As we continue to grow the company thanks to a thriving 2023, it’s with great pleasure that we welcome ifse’s first-ever Architectural Technician, Kai Parry, to our hardworking in-house build team!
What’s your new role at ifse? Who will you be working with and what will you be doing?
My new official title at ifse is ‘Architectural Technician’, where I will be using my creativity and technical knowledge to turn our innovative designs into durable and sustainable constructions.
One of the great things about my role is the blend between working in the office and on-site.
Another benefit is getting to work closely with different team members across our Design, Build and Operations departments, supporting our entire team all the way from initial concept to completion.
Tell us a bit about your background, qualifications, and recent roles across the Construction and Building industry.
Despite being one of the younger members of the ifse team, I’ve already had quite a lot of experience in the worlds of Construction and Architecture.
I only recently finished my degree in Architectural Technology from LSBU shortly before joining the ifse team, which came after I completed my extended level 3 diploma from London Southeast Colleges in Construction and the Built Environment.
Aside from education, I’ve also had a fair bit of hands-on experience in the industry already. From 2018, I spent 3 years as a Construction Labourer, before completing an internship as a Construction Support Assistant at Wates Group. I also worked for Alsford Timber as a Yard Assistant and Delivery Driver before joining the ifse team.
I think this combination of education and real-life experience has set me up very well for my new role at ifse!
What’s a project you’ve worked on that you’re proud of?
During my internship at Wates, I had the privilege of working on the Northern Estates project at the Houses of Parliament alongside the Senior Design team.
It was a really unique experience that allowed me to explore parts of Parliament rarely seen by the public.
The project was focused on the restoration of the Houses of Parliament, ensuring the safety of its occupants and preserving its status as a monumental landmark for the country.
How have you found the first few weeks at ifse?
The first few weeks at ifse which were mainly spent with Harry, Neil and the rest of the build team and I’m glad to say I’ve really enjoyed it so far.
Everyone in the company gave me a really warm welcome which has helped me to feel at home and made the transition from LSBU to now so seamless. Plus, I’m really enjoying the fact each day is different.
It’s safe to say I’m happy to have landed this position straight out of university!
What do you do to unwind outside of work?
One of my favourite hobbies of all time is fishing. Every year during summer I fly over to Spain to go carp and catfishing on the River Ebro, a spot famous for fishing right up in the North East of the country.
Motorsports is another passion of mine, so I often head to Brands Hatch and Silverstone to catch the British Superbike Championship and MotoGP when I can.
When I’m not casting lines or watching the Grand Prix, you’ll often find me at the pub with my friends enjoying the football or a game of pool over a pint or two.
