Completing an apprenticeship has allowed Louis Muller-Dahl MCIOB to turn his fascination with how buildings are constructed into a successful career designing them himself. 

An Architectural Technologist, Louis currently works as a Project Runner at AEW Architects where he is responsible for delivering Architectural, Lead Designer, and Principal Designer services as part of a framework arrangement for a longstanding client. 

This is role primarily involves developing and coordinating projects from the planning stage through technical design and into on-site delivery and completion, working with the wider design team to produce detailed drawings, specifications, and schedules, ensuring these align with the client’s design standards while remaining compliant with building regulations.

Now a CIOB Chartered Member (MCIOB), his journey shows how combining practical experience with academic learning can create a strong foundation for a successful career.

Building a career from an early passion

Louis was encouraged to follow his interest in construction during his time at a high school specialising in Design and Technology, both through the school’s Design Engineer Construct! (DEC) learning programme and by competing in academic competitions. 

One standout experience came in Year 8, when he worked as part of a team to design and present a concept for an eco-friendly hotel at Manchester University. Moments like this gave him early exposure to the industry and made his next step feel like a natural progression.

When the opportunity came to continue developing that interest through an apprenticeship with a Manchester practice, he describes it simply as “a no-brainer.”

Practical learning through apprenticeships

For Louis, the apprenticeship route offered a way of learning that suited him far better than a purely academic path. 

“Completing an apprenticeship allowed me to work alongside experienced professionals in real-world situations, which proved invaluable in preparing me for the dynamic and often challenging nature of the construction industry,” he says. 

At the same time, the academic aspect of his studies gave him the space to explore the thinking behind design in a more structured environment, complementing the technical skills he was developing on the job.

He also credits this balance with helping him build essential soft skills, from professional communication to presenting himself effectively in meetings. “Both aspects of learning are essential, as each provides skills and insights that the other cannot,” he says.

Managing the balance of work and study

Balancing work, study and personal life was one of the biggest challenges Louis faced during his apprenticeship, something many in similar roles will recognise. To manage this, he adopted a disciplined approach to his time, recognising early on that it was not realistic to give equal attention to everything at once.

Instead, he focused on what he calls “periodisation”, dedicating specific blocks of time to different priorities depending on what was most important at that moment. This meant regularly committing evenings and weekends to study, which while exhausting still allowed him to maintain quality across all areas without becoming overwhelmed. In the long run, this approach helped him stay focused and regain personal time when it mattered most.

From apprentice to chartered professional

Achieving Chartered status was a long-term goal for Louis and a significant milestone in his professional journey. For him, becoming MCIOB is not just a qualification but a mark of professional credibility and commitment. “It provides formal recognition of my ability to uphold a high standard of competence and professionalism,” he explains, emphasising the importance of having that benchmark within the industry.

CIOB membership has also opened up broader opportunities, giving him access to a global network of like-minded professionals while offering the flexibility to explore different areas of the construction sector in the future. Beyond the practical benefits, reaching this stage represents something more personal, reinforcing his dedication to continuous professional development and progression throughout his career.

Advice for future apprentices

For anyone considering an apprenticeship or working towards Chartered status, Louis encourages aspiring professionals to make the most of the environment around them. “You will be surrounded by individuals who reflect where you might be in the future,” he says. 

By asking questions, observing and actively engaging with those around them, he believes apprentices can build not just technical knowledge but a career that genuinely suits them. Ultimately, it is about using those opportunities to shape a role that is both enjoyable and sustainable in the long term.

If you’re inspired by Louis’ journey and want to take the next step in construction, whether that’s starting through an apprenticeship or progressing towards Chartered membership, explore apprenticeship routes and our membership pathways to find out more.