Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Architecture students to benefit from new university consultancy
An exhibition and drinks reception will mark the opening of the enterprise from 6-8pm on Friday 31 January in the 5th Floor Studio of Leeds Met's Broadcasting Place.
Founded and managed by Architecture Course Leaders Simon Warren and Craig Stott, the Live Project Office has been formed as a real architectural consultancy and sits under the umbrella of the University's School of Art, Architecture & Design (AAD). It will give Architecture students the chance to work with real clients outside Leeds Met, producing built and strategic design solutions with a particular emphasis on ethical, social and resilient architecture. Clients will be like-minded communities, organisations and individuals.
Simon commented: "The Live Project Office will provide knowledge transfer, consultancy and research opportunities for staff and students. What's more students will get credits for being involved in live projects and have the benefit of that real life, professional experience.
"Also, working on live projects with real clients we are able to draw on the talent and expertise of staff members, undergraduate and postgraduate students within the School of Art, Architecture and Design as well as from other disciplines across the University."
The Project Office's first employee, Andy Pye, graduated last summer from Leeds Met with a distinction in the Master of Architecture course. He previously graduated from the University's BA (Hons) in Architecture.
"To become a qualified architect, it is a requirement to do a year in practice following the completion of your postgraduate course," said Andy.
"For me to do part of that year - two days a week in employment with the Live Project Office - is a brilliant opportunity and experience and really shows how Leeds Met and the School of AAD supports students and graduates on the journey from their studies to employment."
As well as being advantageous to students, the Live Project Office will be a good vehicle for research funding for staff. Simon Warren and Craig Stott will use the Live Project Office to develop their own research to PhD level.
Craig commented: "The Live Project Office has already been inundated with proposals from organisations from across the region who would like our help. We are in a privileged position as a professional consultancy within a university, where we can select projects brought to us by smaller organisations, such as community centres, who might not ordinarily have the funds to hire a private consultancy. Even better, by being selective and taking on smaller projects that really need our help, we aren't taking business away from Yorkshire's private architectural agencies."
The Live Project Office launch is also running as part of Futures Fest, a packed two-week programme of skills sessions, workshops and presentations from industry professionals, academic experts and employability specialists for students.
If you would like to attend the launch or have a proposal for the Live Project Office please email projectoffice@leedsmet.ac.uk.
Photo - (L-R) Craig Stott, Andy Pye & Simon Warren