Not many graduates can boast that they have designed the family home, but Joyce Wiseman is able to do exactly that.
The graduate from Fraserburgh put the skills she learnt at Robert Gordon University (RGU) to good use after designing a steading conversion which her family has now moved into.
The 24-year-old graduated yesterday with a BSc (Hons) in architectural technology, after studying part-time at the university’s Scott Sutherland School of Architecture and Built Environment.
She said: “As it was for my family, I wanted it to be perfect, and I am a perfectionist so that helped. It was an amazing experience and we moved in at the start of the year. The steading was already in the family, so I was able to be on site a lot which was a great learning curve.
“It was exciting to see the plans I drew for our house unfold into real life and it’s great to have retained the building under a new use.”
The former Fraserburgh Academy pupil had never seen herself as a full-time student, and said when she heard she could work and study at the same time, she knew that was the right option for her.
She worked full-time at a local architectural practice while studying, where she had the opportunity to work on numerous projects including house extensions, new houses and commercial work.
The combination of late nights working on a university project then the early start for work the following day didn’t feel very rewarding at the time.
However, she added: “Looking back now, I feel it’s allowed me to achieve more in a shorter space of time.
“I’ve been able to earn and save money, gain lots of experience on the job and feel confident in my abilities from the day I graduate as opposed to now only starting to find my feet within the industry.”
Soon after handing in her dissertation, Miss Wiseman was offered a job with Scotia Homes in Ellon, which she started in April.