Alex Lee

After finishing his degree at Solent, Alex was awarded the RINA - BAE Systems Student Naval Architect Award for the best final year project and the RINA and IMarEST Southern Joint Branch prize for the top final year student in the same year. “This led to my employment at Laurent Giles Naval Architects,” Alex says, “where I complete preliminary design work, 3D modelling and production drawings for large yachts and superyachts.

“On a typical working day, I’ll do about three hours’ design (preliminary or for production), three hours of 3D modelling, two hours of report writing … and don’t forget lunch! Every day is different though!”

His time at Solent University really helped prepare him for work in the real world. “The yacht engineering courses at Solent provide you with the knowledge and software familiarity required to step into the industry and continue your professional development.

“Going into the superyacht industry, I have been equipped to deal with a range of tasks from preliminary design to production drawings for boats almost ten times the length of my dissertation!”

Part of what helped prepare Alex for work in the yacht design industry was Solent’s focus on practical skills and real-world problem solving. Alex’s favourite memory? “Taking part in the model yacht race at the end of first year. I loved designing and manufacturing my model but seeing it race was fantastic. One of the best things about this line of work is seeing something you design come to fruition.”

Yet even all his practical work at Solent didn’t prepare him for the real thing. “I recently visited one of our projects in build, which was fantastic to see because it brings all of the drawings produced to life. I also attended the Fort Lauderdale International Boat show, which was an incredible experience.”