Suluku Falama, alumnus, BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology
From builder to business owner: Suluku's accredited degree and newfound knowledge of BIM has given him the confidence to succeed in industrySuluku Falama had been working as a freelance builder and carpenter for over a decade when he decided the time was right to take his career to the next level. “I’d always been interested in what happened before construction started – the surveying, designing and planning sections of the job,” he says. “I looked around at different courses, and it was clear that LSBU offered a qualification that would make me marketable across the design and construction industries.”
Accreditations
A big part of the reason for that, as Suluku discovered, is because our BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology course is accredited by CIOB (Chartered Institute of Building) and CIAT (Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists), indicative of the way we work closely with the construction industry to keep our courses up to date and relevant.
As BIM (Building Information Modelling) is being introduced in the UK construction industry, I think it’s really good that LSBU has been quick to incorporate that into its courses. Combined with the accreditation, it really gave me the confidence I needed in the course and the University.
Suluku Falama
Suluku particularly enjoyed the architectural design projects he undertook as part of his studies, as well as looking at construction technology. “Studying these areas has given me the knowledge I need to work as part of a team, and the advice and guidance given by the Course Director, Jennie Hardi, was really beneficial, and an essential part of the learning process,” says Suluku.
Moving forward
Since graduating, Suluku has been putting his new skills into practice on a daily basis, and feels that his qualification has been an instrumental part of moving his career forward. “As I hoped it would, my degree has made me more marketable in the design and construction sector,” says Suluku. “It’s amazing to be involved in planning and the building regulation work for house extensions and loft conversions, as well as giving technical advice to clients and contractors.”
Starting his own business
Suluku’s confidence as a result of his degree means that he is looking to set up his own business, designing and building loft conversions, house extensions and internal alterations. “It’s in the early stages, but I’m working hard to get the business up and running,” he says. “It’s all thanks to my degree, which has given me the confidence to approach other professionals in the industry.”
Find out more about studying BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology at LSBU.