Max Rayner

Max joined WS in September 2018 as one of only 6 people in the UK undergoing the new Architectural Assistant (Degree) Apprenticeship. This was a four-year commitment with his employer and London South Bank University. Max graduated in September 2022 and has continued with his studies at LSBU on the Level 7 Architect (Masters) Apprenticeship, which will culminate in qualifying as a Registered Architect.

In 2020, the practice entered Max for The Gatwick Diamond Business Awards in the Apprentice of the Year category. Max won the award despite the strong competition from a large pool of talented nominees. The judging panel commented “Max is a trailblazer. He demonstrated an amazing level of resilience in approaching many employers before finally being taken on by WS Planning & Architecture. His employer can clearly recognise the benefits of taking on apprentices – delivering paid client work and fostering wider links with schools and colleges. Max is an excellent ambassador for apprenticeships. He has been thrown in at the deep end, very quickly having to manage his training workload as well as client work – but has more than risen to the challenge.”

Max is on the Apprenticeship Advisory Panel at LSBU, providing feedback on the apprenticeship experience. He has promoted Apprenticeships at many events, including extolling the virtues of his career path with MPs at Guildford Cathedral and the House of Commons.

Max is based in our One Croydon office and carries out work on projects across all RIBA stages for householders and developers. He works in the office 80% of the week, the remainder studying for his Masters at LSBU and other “off the job” training.

Max enjoys travelling and exploring the world of architecture. He is also a Level 2 London ABA Boxing Coach and enjoys mentoring young people in the sport.

Max attended The Beacon School in Banstead and Reigate College.