Lechelle Ndlovu

Architecture BA (Hons), MArch

Lechelle was passionate about becoming an Architect, despite those around her thinking she should pursue other careers. Her placements at BCU helped her secure a job after graduation and now she’s an Assistant Architect. 

“I dropped out of my first year of college after losing my dad, which left me uncertain about returning to education. I considered getting a job instead, but ultimately, I realised I was interested in buildings, and from there, my passion for architecture developed.

I decided to go back to college to study subjects which would allow me to get onto an architecture course at university. Some doubted my ambition to become an architect and suggested pursuing an art foundation or another art-based course. However, I was determined to follow my dream, applied for architecture anyway, and was thrilled to receive an unconditional offer from BCU.

Before starting university, I was nervous to move to a new city on my own. I was often homesick, even though home was only an hour away. I received a lot of support from my personal tutor.

I completed both my undergraduate and postgraduate at BCU. During my undergraduate, I gained valuable work experience on a two-week placement, organised by the university, at Maber Architects in Nottingham, where I worked on real-life architectural projects and enhanced my cultural and professional knowledge.

After completing my bachelor’s degree at BCU, I spent nearly two years working at Trevor Hewett Architects in Ludlow, where I gained extensive knowledge and adjusted to life in a smaller town. I then returned to BCU to complete my master’s, took a one-year break from architecture, and subsequently worked at K4 Architects on BG projects, a Birmingham-based, multi-disciplinary architecture practice.

I’ve now been with Donald Insall Associates for a close to two years, as an Architectural Assistant. My current role closely aligns with my university degree, allowing me to work on projects that reflect the skills and knowledge I developed during my studies.

During my postgraduate studies, I collaborated with my current workplace on a Praxis module for the Moseley Road Baths project, earning runner-up in the prestigious Philip Webb Awards. This was a full-circle moment for my career, as I later worked on the same project in practice. It’s interesting how my journey has led me back to the same company, where I’m now part of the team. The transition from student to professional has been incredibly rewarding, allowing me to see my growth firsthand.

Each day in my role is different. Some days I'm drawing, other days I'm on-site, and every project presents its own unique challenges and opportunities. Working in conservation keeps things engaging, as no two projects are ever the same. I particularly enjoy site visits, as they offer the chance to see how the buildings I’ve drawn take shape, allowing me to experience their scale, details, and atmosphere firsthand.

One of my proudest achievements has been writing an article about my African heritage and its relationship with architecture. It felt deeply personal and meaningful to share stories of architectural history that have often been overlooked. This accomplishment allowed me to highlight perspectives that matter to me and hopefully inspire other to explore their interest with architecture.

In the future, I hope to tell diverse and untold stories through architecture and challenge traditional ideas of what architecture represents. I aim to explore and highlight forgotten African heritage, write more articles, and inspire others to see architecture as a field full of endless opportunities beyond a linear career path.

My advice to prospective students is to attend an open day to meet the tutors, it’s what made all the difference for me when choosing BCU. The university has a great track record of supporting graduates in securing jobs. My advice is to apply, visit the campus, and get your application in. You’ll be joining a welcoming community with endless opportunities and support. There are some amazing tutors with the architecture department, who will guide and support through your interest.

To any BCU graduate entering the field of architecture, my advice is to stay organised and build strong friendships with your peers, these connections will be invaluable throughout your career. Never give up, even when the path feels challenging. Be your own biggest cheerleader and believe in your ability to succeed even if no one else believes in you.

To me, I AM BCU represents more than just a university, it’s a community that shaped me. Moving to a new city as a young adult was daunting, but BCU became my safe space, a place where I could grow, connect, and find my path. It reminded me that stepping into the unknown isn’t something to fear, but an opportunity to thrive. Looking back, I see how far I’ve come, and I want others to know: don’t be afraid to chase your dreams, they might just turn into something greater than you ever imagined.”