When Nina Logue first started at Lenzie Academy, she had no idea that one day she would help shape its future.
After leaving Lenzie Academy in 2021, Nina had not considered a career in construction. Like many students, she considered a range of career paths. When she attended careers fairs, the built environment wasn’t well represented, so she hadn’t initially considered construction as a potential industry path.
Fast-forward to today, Nina is studying architecture at the University of Strathclyde, following her love for art and maths at school. She was always interested in how buildings were constructed and their interior design. Nina shared that a favourite hobby of hers is building IKEA furniture, so she wanted to choose a course that was not only intellectually stimulating but also allowed her to progress her interest in art and hands-on design.
She is on placement at McLaughlin & Harvey and is actively involved in consultations for a brand-new Lenzie Academy, a project close to her heart.
Discovering two sides of the industry
Initially, Nina had planned a placement at an architectural practice, but unfortunately, it fell through, and the opportunity at McLaughlin & Harvey came to light.
Nina’s time with McLaughlin & Harvey has opened up a much broader view and changed her impression of what working in the construction industry may be like. She has participated in design team meetings, visited sites, attended client meetings and even contributed to the community consultation process for the new school.
This hands-on experience has shown her how all the parts of a project fit together, not just the one piece she might be working on. “It’s been so valuable seeing both sides of the process,” Nina says. “I realise now that I can take many career paths with my degree.”
A personal connection to the project
Returning to Lenzie Academy after joining McLaughlin & Harvey, Nina is proud to be helping design the next chapter for the school she attended as a pupil, something she takes great pride and joy in. With her personal experience as a former pupil, she brings a unique perspective to the table, helping the team make decisions that she hopes will benefit future pupils.
More than just architecture
Currently studying at The University of Strathclyde, Nina will return to university to complete her Bachelor’s and Master’s degree after her placement with McLaughlin & Harvey ends on 15th August 2025. Her time with the team has already shifted her career goals and outlook.
“I am now considering my options as I have enjoyed being part of the project management and design coordination team. I enjoy being on-site, working with people and seeing how decisions unfold in real time. It’s not just about the drawing; it’s about the whole picture.”
This placement has given her a taste of what it’s like to work on real projects with real impact, which she has enjoyed so much so that she’s eager to return.
“Everyone has been supportive. I’ve learned so much in my time at McLaughlin & Harvey. Even the supply chain teams took the time to explain how they conduct site investigations. There’s never been a silly question.”
Changing the narrative on placements
Unlike most of the students in her class, who ended up at an architectural practice, Nina’s placement was with a contractor, and she believes it should be an option available to more students.
“Just because it’s not traditional doesn’t mean it’s not valuable,” she says. “Construction companies have the skills and expertise to support student learning. More students should be encouraged to explore this route.”
Chris Boyle, our Framework Director, agrees: “We’re the lucky ones that Nina’s original placement fell through; she’s been a real asset to the team.”