My teaching is underpinned by a passion for architecture that responds to context, both materially and as part of a wider landscape. I believe that a contextual approach combined with an interest in the material quality of the building provides an agenda that helps students to develop a creative response to their environment, whilst addressing real issues of a low carbon future. I have recently adopted two new roles that allow me to further explore this agenda:

I have taught primarily in 1st year degree level since 2004. During this period I have jointly created the innovative ‘Matter-Reality’ project that aims to enable students to experience a full architectural process from research, through design development to construction and use. The project culminates in exhibiting student-built installations in the city centre, reinforcing how important it is for architects to understand how their work is perceived and enjoyed by others.

I jointly coordinate and lecture the 1st year undergraduate technology and sustainability modules. I have developed a programme of lectures that support both studio teaching whilst further underpinning the broader aims of the ‘Matter-Reality’ project in helping the students to understand the significance of materials and their use within the construction industry.

I have recently been appointed Director of the dual architecture and landscape architecture undergraduate course. My work has been underpinned for a number of years by issues of how buildings link and relate to their landscape setting, whether this is in an urban or rural context. I have directly taught the dual students within 1st and 3rd years, helping them to understand the links between their buildings and the wider landscape.

In practice, with Prue Chiles Architects, I have had significant involvement in the practice’s major commissions. Our work constantly seeks to use materials in a contemporary manner but that also celebrate place. The work has been repeatedly recognised at the highest levels. The work is constantly referenced within my teaching, providing students with much needed real world experience.

My work with the BDR research and consultancy unit has looked at a broad range of subjects, from school and learning environments to healthy homes and urban master-planning. The BDR’s role within the school provides a strong link between real clients and student projects and has strong links with the school’s Live Project programme.

Director of Dual Architecture and Landscape Architecture studies [Undergraduate]
Lecturer in 1st year Construction and Materials

I am interested in creating opportunities for architecture students to undertake experiential learning activities that encompass the full architectural process of research, design, fabrication and construction of projects. This incorporates a wider use of Live Projects in architectural education and establishing systems to support and facilitate this. Recent research into the integrating health and safety into design and making projects for students reinforces this work.

I am also interested in community-led design and participative design approaches at all scales of architectural intervention; from neighbourhood and urban design to detailed architectural design projects. This area of research focuses on the development and delivery of design training and capacity building for community groups and those ordinarily not involved in the design and construction process.

I am also interested in the design of learning environments, with a particular focus on contemporary global practice and policy.

Healthy Design, Creative Safety
A research project looking at innovative ways of teaching Health and Safety in undergraduate architecture courses. January 2010-August 2011. RIBA and HSE. Co-Investigators L Care, H Evans, D Jary, R Parnell.

Healthy Terrace; design led research
Invited talk, Healthy Terrace Presentation, August 2008:
Presentation of Healthy Terrace research and proposals

A range of consultancy projects have been undertaken with the BDR. Please follow the link to the BDR website for more information.

Awards

Private House, Stockport
Shortlisted entry, RIBA Northern Networks Awards 2011

CILASS Inquiry-Based Learning Group Award, 2009:
Award for 1st year construction research project ‘Matter-reality’ Joint recipient

Sheffield Festival Centre, Showroom Cinema, Sheffield, competition 2007:
Runner up in international completion

September 2007, Classroom of the Future, Ballifield School and other participatory school work by BDR exhibited at BEAM Architecture Centre, Wakefield

Hillsborough Park Pavilion, Sheffield, completed 2006:
RIBA Yorkshire White Rose Award for Architecture, Bronze 2008

Botanical Road, Sheffield, completed 2006:
AJ Small Projects Award 2007
RIBA Yorkshire White Rose Award for Architecture 2007

British Film Institute; invited competition for the development of the Waterloo & Southbank concourse, 1998:
Commended Second.

Architect’s Sketchbook, Will Jones, Thames & Hudson, 2010:
Work cited in this new publication showcasing how architects use sketch drawings to design.

Sheffield Festival Centre, Showroom Cinema, Sheffield, competition 2007:
Published in Architect’s Journal (21 June 2007)

Botanical Road, Sheffield, completed 2006:
Published Architect’s Journal (18 January 2007)

Classroom of the Future, Ballifield Community Primary School, Sheffield, 2003:
Published Architecture Research Quarterly (vol 7 number 3/4 2003
Published Building Futures: A Building Design Supplement for CABE and RIBA
Published Architect’s Journal (20 May 2004)

Illustrative work cited in publications:

2006, “Primary Ideas - a toolkit for small projects in Primary Schools”, Prue Chiles and Leo Care, DfES, The Stationary Office, London

2005, Jeremy Till, Peter Blundell Jones, Doina Petrescu (eds), Architecture and Participation, Routledge 2005

Dec 2003, “Classrooms for the Future – an adventure in design and research” article for Architectural Research Quarterly - ARQ vol. 7 no’s 3/4 2003 pp. 244-261

2003, Classrooms of the Future” - innovative designs for schools, Ballifield school entry pp36-37, published by the DfES, Stationary Office