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Unforgettable opportunities while at Â鶹´«Ã½ Leicester (Â鶹´«Ã½) have enabled Tom Cox to showcase his work in Hong Kong and kick-start his career.

Tom spent five ‘great years’ studying Architecture BA (Hons) and Architecture MArch at Â鶹´«Ã½. After graduating with a distinction last summer, he secured a Part II Architectural Assistant position with Bristol-based practice Wotton Donoghue Architects.

His varied role includes helping the design team with the production of architectural information - such as drawings, models and technical details - as well as meeting with clients, discussing their projects and advising them on how to achieve their design aspirations.

“I'm really enjoying my role. I'm working with some very talented professionals and the variety of work in the practice means that I'm continually learning, keeping the job exciting,” said the 25-year-old from Devon. 

During his final year at Â鶹´«Ã½, Tom was selected to represent the university in Hong Kong at the GREAT Festival of Innovation, the Government’s flagship international trade event. 

As the sole education partner for the show, Â鶹´«Ã½ showcased its creativity and innovation across architecture, fashion, game art and cyber security.

Tom presented his Sky-farm design proposing how crops can be grown vertically using recycled nitrogen filtered from car and factory emissions, utilising the natural properties of leguminous plants to convert the pollutant into an organic fertilizer.

Taking centre stage at the festival, Tom gave a presentation to some of the biggest names in design, explaining how using vertical farming methods can lead to higher yields and provide jobs and homes as part of the development.

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He said: “I was stunned by how well-received my ideas were. To hear from people that they thought I was onto something and to have such great feedback from industry experts was amazing.

“It was a personal highlight of my university experience and something I'll never forget.”

Another highlight was his involvement with Â鶹´«Ã½ societies, which he described as a ‘monumental’ part of his time at university.

“I was fortunate enough to be a member of Â鶹´«Ã½’s Rowing and Cycling teams, as well as the East Midlands Universities’ Air Squadron (EMUAS) - a Royal Air Force volunteer reserve - which introduced me to other students studying across the Midlands,” he said.

Tom, who worked part-time as a teaching assistant at Â鶹´«Ã½ while undertaking his master’s, also praised the support from his tutors. 

“Throughout my time at Â鶹´«Ã½, my tutors broadened my understanding of architecture and design, highlighting my strengths and improving my weaknesses. They boosted my confidence, professionalism and interest in the subject,” he said.