I’ve been working for a great little Architecture firm in Birmingham that specializes in restorations and conversions of old properties into modern dwellings and offices – a perfect niche to be in where they’re based because there are so many old factories and warehouses that are laying empty and crying out for redevelopment. The company has many buildings in progress that were formerly industrial or municipal sites, for example, a council building or industrial mill that are being repurposed into apartments. They’re a small practice but quite creative and the collective office temperament is one unity and they focus on quality work. My role for them is small; while their practice secretary is on leave I run the office. It’s not a flashy job but I feel it’s important and if done well it can make everything the practice does run more efficiently and therefore makes the whole team more effective. I have really enjoyed my time working for them.

My unexpected act of kindness came yesterday when I talked to my agency, informing them of my returning to University for the year. On my starting with the company in the middle of the summer I’d been informed several times of how they weren’t looking to take on students. I had been bracing myself for an angry discussion with the representative I work with. I’d missed her on numerous personal calls to their office and therefore emailed with my update, wanting to get her the information as early as possible. I didn’t want her to set up more interviews that I wouldn’t be able to attend. Two days later I finally got through and, to my great surprise, she was as kind and complimentary as could be. It made me think of how effective she was as an employee for the firm. Had she been disappointed and factious I would likely have not returned to work for them, and they’d have lost the HR investment in finding me. However, with such an irenic and conciliatory response, I’m happy to return to to the firm when I’m next in the country.

Best of all, her compliments really made my day.

Frontpage image curtsy Scott Beale / Laughing Squid.

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