Employee Spotlight – Valentia Prudence
Val is one of our talented architects and a significant contributor to our office culture, seamlessly intertwining her project expertise and diverse roles. Val led the way in our achievement of ISO:14001, driving sustainable and environmental responsibility and improvement and most recently, she offers compassionate support to colleagues, as one of our mental health first aiders ensuring mental well-being is prioritised. When she’s not paving the way for internal workplace improvement, Val’s commitment to enduring architecture and attention to detail on projects such as her favourite Walworth Road means as a team, we create better built environments and collectively champion better health and wellbeing for the homes we design.
Read on to find out more about Val.
What is the best career lesson you’ve learned while at HGP?
Never stop asking questions! There is always an opportunity to learn and develop, no matter how many times you’ve done something before!
You graduated and became registered whilst working at HGP. How was this for you?
Being at HGP all the way along my journey to be an architect has been great. I’ve been able to receive advice and help at every step along the way, and follow my projects, too. As much as people advocate changing practices between Part 1 and 2, staying with HGP was definitely the right move for me. The ability to see projects grow and change has helped to shape my understanding of the industry better than if I had abruptly changed practices and essentially abandoned the projects I’d previously worked on. HGP in particular has a great environment, and I’ve been supported every step of the way by the insight and opportunities provided by the rest of the staff and the practice as a whole.
HGP have recently been recognised by ISO14001. You did a lot of work towards this. What has this meant to you?
We’ve all got to play our part to look after the environment, and the ISO:14001 certification is a good way for businesses to demonstrate that they are committed to continually improving their environmental performance. I’m very pleased that HGP has gone the extra mile and committed to protecting the natural environment!
What is your favourite thing about working in Architecture?
Every day is different, and there is certainly no shortage of challenges to keep us occupied!
How would your friends describe you?
Practical, risk-adverse, and up for a challenge. These things are not mutually exclusive – I’m willing to try, but I’ll be making sure it’s safe and practical first! That’s just part of the challenge.
In your time at HGP, has there been a favourite moment?
I’m not sure what my favourite moment has been so far. I’m on a great team and every project is an exciting journey. If I had to choose one moment, it would probably be going back to our Walworth Road development and seeing it finished. I think it’s really rewarding to see a project that we spent so much time and attention on (particularly during the planning process!) come to fruition. It was great to see how the houses had transformed into people’s homes with all the little touches like the flowerboxes in full bloom on the balconies.
How do you define success in an Architectural Career?
Success will be if I’m still an Architect at retirement age! I think the hardest thing with the profession is to stick with it and see the buildings you’ve designed throughout their whole life cycle.
What is your wish list for the next 5 years with HGP?
I’m looking forward to future projects that help to showcase the team’s skills in masterplanning and provide exciting places for people to live, work, and play. Part of what drives me at work is the knowledge that every step along the process, from feasibility to construction, is one step closer to the realisation of a dream. Hopefully within the next five years I’ll get to see a whole host of designs evolve into reality!
What three items would you take with you on a deserted island?
A tent, a seawater purifier, and a machete. It just seems like they’d be handy.