In her second semester of a one-year course, Drashti is on placement with York Conservation Trust for one day a week for 11 weeks. Based at King's Manor, it's a short walk to join the Trust's small operational team at De Grey House.
Drashti’s home is Gandhinagar near the city of Ahmedabad, Gujarat in the west of India, where she has already gained a Bachelor in Architecture from CEPT (Centre for Environmental Planning and Technology) University. In July 2017, the historic city of Ahmedabad, or Old Ahmedabad, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage City.
Pursuing her interest in historic buildings and their conservation, Drashti is marrying the theoretical and conceptual aspects of the MA course with the more hands-on, practical experience she's gaining with the Trust.
Drashti is using her skills in AutoCAD (computer-aided design) to work on the new plans for Herbert House. Drashti explains:
"Supporting my theoretical learning, I love the practical aspect of working as part of the Trust's team and finding out how things work in a conservation organisation.
"I enjoy the collaborative atmosphere of the office. Everyone has a specialism, but things are discussed together and challenges are worked through.
"Currently, I'm working on Herbert House and its upcoming conservation. It will be a big project, and I'm looking at how the building can be put to best use and revising the building plans accordingly.
"There are three medieval buildings on the plot; it's a fascinating piece of built heritage and an icon for the city, of which people are rightly proud.
"When I began my placement, Lizzie and Richard gave me a tour of six of the Trust's buildings. I have an interest in surveying, interpreting, and conserving old buildings, so this detailed and knowledgeable private tour was wonderful for me!"
After completing her BA in Architecture, Drashti worked for CEPT's research centre, CHC (Center for Heritage Conservation), where she became interested in heritage conservation. Further to her MA, Drashti is hoping to gain more experience in conservation and historic buildings while undertaking more travelling to add to her understanding of historic building conservation around the world.
We are delighted that Drashti has been able to join us and look forward to her future success.
Drashti Nakrani at the Trust's offices in De Grey House.
Looking out past the Newey Clock over to King's Manor, where Drashti is based at the University of York.
Working on the ground plans for Herbert House in the Trust's open plan office.
