Meet the Team: Placement Edition
21-10-2021 Blog, The Team
Clarendon Homes has evolved and expanded greatly since being formed over 20 years ago. Over the next few weeks we will be introducing you to some of our office departments, to give an insight into the company from the staff’s perspective, exploring our team culture, favourite developments and more! This week we introduce our students on placement at Clarendon Homes …
Our Students
Luke, Part 1 Architectural Assistant
Luke studied Architecture at the University of Kent, which he completed at the end of May. He then joined the Clarendon office in August to have a year’s work experience in the industry, as he hopes to do a Masters later on.
Courtney, Sales and Marketing Administrator
Courtney has been with the Clarendon office team since August. He is currently studying Business Management and Marketing at Nottingham Trent University, and completing his placement with us for his year in industry part of his course.
What is it like coming from university to work for Clarendon?
Courtney: It is very different; at university as all students will know you have lots of late nights, late mornings and lie ins. But working is the opposite, with early nights and early mornings. It’s a big change but I am enjoying it and preparing for the future.
Luke: It is very different from university where you had complete control of a project and building regulations were not a primary focus. Clarendon is providing me experience with all the RIBA Stages and experience of working within an architectural team and working more efficiently.
What is your favourite thing about your course?
Courtney: I really enjoy the marketing element; I find it interesting how successful marketing can develop a brand name and drastically change the performance of a product.
Luke: I enjoyed showing my creativity within the projects and illustrations.
What is your favourite part/thing about working at Clarendon Homes?
Courtney: The people! Everyone is friendly, helpful and I have learnt so much, so quickly!
Luke: My favourite aspect of working within Clarendon is the great group of people.
What is your favourite thing about your job?
Courtney: Being able to come up with new ideas and give them a go. Gareth (my manager) encourages new ideas and it’s really helpful for learning.
Luke: I like viewing upcoming projects and seeing the latest techniques within design.
What are you finding most interesting about your job so far?
Courtney: The SEO (Search engine optimization)! I have learnt lots about this at university but actually doing it is very interesting. Working with our marketing agency has really helped me learn tips and the best ways to do it!
Luke: The weekly meetings are very interesting, as it’s a chance to get regular updates on what is happening on site and throughout the company.
Which is your favourite past development of ours and why?
Courtney: Weavers Park! There is a house there that I would love to live in! They are such well-designed properties and whoever lives there is so lucky!
Luke: My favourite development was Gables Park in Wrotham. I have seen photos and they look like beautiful, very impressive homes!
What developments are you looking forward to in the near future and why?
Courtney: Langton Gardens in Headcorn – Clarendon’s first custom build properties. I’m looking forward to seeing what the final end products look like!
Luke: I am looking forward to working on Miller’s Meadow, a project which contains many elements of design and construction.
What has changed in the time you have been here?
Courtney: My workload! I am loving being so busy now, it always gives me something to do and I thrive working independently.
Luke: I am becoming more efficient all the time as I learn new skills and take on more responsibility.
Describe/sum up Clarendon in 3 words
Courtney: Friendly, Quality, Team.
Luke: Laughter, Design, Construction
What do you think makes people choose to buy a Clarendon property?
Courtney: The high-quality product and aftercare! Clarendon build high quality homes and make sure they are perfect before sending them to any customers. If there are any issues our snagging team are very helpful and are there to help with any issues you have.
Luke: I believe people buy Clarendon properties as they are completed at a high quality.
What would you say is a key selling point of Clarendon properties?
Courtney: The aftercare and warranty, which is available to give customers peace of mind.
Luke: The high level of community within the developments with the addition of social spaces and club house within multiple sites.
What’s your favourite memory since working for Clarendon?
Courtney: My favourite memory since working at Clarendon is getting our first bakery run! We do this every Friday (sometimes even more). It is a great way to end the week.
Luke: My favourite memory is going on to site hunting for a manhole investigating the proposed drainage strategy with the design team.
If you want to learn more about Clarendon and how we have grown, visit ‘The Clarendon Story’.