To kick off the final day of Commerce Week, we visited TODD Architects, where we were warmly welcomed by Peter Minnis. Peter began by introducing us to the firm, sharing its history, and showcasing some of their notable past projects. It was fascinating to gain an inside look at the wide range of work TODD Architects has been involved in over the years.
We also had the opportunity to hear from several employees about their personal career journeys into architecture. It was eye-opening to learn that there’s no single path into the industry; some came through traditional university routes, while others found their way through more hands-on, vocational experiences. The session ended with a preview of TODD’s latest project: a striking new apartment complex located in the Titanic Quarter, which was a fantastic way to see their vision in action.
Later in the day, we headed over to Thompson’s, where we were delighted to meet Ross and Jamie Thompson, members of the Thompson family. They shared the rich history of the business, which began with Ross’ grandfather, and it was inspiring to hear how the company has grown and evolved over generations.
To top it all off, we enjoyed a relaxing cup of tea with the team.
Adam Boyd
The day continued with an informative presentation from various members of the Belfast Harbour Commission, spanning Port Masters to Police Constables. We were briefed upon the various jobs, duties and responsibilities of their day-to-day endeavours. Our horizons were broadened through the hands-on tour of the Belfast Harbour, allowing us to see the various critical areas which act as the city’s lifeline in terms of commerce and trade.
Travelling further along the harbour, we found ourselves revelling at the innovation of Artemis Technologies; their primary objective is “de-carboning” maritime travel through innovative methods, implemented upon their carbon fibre vessels. The all-new luxurious maritime travel was incredible to see first-hand in their manufacturing plant. Artemis’ groundbreaking eFoil system makes sea travel all the more relaxing, efficient and provides a premium experience. Our tour consisted of an overview of the manufacturing process and we were provided with a demonstration of how intricate the creation of carbon fibre truly is.
Finally, Commerce Week concluded with the awe-inspiring simulation system located on-site, allowing the firm to test new innovations or tweaks upon their developing ships.
Zach Smith
Sincere thanks to Mr. Colin Johnston and Mr. O’Neill for organizing this week’s engaging and varied programme of events. It provided us with an exceptional opportunity to explore a wide range of businesses and industries. We are also grateful to the school staff who accompanied us throughout the week, offering their support along the way. Finally, grateful thanks to the representatives of each company we visited for generously sharing their time and expertise. Their contributions have helped us broaden our perspectives and make more informed decisions as we approach our final year at RBAI and begin thinking about our future paths. This week has been both invaluable and unforgettable, and we deeply appreciate the efforts of everyone involved.