Are you looking for an architecture degree course at a respected School with connections to over 60 local architecture firms?
Validated by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and prescribed by Architects Registration Board (ARB) to give full exemption from the ARB / RIBA Part 1 examination, you will be based at our innovative Birmingham School of Architecture and Design, where you start your journey towards becoming a registered architect.
Birmingham School of Architecture and Design offers fully accredited programmes at RIBA Parts 1, 2 and 3, enabling you to fully qualify as a registered architect within one school.
This four year course has been specifically designed you to undertake additional level 3 study designed to ensure you are successful on your chosen degree.
After successful completion of your foundation year, you will have the flexibility to switch (should you wish to change direction) onto a number of related undergraduate degree options within Birmingham School of Architecture and Design.
With the diverse architecture of Birmingham as your initial inspiration, you'll focus on urban environment and look at neighbourhoods, cities, and regional and global networks.
Industry connections in your second and third years help you foster direct links and contacts within practice, helping you to find work experience. We also work closely with RIBA West Midlands, the Midlands Architecture Centre (MADE), and Birmingham City Council. From the first year onwards, you will begin to construct your own online webpage of work and projects, which can then be transformed into an online portfolio and/or CV.
Our recent RIBA Validation Board visit commended our links with professional practice and the supportive learning community we offer. We were also commended for our flexible approach to learning, with strong support for part-time students.
You'll have the chance to be part of Co.LAB, a collaborative architecture and design initiative within the School working on live projects. This engagement with one-to-one scale interventions and real-world practice helps you in your learning journey to become a more rounded and responsive designer.
The course goes beyond lectures and gives you great opportunities. Students from all years are offered places to attend events such as national building information modelling (BIM) events, which provide a forum for you to engage directly with practitioners and industry specialists, as well as informing you of changes in current practice.
You'll also benefit from the insight of guest speakers such as Professor CJ Lim and renowned American landscape architect Martha Schwartz, together with other practising architects from firms such as Foster and Partners, Make, Associated Architects, Invisible Studio, Mole Architects, Ash Sakula and various others. Film work also plays an important part in the perception of the city, and you’re encouraged to use this medium along with a wide variety of other creative outputs drawing upon our fantastic workshop facilities.
In your final year, you'll showcase your work at the Graduate Show, an event attended by practitioners where previous students have been headhunted by leading practices including Grimshaws, Hopkins Architects, Hawkins Brown and Glenn Howells Architects.
You will study in our state-of-the-art Parkside Building, which has been praised for its investment and facilities by RIBA. While based in Parkside, you will get sharpen your CAD and digital visual communication skills, prototyping and digital production, while also having access to a range of specialist software.
Our next Open Day for this course will take place on Saturday 21 March 2020. Register your interest to see our facilities and speak to our staff and students. We'll be in touch once booking is open.
Visit our School site for more student work and extra information.
Concerns is an annual publication by Birmingham School of Architecture and Design. In this issue, you can view final year student work and read more about the activities within the School.
Our students have gone on to work with companies such as:
We accept a range of qualifications, the most popular of which are detailed below.
88 UCAS tariff points from A/AS Level |
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Typical Offers (UK students) | ||
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At the point of application you must have GCSE at Grade 4 or above in English Language and Maths. Equivalent qualifications can be considered in lieu as long as the required subject is covered. Plus, you must have achieved or be completing one of the following: |
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UK Qualification | Requirements | |
A level | CCD. The following subjects are preferred: History/Geography/English/Languages, Double award in Science or separate Science such as Physics, Biology or Chemistry, Maths, Sociology/Philosophy/Psychology, Art/Design/Music. excluding General Studies A maximum of three subjects are considered. Other 6-unit qualifications can be considered in lieu of one or two A-level subjects. |
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Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma |
MMM. Art and design, business and economics, construction and built environment, design technology, english, geography, history, languages, ICT, land based and environment, manufacturing, music, performing arts and drama, science. subjects excluded Hair and beauty, health and social care, hospitality, early years, customer service, citizenship, accounting, PE and sport, public services and uniformed services |
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Access to HE Diploma | 60 credits overall - 15 credits at level 2 and 45 credits at level 3 with Merit In a relevant pathway GCSE Mathematics and English Language at grade C or above or equivalent qualifications within access course must be obtained. |
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Scottish Higher |
Achieve a minimum of 88 tariff points achieved from either five Highers or a combination of two Highers offered with two Advanced Highers. | |
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme |
Obtain a minimum of 24 points overall. Students who do not complete the IB Diploma will be considered on the basis of their IB Certificates if they obtain a total of 11 points or above from three Higher Level Subjects and alongside other acceptable level 3 qualifications to meet 88 UCAS Tariff Points. | |
OCR Cambridge Technical Certificate |
Can be considered along with a minimum of 2 of the following qualifications: A-levels, BTEC Subsidiary Diplomas/ OCR Cambridge Technical Diplomas. Can also be considered in combination with a BTEC extended diploma, art and design foundation diploma or UAL extended diploma to obtain 88 pts |
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Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma |
Must be offered along with either A-level, AS-levels or BTEC Subsidiary Diploma/BTEC 90 credit diploma/ OCR Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma qualification/Foundation Diploma in Art and Design/ UAL extended diploma to achieve a minimum of 88 tariff points Art and design, business and economics, construction and built environment, design technology, english,geography,history,languages,ICT,land based and environment,manufacturing,music,performing arts and drama,science. Excluding Hair and beauty,health and social care,hospitality,early years,customer service,citizenship, accounting, PE and sport,public services and uniformed services |
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Scottish Advanced Higher |
Achieve a minimum of 88 tariff points achieved in either three Advanced Highers or from a combination of two Advanced Highers plus two Highers. | |
Other qualifications | ||
If you have a qualification that is not listed in the table please refer to our full entry requirements on UCAS. Further guidance on tariff points can be found on the UCAS website. |
Essential | ||
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Please see your country page for further details on the equivalent qualifications we accept. In addition to the academic entry requirements listed above, international and EU students will also require the qualifications detailed in this table. |
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EU/Non-EU (International) Qualifications | Requirements | |
IELTS |
Minimum overall score of 6.0, with 6.0 in writing and no less than 5.5 in the remaining three skills. If you do not meet the required IELTS score, you may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English courses. Please note that you must have a Secure English Language Test (SELT) to study on the pre-sessional English course. More information. |
Applications from mature students (21+) with alternative qualifications and/or considerable work experience will be considered on their merits.
Award: BA (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2020
Award: BA (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2020
If you're unable to use the online form for any reason, you can complete our PDF application form and equal opportunities PDF form instead. The University reserves the right to increase fees in line with inflation based on the Retail Prices Index or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament up to a maximum of five per cent.
UK and EU students applying for most undergraduate degree courses in the UK will need to apply through UCAS.
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is a UK organisation responsible for managing applications to university and college.
You are not required to submit a portfolio for this course.
Our courses include activities such as performance, exhibitions, field trips and production of works or artefacts which may require you to purchase specific equipment, instruments, books, materials, hire of venues and accommodation, or other items. Many of these activities are essential and compulsory parts of your learning experience.
The link below gives you an estimate of the possible costs associated with key activities on your course. Please bear in mind that these are only estimates of costs based on past student experience and feedback. The actual costs could vary considerably (either greater or lower than these estimates) depending on your choices as you progress through the course.
All our students are provided with 100 free pages of printing each year to a maximum total value of £15.
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits): |
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits): |
Structures, Environment and Technology
20 credits
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In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits): |
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits): |
After finishing the Foundation Year, our architecture degree is assessed on 100 per cent coursework, with no practical or written exams. We feel this best mirrors the way you'd work in the real world and so better prepares you for a career in architecture.
The structure of the course supports the building of a geared architectural portfolio - providing your 'passport to practice'.
In your first year, you'll be given a broad foundation in architecture and in the context of the ‘urbanised field’, as well as the physical and ideological relationship between them. The programme is organised around principles introducing you to a range of concepts which provide the basis for your architectural education.
You'll interpret the non-designed and designed environment, learning to understand the impact of environmental conditions and their relationship to construction and structural design. Digital teaching in a range of CAD, NURBS modelling and rendering packages is blended with workshops in hand drawing, presentation and graphics to enable a holistic competency in architectural communication. Blogs are used as a medium for facilitating an online collation of your work with a view to building your own online portfolio for use later.
You’ll examine the role of policy in forming urban and architectural constructs, and the role of the architect in construction. A work placement gives you the chance to experience industry, with companies such as Glen Howells Architects, Green Planning Studios, Seymour Harris and Bournville Architects. You’ll have chance to work on elective programme (Co.LAB), enabling you to engage with design and production practices across the School and external clients.
Students on the architecture programme have worked with the ‘Friends of The Hayes’ to develop a bridge structure in the grounds of The Hayes – a Grade II-listed country house in Staffordshire – using timber sustainably sourced from surrounding woodland, and on a wide variety of other live projects. The theme of "process" in year two facilitates your exploration of the different forms of contemporary architecture and design practices, building on the understanding of principles achieved at year one.
Your final year considers the physical and cultural architectural context, focused on individual exploration of your own interests. You will look at 'dynamic cities' and the implications of new digital technologies, as well as developing and testing strategies in sustainable development and technology against architectural projects. You develop employability and entrepreneurial skills in special working seminars to prepare you for professional employment.
Our Architecture degree is assessed on 100 per cent coursework, with no practical or written exams. We feel this best mirrors the way you'd work in the real world and so better prepares you for a career in architecture and other associated design disciplines. The structure of the course supports the building of an individually focussed architectural portfolio - providing your 'passport to practice'.
Studying Architecture part-time offers an attractive opportunity if you are looking for an alternative route to becoming a qualified architect. Part-time students attend University for one day per week. The remaining four days are spent working in a chartered (ARB) architect’s practice. This will help you to become a strong practitioner who can embrace, adapt and transform practice.
Our course is accredited by the Royal Institute of British Architects, allowing you to achieve RIBA Part 1 exemption. This offers you distinct support when applying for placement in practice.
RIBA is a global member organisation, with 44,000 members. It champions better buildings, communities and the environment and provides the standards, training, support and recognition to put members at the peak of their profession.
Our accreditation shows employers that students graduating from our course have the levels of knowledge and skills they need.
Architects Registration board was established by Parliament in 1997 to regulate the architects’ profession in the UK.
They are an independent, public interest body and their work in regulating architects ensures that good standards within the profession are consistently maintained for the benefit of the public and architects alike.
These independent reviews show what our students really think:
"Working in such a creative bubble spurs on creativity and provides a wealth of inspiration for your own work. There are so many artistically genius minds around to ask for her and advise, great atmosphere/environment."
Anonymous
www.university.which.co.uk
As a graduate of the course, you'll be encouraged to apply for employment as an assistant in architectural practice and, on completion of your year out, will be invited to apply for the Postgraduate Diploma in Architecture (RIBA Part 2 exemption). We also offer a Postgraduate Diploma in Architectural Practice (RIBA Part 3 exemption), giving you the opportunity to undertake your entire architectural education at the School of Architecture.
A majority of your design projects will be located on live sites, meaning regular trips to various locations will become an integrated part of the design studio modules. Study trips at all three levels of the BA programme are often linked to design projects or inform research activities. These provide a very important part of your learning and understanding, building knowledge and skills for interpretation of sites and buildings - locally, nationally and also further afield.
The course gives you a full understanding of the role of an architect and the creative flair and technical skills needed to succeed.
You'll understand sustainability, technical and cultural issues and the challenges of expanding the urban environment.
You'll develop a comprehensive portfolio that shows employers a range of skills in design practice and academic study.
You'll develop a range of transferable skills, such as how to communicate ideas and solve problems, as well as developing negotiation and planning skills. And thanks to the unique nature of the course, you’ll learn how to work effectively and efficiently either on your own or as part of a team.
Your skills will be in demand - architecture, building and planning courses are one of the top 12 degree subjects for getting a job according to a recent article in the Telegraph.
As part of our commitment to developing the essential skills required as part of the BA (Hons) Architecture programme, we have continued to develop the two-week, assessed work placement scheme at Level Five. The placement is part of the PRAXIS (Management Practice and Law) module and takes place towards the end of the academic year.
Over the past three years we have had more than 100 practices taking part in the scheme, providing great diversity in terms of scale, philosophy, sectors and location. This has Included placements being secured with many nationally and internationally-renowned practices such as Michael Hopkins and Partners, MAKE, Grimshaw Architects, Hawkins Brown, Populus, Gensler, Glenn Howells Architects, Associated Architects and many others.
While on placement, practices are encouraged to provide you with a wide range of activities, including meetings, site visits and design reviews, as well as developing additional CAD and graphic skills.
Many students are successful in gaining summer paid work in practices as a result of the placement.
During his studies on the BA (Hons) Architecture (RIBA Part 1 Exemption) course, Adam Nuttall spent two weeks in practice at Gensler, a world leading design firm.
Adam was initially attracted to working for Gensler due to it being the world’s largest film of architects, and the prospects of working with different people and making useful contacts. Adam worked in their small Birmingham office with 12 employees giving him a more personal experience with the added benefit of being part of a much larger film.
OpportUNIty: Student Jobs on Campus ensures that our students are given a first opportunity to fill many part-time temporary positions within the University. This allows you to work while you study with us, fitting the job around your course commitments. By taking part in the scheme, you will gain valuable experiences and employability skills, enhancing your prospects in the job market.
It will also allow you to become more involved in University life by delivering, leading and supporting many aspects of the learning experience, from administration to research and mentoring roles.
You’ll learn how to use industry equipment and software including rapid prototyping, CAD and digital production. Your observational and technical drawing techniques will be developed, along with other key skills.
Birmingham City University is a vibrant and multicultural university in the heart of a modern and diverse city. We welcome many international students every year – there are currently students from more than 80 countries among our student community.
The University is conveniently placed, with Birmingham International Airport nearby and first-rate transport connections to London and the rest of the UK.
Our international pages contain a wealth of information for international students who are considering applying to study here, including:
We have a diverse community of students from all over the world. Our international reputation, professional accreditation and outstanding graduate success rate attracts students from a variety of countries including Brunei, Kenya, Malaysia, Russia and Singapore.
Tatiana Pachina, from Moscow, said: “I decided to study architecture in the UK for several reasons. First of all, because the UK education is recognised by employers, universities and governments all over the world and it gives you plenty of opportunities for further study and career progression. Secondly, studying in the UK gives me an opportunity to meet people from different countries, with different backgrounds and learn something new about their cultures
“I chose the BA Architecture course because I think studying in Birmingham can provide a unique experience and a really focused course can encourage students to be creative. The first year of the course was a great experience that enabled me to improve my drawing skills, graphical drawing, model making and ability to think three dimensionally and gather some architectural knowledge.”
International students who have a serious interest in studying with us but who perhaps cannot meet the direct entry requirements, academic or English, or who have been out of education for some time, can enter Birmingham City University International College (BCUIC) and begin their degree studies.
BCUIC is part of the global Navitas Group, an internationally recognised education provider, and the partnership allows students to access the University’s facilities and services and move seamlessly through to achieving a Bachelor’s degree from Birmingham City University.
Our students come from around the world but our architecture course is most popular with international students from:
Brunei
Russia
Scholarships available for international students.
Requirements:£2,000 if a 1st degree holder £1,500 if a 2:1 if a 2:1 degree holder £1,000 if a 2:2 if a 2:2 degree holder £500 if a if a 3rd degree holder.
When you join Birmingham City University, the first thing you will notice is the high standard of our campuses. With an investment of £260 million across our buildings and facilities, we are committed to giving you the very best learning environment to help shape your experience.
You’ll be based in the multi-million pound Parkside building – part of our City Centre Campus – with technology and facilities that reflect advanced professional practice. We offer facilities which will accurately reflect the work environment you will enter after graduating. These include Computer-Assisted Design (CAD) and a computer-generated Virtual Building Site, creating real life scenarios for you to work on.
While based in The Parkside Building, you will get sharpen your CAD and digital visual communication skills, prototyping and digital production, while also having access to a range of specialist software, workshops, computer and project learning laboratories, and a social learning space.
You’ll also benefit from:
From industry-standard software, to our workshops and studio spaces, everything you need will be at your fingertips from day one. Working with our expert technicians, you'll be supported from concept through to completion.
In a teaching career spanning 20 years, Kevin has taught on undergraduate and postgraduate courses across both Architecture and Interior Design, and has also been a course leader for both BA Interior Design and M.Arch Architecture.
In 2000 Kevin co-founded the space studio, an RIBA Chartered design-led practice, with Interior Designer Tony Kerby. The practice undertakes new build, refurbishment, and interior works across a number of sectors. Clients include the English National Ballet, Manchester City Football Club, HMRC, Tesla cars and Birmingham City University.
His Professorship was conferred under the categories of Learning and Teaching and Academic Leadership, having introduced a number of initiatives relating to the blurring of the relationship between academia and practice, and for a proven track record of transforming the success of courses that he has led. He was awarded a National Teaching Fellowship in May 2015.
Kevin is heavily involved in the Royal Institute of British Architects, sitting on RIBA National Council, RIBA Education Committee, as well as Chairing RIBA validation panels to Schools of Architecture in the UK and abroad. He is a Board member of Dance XChange and an external examiner at London South Bank University.
Studied architecture at Kingston and the Architectural Association. Worked in architectural practice for 10 years, public and private sector. Founded art practice / project Art in Ruins with Glyn Banks – exhibitions, published critical writing, curating, teaching. Founding Chair of association of architectural educators.
Victoria is the Programme Director and has led the year 1 cohort for over 7 years. Extremely experienced in her discipline, Victoria is a qualified Architect and was chartered with the ARB following the completion of her studies at the University of Nottingham. She has worked in practice, both as the director of her own architectural practice and also as an employee of practices in Nottingham working in variety of different sectors. She has also worked with the fields of facilities management, BIM, occupancy planning, architectural visualisation and interior design. Victoria is incredibly passionate about architectural education and it is this that led her into teaching in 2008 where she began working as an academic at the University of Lincoln and Nottingham Trent University. During her time as an academic, Victoria has developed networks with organisations working in USA, and South Africa, which have provided her with the opportunity to both teach a number of times in the USA and also collaborate on numerous international projects and research activities. Victoria is also one of the founding members of the aae (association of architectural educators).
Kasia Nawratek is an architect, a lecturer and Level 5 Year Leader at Birmingham School of Architecture and Design. Kasia has 8 years experience in practice, ranging from urban planning, urban design to architecture and architectural conservation. Prior to joining Birmingham City University, Kasia has worked as a lecturer at Plymouth University. Her main research interests are cultural diversity of contemporary cities and uneven distribution of symbolic and economic values in urban areas (drosscapes, urban voids, edgelands).
Alessandro is a Senior Lecturer at the Birmingham School of Architecture and Design. He also co-established and leads the Collaborative Laboratory (Co.LAB) a teaching intiative and organisation within the school that integrates teaching with practice through live projects, staff research/design and external consultancy.
Prior to joining the university, Alessandro has worked in architecture and research practices in Manchester and London, with experience in evidence-based design and historical refurbishments. He graduated from the Manchester School of Architecture with a distinction in both postgraduate architecture and MA Urbanism prior to developing his portfolio as an independent artist/designer.
As anviere, a self-identified design guise, he has developed a portfolio of site-specific installations and artworks commenting on the subversive qualities of our physical environments.
Alessandro brings these characteristics forward to his teaching as an academic and researcher; taking an active role in the discussion of architectural pedagogy, urban theory and the contemporary vernacular. It is applied by engaging with the city’s cultural network through an ongoing process of collaborative practice – and encouraging students to be entrepreneurial citizens through their design ideas.
I hold a part-time post as Lecturer in Structural Design at the Birmingham School of Architecture and Design, Birmingham City University. My initial focus is to provide Structural Engineering input into the Technology curriculum of both the undergraduate BA (Hons) Architecture and postgraduate M.Arch Architecture.
In my role, I combine my experience of working as a practicing Structural Engineer with my personal interest in low-energy buildings. Through working with students in lectures and tutorials, I seek to pass on my knowledge and experience so that they can develop another perspective on what contributes to good architecture.
Jemma teaches history and theory of Architecture and Design and coordinates the overall delivery and development of this strand of all the courses in the School, as well as contributing to the development of the School research environment and supervising PhD students.
Christian Frost qualified as an architect in 1990 following the completion of his studies at the University of Cambridge. He worked in practice, at home and abroad for over ten years before becoming a full time academic in 2001, when he began to research the history of the foundation of Salisbury which has resulted in the publication of his book Time, Space and Order: The Making of Medieval Salisbury (Peter Lang, 2009).
His student work has been published and was exhibited in London, Frankfurt, Berlin and Prague, and he has worked in Australia, Germany and the United Kingdom on projects ranging from commercial offices and domestic properties to highly specialised Arts projects. In 1992, after two years in practice, he returned to Cambridge to read for an M.Phil. in the History and Philosophy of Architecture concentrating on the architectural continuity which underpinned the transition from the classical to the Christian world. He then worked in Berlin as a part of a team winning several competitions before returning to the UK where he became project architect on the ARC Arts Centre in Stockton-on-Tees, taking the project from sketch designs through to final completion.
Following the completion of the ARC, Christian set up his own practice working on private dwellings, sports facilities, schools and housing proposals.
In 2013 he became the Oscar Naddermier Professor of Architecture at the Birmingham School of Architecture taking responsibility for the delivery of history, theory and cultural context throughout the school, whilst continuing to teach design on the MArch course.
Ian Shepherd is the course leader within the School of Architecture. He integrates teaching with practice through live projects, design, research and consultancy. Prior to joining the university, Ian was a partner in a local architectural practice for more than 20 years, with experience in design and delivery of community, education and leisure projects.
Michael is an architect, senior lecturer, MArch programme director and researcher at Birmingham School of Architecture and Design. He brings seven years of professional practice to the role, and is involved in a number of research projects and groups spanning architecture, urbanism, art and design, and ecology.
Jim Sloan joined BCU in 2010 as Director of Technology for Birmingham School of Architecture and Design. His role involves an overview of the technical curriculum across all courses in the school. This includes teaching on materials, material assembly, structure, environmental comfort and regulatory compliance for the built environment. His PhD research is looking at the processes, strategies and methods for detailed design evident in architectural practice.
Jieling is a qualified Architect and Designer and makes contributions on most of the programmes associated with the the Birmingham School of Architecture and Design. Jieling believes passionately that designers need to consider more than just how the hardware of architecture functions for its users. Jieling is particularly interested in theories and the creative practice of place-making and environmental design that interprets and plays with people’s sensory experiences, particularly in relation to soundscape and smellscape.
Harriet Devlin MBE currently runs the Conservation of the Historic Environment programme. Harriet worked in Northern Ireland for 10 years where she championed vernacular buildings and received the Europa Nostra Award for the Mourne Homesteads project. She received a Winston Churchill award and has been a passionate advocate of ‘A stitch in time saves nine’ preventative maintenance for many years. Harriet has large amounts of experience of fundraising for projects, and has coordinated Townscape Heritage initiatives as well as building preservation trusts. She was awarded an MBE in 2014 for her services to the Historic Environment.
Lucas Hughes holds qualifications in landscape architecture and urban design. He has a broad range of interest and experience within several professional sectors linking across the built-environment industry. His core focus is to promote high quality, integrated, design-led processes for the creation of characterful and sensitive built environment solutions.