We encourage all members of our team to share their experiences of architecture and design through teaching and mentoring. This provides us with an opportunity to support individuals and contribute to the shaping of our profession for the better.
Our time spent working with school and architecture students helps us to expand our field of reference; it reminds us of the need to be receptive to alternative ideas and different ways of thinking.
Jim has taught at Masters and Undergraduate level at Kingston University since 2016.
Between 2016-2020 Jim ran Unit 5 with Takeshi Hayatsu. Through live build projects the unit strengthened design skills by first-hand experience of materials and making. Students were encouraged to explore the potential of collaborative working methods, and how learning from and working with one another, can improve the individual.
Since 2021 Jim has led Studio 2.3, with Tim Gough and more recently Elle Bytautaite. The undergraduate design studio is framed by the influence of the local community and the importance of designing responsibly and sustainably. The studio works on ideas for local sites and draws inspiration from the Community Brain.
The craft of building is emphasised and, as an antidote to their academic teaching, students are encouraged to appreciate construction in its raw form through model making and visits building sites. A key aim of the studio is to help students bridge the knowledge gap between education and practice.
