NICK ROLLS (Graduated 2006)

Head of Integrated Design, Universal Design Studio

Since joining Universal in 2006, Nick has worked across cultural, hospitality, retail and residential sectors and overseen a mix of large -scale UK-based and international projects. 

Nick’s focus is on cross-studio projects working in collaboration with Universal’s partner studio, Map, on spaces at the intersection of physical and digital design. 

Nick’s expertise lies in working collaboratively with clients and partners, from well-established global organisations to new brands, to define strategic vision and creative direction to the design and delivery of projects.

His passion for collaboration is evident through the wide range of multi-disciplinary partnerships and exhibits he has created at the Science Museum, London, where he led the design and delivery of Information Age Gallery, the first of the museum’s masterplan projects, and Google Web Lab, an online digital and physical year-long exhibition.

Other recent projects include Mini Living Shanghai, a co-living development which has adapted a paint factory into a mix of co-living apartments, retail, and hospitality spaces. Nick collaborated with partner studio Map on the design of the IBM System 1, the world’s first commercially available quantum computer.

MAX CRICHTON (Graduated 2013)

Associate, Reed Watts

After I studied interiors, I undertook architectural study and spent some time at McDowell+ Benedetti & Hawkins\Brown, I settled at Reed Watts where I am now an Associate, working on a range of projects within the cultural, residential and commercial sectors.

Many of our projects deal with reuse of existing listed buildings, conservation areas and sensitive landscapes. We have recently completed schemes for the Regents Park Open Air Theatre; where we designed a new rehearsal studio nestled into the woodland. Along with a project for the V&A, designing a courtyard café for their John Madejski Garden.

The office is currently working on several new projects including, the design of a new creative campus for The Roundhouse in Camden, a memorial pavilion for the City of London Old Freemen’s Association and a visitor center at Ightham Mote, a National Trust property in Kent.

This year I led the design and construction of a new Cricket Pavilion in Bushy Park, for Teddington Cricket Club. We used a combination of dark stained and natural larch to echo its landscape setting and soften the barn like structures. To further complement its context, we built the pavilion predominantly of timber and where possible and exposed the structure internally. I am also working on a new co working space and boutique hotel in Blackfriars, set within a Grade II listed Georgian Terrace.

Teddington Cricket Club

AMY ACKERLEY (Graduated 2014)

Senior Designer, HOK

I'm currently working as a Senior Designer at HOK in Toronto, after moving to Canada on a work permit 2 years ago. Prior to that, I had gained 4 years of valuable experience in commercial interior design at TP Bennett London, which put me in a great position to secure a job overseas.

I have also been lucky enough to work with the Toronto Bluejays Baseball team on the renovation of their private member's clubhouse. With various food and beverage outlets and the best views of home plate, the space is receiving a full overhaul catering to the ultimate fan experience. Conceptually, the space takes on subtle references to key elements of the game, the pitch, the players and the fans themselves.

At HOK, we seek to develop a strong design narrative from the very start. It's critical in storytelling and aids in selling conceptual ideas to our clients and directing design decisions made throughout the project. The 'human factor' is a key component on all of our projects. We are driven to create environments which engage the people that inhabit them through thoughtful and considered conceptual design ideas and development.

Bluejays Baseball Clubhouse: Look & Feel page

ELLA FLINT (Graduated 2015)

Architectural Assistant, Ab Rogers Design

After working at shedkm, I started working for Ab Rogers Design in 2019. Each project I’ve been involved with has been unique and rewarding, using colour and texture to create bold, animated spaces that engage the user.

I’ve worked with the team to design and detail bespoke furniture for student residential schemes in both the UK and the US, working closely with fabricators to produce a high quality, super functional environment for students to live and learn. As an extension of the private accommodation we design the communal facilities to feel like super-sized living spaces, a home away from home, with playful use of colour to loosely define areas of activity.

More recently I’ve been involved with a public art project in Korea. We’re working with local artists to create an installation that offers a place for people to gather, rest, think, and socialise. 

The combination of materials, the vivid colours proposed and the fluid forms we’ve designed will create an immersive environment that brings a sense of fun and fantasy to the landscape.

Internal Communal Area

Further Information

For further information and to apply visit our course page.

What will you story be?

Find out more about our architecture courses

Joan Love

Senior Lecturer / Leeds School Of Arts

Joan Love is a senior lecturer and an artist who has experience of interior design in architectural practice. Her research explores autism-friendly design containing a special interest in spatial transitioning environments.

More from the blog

All blogs