First generation university student exhibits work at Graduate Degree Show

Drew Dennehy, from Bridgewater in Somerset was among a group of final year architecture students exhibiting their work the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) in Swansea this week.   

His final year project explored an urban vertical farm and the issues of sustainable food supply.  He says: 

“With the global need to reduce carbon emissions vertical farming is a solution that has arisen from it. My project features an aquaponic vertical farm which involves a shared water distribution system between plants and fish where nutrients such as nitrites and nitrates can be shared between the two environments. Two of the key concepts that were taken through this design were to express the processes of this form of farming, and to create a journey for the public in order to educate them on this new building typology”.

Drew is the first in his family to go to university, overcoming many hurdles on the way to achieve his ambition of studying architecture.

After achieving good GCSE’s results, Drew was steered towards a career in construction, despite his interest in pursuing a creative career.  After 18 months as a plumbing and heating apprentice and achieving his level 2 and 3 qualifications, he still wanted to explore a career that would enable him to develop his personal and professional skills in a creative field. Despite contacting several universities to find out what options were available to him, he was face with rejection after rejection.

Drew said:  “The plumbing course was completed via an apprenticeship which meant I didn’t have traditional A-levels to offer. Straight away the universities I got in touch with advised I obtain A-levels and then to get in contact afterwards.  So I went back to my college who informed me that because I was over 19 years old, I would have to pay for private tuition and the examinations.  At the time I was working for £6.90 an hour so this wasn’t an option for me. I carried on asking different universities if they could accommodate me as a mature student and received rejections with little advice on what else I could do to achieve their entry requirements”. 

Although he undertook work experience with an architect and put together a portfolio, he still received rejections from the universities he approached.  His fortunes took an about turn by a chance meeting with a former UWTSD member of staff who advised him to contact Ian Standen, the architecture course director.

Drew continued: 

“I attended the University’s next open day, which was online due to COVID-19, and asked to speak to Ian privately at the end when I outlined my situation.  He was the first lecturer that I spoke to who recognised my plumbing background as an advantage in the world of architecture and asked to see a portfolio for him to review. So, from there, I went through the UCAS application system and received an offer for a place at the University where I have continued to be as driven and passionate about the subject and will be graduating this year.

“The lecturers and the other students have all been great. The level of 1 to 1 time with lecturers is something that none of my friends tell me they experienced at other universities. There is a healthy level of competition where everyone wants to produce their best work, but if someone discovers a new technique, they still share it amongst their peers. Over the last 3 years, we have all become close and gotten to know each other well. Seeing how they have each individually developed has got to be one of the greatest highlights for me”.

“The lecturers are a credit to the course and prepare students for practice. We study the business and technical aspects of design as well as the aesthetics which allows us to offer more to employers. The lecturers were also easily accessible in-person and over the phone”.

Ian Standen, Course Director said: 

” The teacher must somehow see beyond the present and recognise the spark of potential in a student, to nurture, encourage and guide the latent talent.

“Opportunity does not make the architect; it reveals the brilliance already within. Drew’s achievements are a testament to his talent and dedication. My parting message for him is to keep designing your dreams, for the world is now your canvas.”

During his time at the University Drew, has had many experiences including representing the University in a WorldSkills UK event for digital construction.  He has completed the Royal Society of Architects in Wales (RSAW) mentor scheme during which time he frequently visited the architecture practice Powell Dobson for reviews and discussions about his CV and was recently nominated for the RIBA Bronze Medal.

Further Information

Eleri Beynon

Head of Corporate Communications and PR  
Corporate Communications and PR  
Email:  e.beynon@uwtsd.ac.uk  
Phone: 07968 249335