There are currently no results that match your search, please try again.
In this episode, Paul O’Neill interviews Satwinder Samra, Director of Collaborative Practice at Sheffield University’s School of Architecture. With a career spanning practice, teaching, and broadcasting, Satwinder shares his insights into making architecture accessible, fostering inclusivity, and empowering the next generation of architects.
Click the 'play button' above to watch the episode, or read our 5 Key Takeaways from this episode below...
Satwinder’s role at Sheffield University emphasises 'earning while learning,' bridging academia and practice. The Collaborative Practice programme allows students to work four days a week in leading architectural firms, with their professional experiences becoming part of their academic learning. This innovative approach addresses financial barriers while better preparing students for real-world challenges.
Drawing on his own experiences as an Asian architect from a working-class background, Satwinder highlights the importance of having diverse voices in architecture. Greater representation in the profession ensures varied perspectives that enrich design solutions and create spaces that resonate with broader communities.
Satwinder advocates for a cultural shift in architectural training, moving from defensiveness to active listening. By fostering collaboration, communication, and empathy, architects can better understand client and community needs, ultimately producing more thoughtful and impactful designs.
Satwinder underscores the importance of a balanced approach to design tools, combining physical models, sketches, and cutting-edge digital techniques. While digital visualisation offers incredible speed and detail, it is crucial to ensure early-stage designs remain flexible and collaborative, rather than overly polished.
With rising tuition costs and evolving industry demands, Satwinder supports expanding pathways into architecture, including apprenticeships and alternative degree models. Broadening access to the profession is essential for fostering innovation, diversity, and resilience in the next generation of architects.
This conversation with Satwinder Samra offers a thought-provoking exploration of architecture’s evolving role in society. From creating inclusive pathways for aspiring architects to redefining how we approach design and collaboration, Satwinder’s insights inspire us to envision a more accessible and impactful future for the built environment.
Learn more about how we support personal and professional development at Bryden Wood here.