This week we sat down with our Project Designer and Planner, Alison Convery, to find out about the work that she does at EP and her journey into the role.
Just to start things off Alison, what is your role here at EP and how long have you been working in the world of planning?
I’m a project designer and planner at EP, and apart from a period of time at an engineering company after the 2008 recession, I have been in the profession of architecture, landscape and planning since I graduated university.
And what would you say your highlights have been so far?
Often, I find it’s the smaller, more personal scale projects that have been my highlights. EP developed a housing need survey with guidance from Durham County Council which we hand delivered to all residents in a northeast village. Reading all the responses about struggles for certain types of homes was very moving.
Another key highlight was the opportunity to work with a client to bring forward proposals to develop a derelict site in a Conservation Area. The project is currently on site, and being able now to see the project coming alive is very rewarding!
That sounds fantastic, thanks Alison. And do you have a specific sector that you like to work in?
Because of the nature of the work that we do, we are fortunate to be able to work on a wide range of sectors. I really enjoy being part of such a multidisciplinary team that allows us to gain a lot of knowledge and support from each other.
And how did you get into your role?
My degree is in Architectural Technology and I worked in architects practices for a number of years before working for EP. Many of the skills I developed I was able to transfer over to my role as project designer. I found out about the role itself through another small business in the area and moving to this role at EP has helped me achieve my associate membership of the RTPI and work towards full Chartership.
So finally, outside of EP, what do you enjoy doing?
I love being outdoors and try to travel on foot or bike wherever I can. If I do go further afield, we are very lucky in the northeast to have an incredible coastline and countryside on our doorstep. I love all things plants and trees. At home we are surrounded by plants wherever we turn and I find that a walk in a dense wood is soothing for the soul!
This has been great, thanks Alison!