James Farmer

James says: "I have to admit, as someone that had recently left university, and wasn't used to functioning before 11am, the idea of starting a new position was somewhat daunting! However, I can safely say that joining DHA was the best thing I could have done! What has really struck me from my fleeting 6 months is how hands on the work is, and how much freedom I am given to explore different avenues within planning. I have managed to learn more in only a few months of working at DHA than I did in three years of my undergraduate course at uni, and this is just a testament to how well DHA treats their staff.

"As a grad it can feel intimidating when starting a new project, however, I have learnt that no matter how simple a question can feel, there will always be a colleague that is willing to not only help, but go the extra mile to ensure that I have a full understanding of the task at hand."

On a day-to-day basis James writes planning statements, helps with the coordination of projects through laising with clients and third-party consultants, attends meetings and site visits with his colleagues and deals with new client enquries.

James has worked on a variety of projects during his time at DHA, and has recently started to assist the Land team in producing Financial Viability Appraisals; an intersting insight into development and the provision of affordable housing.