Architecture graduate — Somviset Phoeuk

After completing a degree in architecture at the University of Liverpool, keen esports gamer Somviset is now planning to kick-start his architecture career

Why did you choose this university?

The University of Liverpool has the longest-standing School of Architecture, with a decent ranking in the league tables.

Liverpool was a new place for me, and it gave me a chance to experience a city that wasn't too far away from home.

How was the course structured and assessed?

Each semester you would have one main design project and two modules, which expanded your architectural knowledge while loosely helping the development of your design project.

During the design project, you have regular tutorials and reviews with tutors and professionals from within the industry. The tutorials consisted of discussing and developing your project, while reviews were a chance to present your work to tutors, peers and professionals to obtain constructive criticism and feedback on your work.

Towards the end of the semester, we were tasked with putting our work into portfolios for assessment by internal and external examiners. The modules included a range of subjects such as history, environmental/sustainable design, structural/technical aspects in design, and practice management. These modules usually consisted of exams and coursework.

What was your university experience like? What was your main interest outside of your course?

When I started my first year of university, I was honestly scared. It was a completely new environment, and I didn't know anyone on my course. After a while, I started to break out of my shell, started making friends and going out.

Joining the Gaming Society was the best thing I ever did. I found a community and met some of my closest friends. Video gaming was my main interest outside of studies. Through the society, I discovered the university esports scene (my online handle is 'Ps0m'), and I started competing in tournaments in a game called Teamfight Tactics, where I enjoyed much success.

Tell us about your esports pursuits and how you managed this alongside your degree.

Following the success in university-level competitions, I wanted to try and make a career out of it. I took my gaming to the professional level and started competing in regional tournaments where you're pitted against the best players in Europe.

There was one problem - I was still studying, and so trying to find the balance between my studies and these competitions was difficult. You need to invest time and dedication to a game, especially when you are trying to be the best.

I found it was too much for me to manage both, so I took time out of my studies to further my esports career.

In my year out from university, I started streaming and creating content alongside playing tournaments. I can honestly say it was the best decision in my life.

I was pursuing a dream and when things didn't go as planned, it took a toll on my mental wellbeing, which made me learn a lot about myself.

After returning to my studies, I knew I wouldn't have time to compete, but I still wanted to be involved in the esports scene. I volunteered as a tournament administrator for GGTech and University Esports (NUEL) to help run the university tournaments I was once competing in. This later led to paid roles in the larger tournaments.

In this role, I found it was important to plan ahead, knowing what days you are working and setting goals for yourself, so that you get enough study done, before you go to work. This way, you don't have to stress about either of them.

What are your plans for after graduation?

My main goal will be to find work and start my architecture career.

I still plan to do esports competition administration when I have time, since it's something I grew to love.

What tips would you give to others interested in studying architecture at university?

• Don't be afraid to ask for help. When you study architecture, you'll be thrown into a completely new world - you'll need skills and software you've never even heard of. Yes, you can learn these things on your own, but it will be so much easier to ask. A good university will have tutors and staff ready to teach you and answer any questions, so make use of them.
• Be social. For most of us, it's not that easy to make new friends, but get to know your peers. The architecture course can be gruelling, so it's nice to have people around you who are going through the same thing and can lighten the mental load. It's also helpful to talk to others about your/their work as it may help with your own design.
• Bear in mind that architecture isn't for everyone. You'll be expected to present work and receive honest feedback and criticism from peers and professionals in the industry. If you take it seriously, you'll likely be working on projects 9am-5pm all the way up to the deadline. If you don't think you can handle these things, architecture may not be for you. I enjoy the work I do, so it takes a little bit off the workload. I've really embraced the experience and everything I've learned; the journey has been amazing. So, if you think you have what it takes, just go for it.

Find out more

• Explore how to become an architect.
• Read about esports and video game careers.
• Discover what you can do with a degree in architecture.
• Consider the BA Architecture at the University of Liverpool.