Students explore design and architecture careers at academy launch

Industry experts inspired the next generation of architects and designers at the launch of the Academy for Regional Design and Architecture (ARDA). 

Students from Sunderland College and Hartlepool Sixth Form attended the event at the Housing Innovation and Construction Skills Academy (HICSA) where leading figures from architecture, construction and design shared their expertise, experience and offered advice on building a successful career in the industry. 

ARDA, an innovative partnership between Education Partnership North East (EPNE), Northumbria University, Building Design Northern (BDN), FaulknerBrowns, MawsonKerr, Velux, and Space Architects, has been created to help young people explore the many opportunities across a range of construction industries, while developing the skills and technical skills employers are looking for. 

The launch event featured talks and panel discussions from professionals working within the sector, giving students a real-world insight into the different careers available, from architectural technologists, set designers, and urban planners to sustainability consultants, structural engineers, and project managers. 

Following a welcome and introduction from EPNE Chief Executive Toni Rhodes, students heard about the different pathways open to them, including university, apprenticeships, and work-based learning from Professor Susan Dawson (Educational Partnerships Lead, Northumbria University’s School of Architecture and Built Environment); Dan Kerr (Director and Architect, MawsonKerr);  and Ryan Doyle (Operations Director, BDN). 

A panel discussion led by the university’s Professor for Architecture, Paul Jones, and featuring Richard Williams (Senior Architectural Development Manager, Velux); Chris Holmes (Architect and Director, Space Architects); Iain Stephenson (Associate Partner and Architectural Technologist, FaulknerBrowns); and Richard Marsden (Managing Director, BDN), gave the students an opportunity to ask questions directly to industry experts who highlighted the importance of creativity, communication, hands-on experience and building a strong portfolio. 

Following the launch, Toni Rhodes said: “We are delighted to launch the Academy for Regional Architecture and Design. It will be brilliant to have an academy that can showcase what it is like to work in this industry and sector. Architecture is bigger than just buildings and design; it’s about environmental sustainability and dictating how we feel, move and interact within a space. 

“Being part of this academy will open up opportunities and provide that valuable experience to young people at Sunderland College and Hartlepool Sixth Form College, no matter which course they are studying. 

“We have outstanding and experienced employers and the Northumbria University who will play a key role in the academy going forward, shaping what progression looks like to careers within the sector and higher education.” 

The event also gave students the chance to network with employers, architects and university representatives, helping them gain valuable advice and make connections within the industry. 

Organisations attending the launch showcased their work through displays featuring architectural models, drawings, visualisations and live project examples, giving students a closer look at the creativity and innovation involved in shaping the built environment.