Architecture, interior design and the art of collaboration

Studying architecture and interior design at postgraduate level is about so much more than learning your craft in the classroom.

21 Feb 2019

Collaborating on projects and having the freedom to explore your ideas with like-minded people is key to ensuring you fulfil your potential, helping you to build the foundation for a rewarding career.

Tyler Lemmon is studying a Master of Architecture (ARB/RIBA Part 2) postgraduate degree at UCA Canterbury following his BA in Architecture and a work placement. “I knew I wanted to continue studying architecture after my year out in industry,” he said. “UCA was just a great place to come back to, I knew the layout and staff, so it took some of the stress off that Masters brings.

“The studio layouts mean that within the building you are always interacting with students from a range of years, which helps the quality of the work grow as a unit throughout the university.”

 

One of Tyler’s projects, Composed Chaos, recently received a special mention in the prestigious Drawing of the Year competition. “The accolade was actually a bit of a shock,” he said. “I think after considering how many applicants the competition gets from a wide international basis, it sunk in that it was something to be proud of. It’s something I would mention on a CV going forward into Part 3 and work in industry.”

 

 

Fellow students across a wider creative community can have a huge influence on your work. Other creative disciplines such as art and design, fine art, graphic design and creative computing are all taught at UCA, opening up opportunities to work with — and be inspired by — like-minded people.

 

“We explore the outer realm of the discipline of Architecture and Interior Design and its intersection with art, through experimental design projects,” says MA Architecture Subject Leader Lucy Jones, “maximising the in-house technical expertise available in the School of Architecture. Students are trained to be self-motivated, independent and encouraged to take risks and be ingenious!”

 

Being innovative and experimental goes hand-in-hand with a collaborative approach and is what helps push the boundaries of any creative discipline. “My favourite thing about studying at UCA is being able create and think of every single detail of everything I dreamed of with the best technological facilities such as laser cutting, 3D printing and workshops,” says MArch graduate Aliriza Eren.

 

“The UCA family is more than just a University for me, it’s a family where you can discuss any idea with so many talented people from different backgrounds — which I think is a key thing for any positive creative community.”

Of course, your entire experience throughout your studies is underpinned by an exceptional teaching programme, delivered by lecturers and technicians who are not only experts on their subjects, but who have valuable industry experience and contacts for your future career. Our postgraduate Subject Leaders at UCA have several years’ practice experience working with the likes of design collective Warmbaby, the Arts Council of England and the Architectural Association. The value of our academics’ experience and expertise, alongside a passion for their subject, is reflected in the feedback from our students:

“It’s a great place to come and study architecture, the tutors have a wide range of experience and many still work in practice so they are always offering advice from past and present projects.” – Tyler Lemmon Master of Architecture (RIBA Part 2) student

“My time at UCA has challenged me both creatively and intellectually,” she said. “I really enjoy being given the freedom to explore any of my ideas in different mediums, and in return staff give their full support and expertise — the academics are completely invested in your projects and are always helping bring out the best in you.” – Antonia Adjei-Mensah, Master of Architecture (RIBA Part 2) graduate

“They are professional, supportive and open-minded — that gives you the power to pursue your goals.” – Rosanna Leonardi, MA Interior Design graduate

Find out how we can support your journey in architecture and interior design and help you realise your creative potential through postgraduate study. At UCA we offer MA Architecture, Master of Architecture (ARB/RIBA Part 2) and MA Interior Design courses at postgraduate level.