From classroom to construction site: opening up on Open Doors
Aiysha Alli, a third year architecture student, recently traded her sketchbook for a hard hat and took part in a recent Open Doors 2025 event. Aiysha is an ambassador for Girls Under Construction, a network that celebrates the achievements and participation of diverse young women in the construction industry. The Open Doors event which Aiysha and a group from Girls Under Construction went to visit was organised by construction company the Berkeley Group.
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
Aiysha: I am currently in my third year out of four of a BArch (Hons) Degree at Loughborough University, and will be graduating in 2026. As part of my placement year, I chose to study in Hong Kong, gaining international experience in architecture and design. Before embarking on my degree, I also undertook a foundation course at Loughborough, which helped foster my passion for architecture.
What is Open Doors?
Open Doors is an annual event in the construction industry that allows students, apprentices, trainees, educators and parents the opportunity to visit construction projects and find out more about what it is like to work in the sector and the range of careers available. Visitors get to look at what goes on behind the hoardings and see how construction sites operate and also find out what happens in off-site operations in offices, manufacturing facilities and training centres. Organised by Build UK, Open Doors ran from 17th – 22nd March 2025, and welcomed more than 7,000 visitors to over 260 events.
The Berkeley Group welcomed visitors to 15 of its sites across London and the South-east during Open Doors.
What is Girls Under Construction?
Girls Under Construction is the largest network in the UK for diverse young women in the construction industry. The network aims to inspire, educate and empower women who are working and aspiring to work in construction and the built environment.
Can you tell us a bit more about your Open Doors event?
Aiysha: I traded my usual sketchbook, rulers and drafting tools for a high-vis vest, steel-toed boots, and a hard hat. Instead of sitting in a design studio sketching plans and blueprints, I was immersed in an environment where architecture comes to life. The Berkeley Group organised a day at one of their construction sites, King’s Road Park in south-west London, and it became my classroom offering real-world insight that simply can’t be captured on paper. The lessons I took away from the site visit were far beyond anything I could have learned behind a desk and have only further enhanced my love for the construction industry.
So what happened on the day?
Aiysha: Going into the site visit I had a clear vision of what I thought I would experience. However, the tour went far beyond my initial assumptions and exceeded my expectations in every way. The tour consisted of a detailed walk-through of the three construction blocks each at different phases of development, which gave a unique and thorough view of the entire construction process; a walk around the sales and marketing suite – showcasing the finished models of the site – and finally a visit to a “show flat”.
It brought architecture to life in a way I had never seen before. Being on-site and in the thick of it felt empowering
What were some of the highlights of the day for you?
Aiysha: A key highlight of the tour was discovering that the site housed the world’s oldest gas holder. This added a unique layer of historical significance to the project and the site. It was inspiring to see how heritage and innovation can coexist with careful plans in place to refurbish and integrate the structure into the landscape development.
I also enjoyed witnessing the construction of the rebar floor support in preparation for concrete flooring – something I had only ever seen in drawings and videos. It was fascinating to observe firsthand how these structural elements come together. As well as this I enjoyed engaging directly with professionals, graduates, and apprentices on-site, asking questions and gaining insight into the skills required to bring designs to life. Hearing their experiences and learning how they navigated their careers in construction provided a deeper understanding of the industry’s challenges and rewards. More importantly, it reignited my passion to be part of the construction industry.
What did you get most out of your Open Doors event?
Aiysha: This site visit was more than just an eye-opener – it felt like a glimpse into my future. It brought architecture to life in a way I had never seen before. Being on-site and in the thick of it felt empowering. Connecting the dots between lectures and real-world application was like stepping into a whole new world – one where designs aren’t just ideas or coursework on paper but evolving structures that shape the world we live in. This experience not only deepened my appreciation for the industry but reinforced my excitement to one day contribute to the industry by creating spaces that will inspire the next generation.
Do you have any advice for anyone thinking about a career in construction?
Aiysha: For those who are hesitant or uncertain about whether a career in the construction industry is for you, my advice would be simple – take the leap and experience it first-hand. I recommend a site visit if you can organise one. Get hands-on, step into the space where ideas become reality, meet the professionals and ask questions. There’s no better way to truly understand the industry than to see it in action. And if your eyes light up and your heart starts racing then you’ll know you’ve found a field that might just be the perfect fit for you.
Learn more about construction careers with Go Construct
Find out how you can develop your own career in construction, and how the industry is encouraging diversity and greater opportunities for women.