construction Management with VIA University College in Horsens. WelTec has an agreement with VIA which allows students to further their studies at Denmark’s largest applied sciences University College.

“The education at WelTec and VIA University College is complementary. WelTec prepared me with a solid, practical and in-depth knowledge of the building industry. VIA University College helped me practice these skills as part of a team reflecting the building and construction industry,” says Arthur Lee.

“The opportunity to study at VIA came about through my tutor Richard Foreman who also studied at VIA and Programme Manager Malcolm Fair from the School of Engineering at WelTec. They encouraged me to go for the opportunity to study in Denmark through a student exchange and complete my Diploma. This led me to then study the Bachelor’s Degree. Without the VIA and WelTec Agreement in place I wouldn’t have had an opportunity like this.” Achievement of the Bachelor of Architectural Technology means Arthur will be able to be recognised as a Constructing Architect in Denmark and as an Architectural Technologist by the UK based Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT).

At VIA Arthur lived in a hall of residence located in a student village on campus. “There is cycleway to the town centre with the sea and forest nearby. I was able to fully enjoy the Danish lifestyle. Denmark is the centre of modern Scandinavian architecture with its glorious historical buildings. Many cities in Denmark are undergoing mega urban transformation from old industrial harbour areas to quality residential and recreational spaces. I found visiting these ‘living learning spaces’ an added bonus to my studies.”

Throughout his academic studies Arthur has achieved excellence grades which culminated in a full tuition scholarship worth 7000 EUR through the VIA.

In the final year of his Degree Arthur returned to New Zealand to complete an internship in Queenstown with Team Green Architects which led to a permanent role. Arthur is now enjoying the innovative and progressive work environment of Team Green Architects, and applying European technology and the thermal ‘comfort equation’ to the New Zealand built environment. Director Siân Taylor says, “Arthur was our first intern at Team Green Architects. Initially we were unsure about taking on an intern and that it would require a lot of our time, but this was not the case. From day one Arthur has been a fantastic asset to our company. He fits well into our team and culture and he’s great to have around. His knowledge is well above our expectation for a new graduate. We are very impressed with the standard of his education.”

“My work is challenging and satisfying. Team Green Architects' designs mostly follow European standard energy efficiency and thermal comfort up to ‘Passive House’ level to guarantee clients will have a warm house with the ultimate indoor climate. I am currently involved in several projects. The most iconic one is going to be built as a ‘Passive House’, which will use almost no heating to keep the indoor temperature between 20 to 25 degrees throughout the year. We achieve this fantastic design outcome by using the best practice of architectural technology and building science. The combination of WelTec and VIA's education really helped me to work well with the team to achieve our green standard.”

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